0.10 Expectations, guidelines, and keys to success for phd students

First, let me welcome you to Rice University, the Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering, and the Padgett Research Group! In the coming years your program will afford the opportunity to acquire great technical skills and knowledge in civil engineering, to focus and dive deeply in your research field, and to establish yourself as a promising engineer and scholar. While you can expect to work hard, graduate school is also a period of unique flexibility, intellectual and personal growth; so I encourage you to embrace this opportunity and take advantage of the great opportunities that Rice and Houston have to offer. This includes a scholarly atmosphere, outstanding faculty, talented peers, a vibrant campus, a metropolitan city, a diversity of cultural activities, among many more! Amidst this setting, however, is the obvious importance of maintaining focus on your primary objective and continued progress towards completing your degree in a timely fashion.

This document is intended to convey my expectations for you as a Ph.D. student, and also to give you an idea of what you can expect as a member of the Padgett research group. These guidelines will help to ensure the success of our research group and help you to make the most of your program. It is an evolving document that will be adapted as our group grows.

Schedule

Keep in mind that the Ph.D. program is a multi-year process requiring dedication, perseverance, and endurance. So do pace yourself for continued progress (and energy!) throughout the program.

As for a daily schedule, I will not dictate to you an exact time of arrival or departure, as it is important that you find the schedule that works best for your productivity. However, I do expect that you will spend at least a regular work week/hours on campus in the office or lab. This will not only help to ensure continued progress, but facilitate important interactive and productive time with me, your peers, other faculty, and our research group. I may ask for a projected schedule if need be. However, I am most interested in tracking your regular and continued research progress, and offering input and constructive feedback to ensure success.

As a Ph.D. student and research assistant, periods such as spring break are not automatic holidays from graduate research, and are often very productive times. Please schedule and consult with me regarding any plans for extended travel including during these periods. As a rough guideline, please plan to take no more than approximately three weeks per year. Keep in mind that the summer is intended to be one of our most productive times as a research group. We can further discuss amount and duration of leave individually and on a rolling basis.