Program guidelines
Comparative and Molecular Biosciences (CMB) students should refer to the CMB program guidelines for their admitted academic year which provide a comprehensive overview of the expectations and timelines for graduate students.
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2014-15) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2015-16) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2016-17) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2017-18) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2018-19) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2019-20) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2020-21) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2021-22) (pdf)
- CMB program guidelines (AY 2022-23) (pdf)
Resources
There are several resources available to students located throughout the university.
Fall 2021 new graduate student orientation literature review and other useful skills session
Student academic resources
- Student counseling services - student academic success services
- Academic skills coaching
- Disability resource center
- Accommodations and services
Mental health and wellbeing
- Student wellbeing resources (doc)
- Office of student health benefits
- Student mental health services
- Student Counseling Services
- Let's Talk (informal virtual and in-person consultations)
Housing
- University of Minnesota graduate student housing guide
- University of Minnesota St. Paul campus graduate student housing guide
Helpful links
- Council of Graduate Students
- Graduate Student Services and Progress (GSSP)
- The Graduate School's academic and career development workshops
- Student Conflict Resolution Center > student resources
- Student Unions & Activities Student Group sustainability grants
- Student travel: Preapproval policy
International students
- Permission for foreign travel
- International Student and Scholar Services
- International Student and Scholar Services - Spring 2022 updates
Graduate seminar course
The graduate seminar graduate course provides students with the opportunity to present their research work with their fellow students. Seminars are held on a weekly basis throughout the semester and a complete schedule can be found by visting the link below.
Spring 2023 Graduate Student Seminar schedule (pdf)
Course Registration
Course planning should be discussed with your advisor or director of graduate studies, as applicable. For questions relating to system or special permission procedures, please contact your graduate program coordinator.
Additional resources relating to course registration:
- MyU: Academics
- U of M One Stop
- Graduate education forms and policies
- University of Minnesota's Graduate School
Graduate Planning and Audit System (GPAS)
GPAS allows graduate students to plan future coursework and view degree progress. To ensure your degree course plan is on the right track, students must work with their Graduate Program Coordinator to obtain Program Advisory Committee (PAC) approval. Students should aim to complete this step by the end of their first spring semester.
Please contact your graduate program coordinator for additional information.
Thesis Examination Committee
Students in the MS and PhD program must have their thesis examination committee approved by the CMB PAC. Students must complete a program form and email the completed form to the appropriate program contact.
Requesting examination committee - PhD (doc)
Students must electronically submit their approved examination committee. You can find the appropriate form by clicking on “Step 4: Launch your electronic form to submit or update your examination committee assignment.”
Students will have to routinely meet with their thesis examination committee. Your examination committee chair will submit a thesis committee meeting summary form to detail your progress. Your graduate program coordinator will email you a copy of the report. Thesis committee meeting summary form
Individualized Development Plan (IDP)
Students should work with their advisors to develop a career plan to help define and pursue their career goals. Creating an IDP is a program requirement to prepare students in their post-academic career. Individualized Development Plan (IDP)
Preparing for Graduation
There are several degree completion steps required to graduate. Students should work with their advisor, thesis examination committee, and graduate program coordinator to verify the required steps needed to complete their degree. All required degree completion steps must be completed by the last business day of the month a student wishes to graduate. Students should contact their respective graduate program coordinator for further information.
Additional resources relating to degree completion steps / graduation can be found by visiting: