As I set about preparing this update, I wondered how you are doing this semester. Life is radically different and although the novelty of our situation is starting to wear off, the stress and uncertainty seem to continue. The best thing I think we can do is be compassionate with ourselves and others. For myself, I try to embrace each day with an attitude of gratitude, reminding myself we’re all doing the best we can right now. My hope is that you are finding your own meaningful ways of persevering. – Jenn Ambrose, ECE Department Manager
GradWell
Be well so that you can do well. The GradWell program seeks to improve graduate student wellbeing and foster academic success at the Graduate College at Boise State University by providing mental wellness education, facilitating access to mental health resources, and fostering students’ community connections. Learn more about resources for students on the GradWell website, including telehealth and counseling services.
Advising = Student Success
Spring enrollment will open soon which makes this a great time to check in with your advisor. Take a look at our spring course list and then discuss your degree progress to keep yourself on track.
Book an appointment with the ECE Graduate Student Success Coordinator and Grad Programs Advisor, Baily Hazzard.
Tools for ECE Grad Students
- Use the online Path to Graduation tool to learn about the milestones for each of ECE’s graduate programs.
- Check out the newly updated Graduate Student Handbook for all sorts of useful information, from getting started to graduation.
Respectful Workplace Training for Graduate Assistants
All state employees, including Graduate Assistants, are expected to complete an annual Respectful Workplace (non-discrimination and anti-harassment) training. Need to get your certification submitted? This self-led training is now available through Bronco Learn.
Help Paying for School
A lot has changed thanks to #coronavirus but at least one thing is the same: Students can fill out the FAFSA starting October 1st!
Even if you have an assistantship, stipends don’t always cover everything. There are a number of scholarships available to students in electrical and computer engineering programs. Check out this list of funding opportunities!
What to do if You Feel Unwell
Use the LiveSafe mobile app to complete a daily health check by answering questions about COVID symptoms and exposures. After completing the screening, you’ll receive real-time feedback indicating whether you are approved to attend class or work on campus. If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID, you will be directed to remain at home and a member of our Public Health office will reach out to you to help with next steps.
Academic Deadlines & Other Important Dates
The Academic Calendar contains important university dates and deadlines. Add it to your own calendar by clicking the +GoogleCalendar icon in the bottom right of the calendar window.
Past Due for December 2020 Graduation
- The deadline to submit your Application for Admission to Candidacy (AAC) form to the Graduate College has passed. If you haven’t done so already, submit your AAC form now! Learn more about the AAC form.
- The deadline to apply for graduation has passed. Students may still apply for graduation on myBoiseState. Late applications will be accepted with a late fee.
Other Important Dates for Fall Semester
September 30 | Last day to add graduate assessment courses, including thesis/dissertation proposal, masters/doctoral comprehensive examination, directed research, independent study, internship, and reading & conference.
October 1 | Merit-based Graduate Gem Scholarship Application deadline for awards to start Spring 2021.
October 23 | Recommended last day for final oral dissertation, thesis, or project defense for graduate degrees to be awarded in December 2020.
October 30 | Last day to drop a course or completely withdraw from the semester. You’ll earn a W for a dropped course and a CW for complete withdraw. No refunds will be issued.
November 6 | Last day to submit the following items to the Graduate College for graduate degrees to be awarded in December 2020:
- Advisor-approved version of your thesis or dissertation
- A signed Final Reading Approval form
- Completed Access Agreement or Embargo Request for your thesis or dissertation
- Completed Thesis/Dissertation Checklist
November 9: Last day to submit your Application for Admission to Candidacy form to the Graduate College for graduate degrees and certificates to be awarded in May 2021.
November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break!
Note that nearly all in-person classes will transition to remote learning after Thanksgiving. In an effort to facilitate travel for the Thanksgiving holiday and reduce the risk of a spike in post-Thanksgiving infections, nearly all in-person instruction will end on the last class day prior to Thanksgiving break. Following Thanksgiving break, classes will be conducted remotely for the final two weeks of instruction; finals will also be remote, with limited exceptions. Computer labs and Albertsons Library will remain available for student use, and university offices will continue to provide in-person and/or remote services to students after the Thanksgiving break.
December 11: Last day to submit the final version of your dissertation or thesis to the Graduate College for graduate degrees to be awarded in December 2020.