8/4/2017

EOS Graduate

Handbook

A comprehensive guide to the policies and procedures of graduate programs in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Fall 2017 – Spring 2018

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 3 A. Graduate Coordinator ................................................................................................................... 3

ii. EOS GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND ACADEMIC REGULATIONS .............................................. 4 A. Master of Science in Geoscience .................................................................................................... 4 B. Geographic Information Science Certificate ................................................................................ 5 C. Course Offerings ............................................................................................................................. 5 D. Transfer of Credit from another Institution ................................................................................ 5 E. Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses .................................................................... 6 F. Grading and Retention ................................................................................................................... 6 G. Provisional Status and Academic Deficiencies ............................................................................. 6

III. MS GEOSCIENCE PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................... 8 A. Fall Kickoff Meeting....................................................................................................................... 8 B. Program Timeline and Student Information Sheet ..................................................................... 8 C. Graduate Advisor ......................................................................................................................... 11 D. Graduate Degree Plan .................................................................................................................. 11 E. Procedures for the Thesis Option ................................................................................................ 11

a. Thesis Committee ........................................................................................................... 12 b. Thesis Prospectus ........................................................................................................... 13 c. Oral Comprehensive Exam ........................................................................................... 14 d. Thesis Credits ................................................................................................................. 15 e. Conducting Thesis Research ......................................................................................... 15 f. Oral Defense of Thesis and Submission to the Graduate School ............................... 16

F. Procedures for the Non-Thesis Option ....................................................................................... 18 a. Internship ....................................................................................................................... 18 b. Final Project ................................................................................................................... 19 c. Oral Presentation of Internship or Non-Thesis Project .............................................. 19 d. Written Comprehensive Examination .......................................................................... 19

G. Requirements to Remain in “Good Standing” ........................................................................... 20 H. Switching between MS Geoscience Concentrations & Options ................................................ 21 I. Application for Graduation ......................................................................................................... 21

IV. CERTIFICATE IN GISCIENCE PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 23 A. Core and Elective Courses ........................................................................................................... 23 B. Other Courses ............................................................................................................................... 23

V. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 24 A. Teaching Assistantships ............................................................................................................... 24

a. Teaching Assistantship Contract .................................................................................. 25 b. Suggestions for New Teaching Assistants .................................................................... 25

B. Tuition Remissions (out-of-state), Loans, etc. ............................................................................ 26 C. Federal Loans for GIS Certificate Students ............................................................................... 27 D. North Carolina Residency ........................................................................................................... 27 E. Financial Aid Information for Graduate Students .................................................................... 29 F. Research Assistantships and Fellowships ................................................................................... 30 G. Graduate School Support of Student Travel .............................................................................. 30 H. Graduate Student Association Support of Student Travel ....................................................... 31 I. Research Grants and Fellowships ............................................................................................... 31

VI. EOS DEPARTMENTAL PROCEDURES............................................................................................ 33 A. Official Communication ............................................................................................................... 33 B. Telephone Service ......................................................................................................................... 33

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C. Office Space................................................................................................................................... 33 D. UNCW ID Card and Mail ............................................................................................................ 33 E. Departmental Keys ....................................................................................................................... 34 F. Security and Safety ....................................................................................................................... 34 G. Clerical Support and Records ..................................................................................................... 34 H. Use of Departmental Equipment ................................................................................................. 34 I. Departmental Seminars ............................................................................................................... 35 J. CMS Boat Use ............................................................................................................................... 35 K. Rock Preparation and Thin Section Laboratory ....................................................................... 35 L. Computer Laboratories ............................................................................................................... 36

VII. OTHER UNCW INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 37 A. University Parking........................................................................................................................ 37 B. William Madison Randall Library ............................................................................................. 37 C. Insurance ....................................................................................................................................... 38

VIII. EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCES FACULTY AND STAFF ........................................................... 39

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I. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences offers two graduate programs: 1) Masters of

Science (M.S.) in Geoscience and 2) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic

Information Science (GIS). The general focus of the MS program is the development of

professionals capable of conducting research in geoscience through a broadly based study of

modern Earth and ocean processes and their ancient analogs. See the program website for

more information, forms, this handbook, and many other useful pieces of information:

http://www.uncw.edu/msgeoscience/index.html. The GIS Certificate program is18 credits

where 9 are core geospatial credits and 9 are elective credits from a variety of disciplines that

utilize geospatial technology. The GIS Certificate can be completed in 1 year and can be

pursued simultaneously with another graduate program. Details are here:

http://uncw.edu/earsci/gradgiscertificate.html

This handbook is a guide for your graduate career in the Department of Earth and Ocean

Sciences (EOS) by providing guidelines for the procedures that are necessary for efficient

completion of the programs.

A. Graduate Coordinator

The department Graduate Coordinator oversees the operations of the MS Geoscience and GIS

Certificate graduate programs. The coordinator is the link between the Department and the

Graduate School and therefore the coordinator should be kept informed of all changes or

problems concerning your graduate student career. The Graduate Coordinator maintains a

digital record for each student and the EOS department office maintains a hard copy record

for each student in the graduate programs.

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ii. EOS GRADUATE PROGRAMS AND ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Official Graduate School regulations and procedures are described in the UNCW Graduate

Catalogue (http://catalogue.uncw.edu/index.php). All students must regularly refer to the

UNCW catalog for degree requirements. The catalog is your rulebook so you must pay close

attention to the details. Your degree audit, available via SeaNet, is your check on the progress

you are making towards completing the degree and is based on the year that you start the

program. Each year the catalog may change, so it is important that you understand the

requirements for the catalog year for when you started at UNCW.

A. Master of Science in Geoscience

Goals of the MS program are to provide advanced research and educational opportunities in

the geosciences and to prepare geoscientists for solving contemporary problems in Earth,

ocean and environmental science. Specific objectives are: 1) research competence in

geoscience; 2) professional competence in the assessment of water, energy and Earth

resources through the integrated analysis of geological and geographical data using advanced

technologies; 3) research competence in geoscience that encourages continued effort towards

the doctoral degree; and, 4) to provide the scientific community with meaningful geologic,

geographic, geospatial, and oceanographic data.

The M.S. Geoscience program includes three (3) concentration areas in Geology, Geospatial

Science, and Earth Processes and Global Change. The Geology and Geospatial Science

concentrations offer both a thesis and non-thesis option, while the Earth Processes and Global

Change concentration has only the thesis option. These concentrations provide a foundation

for employment in the geological, geospatial technology, and environmental fields, mineral

and energy industries, and government agencies. Students, in consultation with the Graduate

Coordinator and their advisor, will select the appropriate concentration and option based on

their needs and interests. In addition, the thesis option prepares students for advanced study

leading to the doctoral degree while the non-thesis option provides a foundation for

employment as professional geoscientists. For example, the completion of the non-thesis

option with a geology concentration assists students toward professional licensure in geology.

Students in the M.S. Geoscience program will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a chosen

specialty, knowledge of available resource materials, writing skills, and problem-solving

skills. In addition to these basics, students continuing to a Ph.D. program will benefit from a

greater depth of knowledge of areas related to their specialty. The program requirements

outlined in the following sections provide insights into procedures, expectations, and

regulations. Our program provides for construction of a degree plan that meets common basic

needs of all masters-level graduate students.

Students must complete Research Methods in Geoscience (GEO 501) and Technical

Communication in Geoscience (GEO 502). The thesis option requires successful completion

of 30 hours and a thesis. The non-thesis option requires 33 credit hours and either a Final

Project (GEO 597) or an Internship (GEO 598). You may elect to do both a Final Project and

an Internship but only one of these will count towards completing the Portfolio. Thesis

students are encouraged to do an Internship for course credit. The benefit of the MS

Geoscience program is that you have the flexibility to design the program that best suits your

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career goals. Again, refer to the catalog often to make sure you are fulfilling the degree

requirements.

B. Geographic Information Science Certificate

Geographic Information Science (GISci or GIScience) is the academic theory behind the

development, use, and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing

(terrestrial, airborne and satellite), data visualization, Global Positioning Systems, spatial

analysis, and quantitative methods. The purpose for the graduate certificate in GIScience is to

provide students with a solid foundation in GIScience and enable the students to explore

application areas that utilize this technology. The curriculum is two parts: 1) core courses that

teach the fundamental theory and application of geospatial technology and 2) electives that

cover the vast range of this burgeoning technology in disciplines such as computer

programming, field methods including GPS technology and spatial analysis, environmental

and ecological applications, geological applications in oceanography, coastal and upland

environments, and quantitative analysis and database management.

The graduate certificate in GIScience is intended to provide a mixture of theory and practical

knowledge. The GIS certificate is designed to serve: 1) students who wish to acquire technical

expertise to support knowledge gained in other graduate programs and 2) returning students

who wish to acquire expertise to further their current and/or future job requirements. At the

end of the program, students will employ a balanced combination of theory of spatial concepts

and practical application of GIScience techniques to spatial problems in their own field of

study.

For specific program requirements, please see the graduate catalogue: http://catalogue.uncw.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=31&poid=4641&returnto=2976

C. Course Offerings

All geoscience graduate courses are designated by the prefix GEO, GLY or GGY and are

numbered at the 500 level. See the online catalogue (http://catalogue.uncw.edu/index.php) for

a complete description of all courses.

D. Transfer of Credit from another Institution

A maximum of 12 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another

accredited institution. Grades earned on transferred work must be equivalent to a B or better.

You can read about the transfer credit process here:

http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/currentstudents/transfercredit.html

The student must complete the transfer credit form and send it to the Graduate Coordinator for

signature. Official transcripts are required so the student must request these from the

institution which are then sent to the UNCW Graduate School where the transfer credit will be

processed.

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E. Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

The Calendar of Events listed in the UNCW Graduate Catalogue and the Schedule of Classes

for each semester specifies the time periods allotted for adding, dropping or general

registration of individual classes. See the calendar on the Registrar’s website:

http://www.uncw.edu/reg/calendars-events.htm

Please note that every course for which a graduate student is enrolled must be completed or

officially dropped.

F. Grading and Retention

UNCW uses grades from A through C and F as well as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (for thesis

coursework), Pass/Fail, Incomplete, and Withdraw. Please see the catalogue for a detailed

description:

http://catalogue.uncw.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=2839#Graduate_Grading

Consistent with university policy, three grades of C, one grade of F, or one grade of U (e.g.

thesis/dissertation) results in dismissal from any graduate program. Further, if a student falls

below a 3.0 GPA at any time, he or she goes on academic probation and has either three

subsequent courses or 8 hours to bring the GPA up to at least a 3.0. In addition, a student must

have at least a 3.0 GPA in order to begin any program specific comprehensive examination

and/or thesis work. See the catalogue for details:

http://catalogue.uncw.edu/content.php?catoid=40&navoid=5219#Retention_Policy

Graduate students in good standing (maintaining satisfactory grades and making substantial

progress toward the completion of their degree), and are continuously enrolled, have a

maximum degree period of five (5) years from the date of their first registration for graduate

study at UNCW. When extenuating circumstances warrant, an extension of time limit for

completing a graduate program may be granted to a student upon his or her petition to the

Dean of the Graduate School. Here is the form to request an extension:

http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/currentstudents/forms.html

G. Provisional Status and Academic Deficiencies

When you have been accepted to the MS in Geoscience or GIS Certificate program, the

Graduate Coordinator will inform you by email if you have been accepted to the program with

provisional status. Provisional Status is a UNCW requirement if an incoming student had an

overall undergraduate GPA that was less than 3.0. You will receive information regarding

how to remove the provisional status, and customarily if you receive grades of B or better in

the first 8 credits hours then the status will be removed from your record. No student with

Provisional Status is eligible for a Teaching Assistantship.

When you begin the program, your adviser will evaluate your undergraduate program and

may require that deficiencies be remedied. In some cases, a deficiency may be satisfied by

taking one or more undergraduate courses. In such cases, no graduate credit will be given for

courses taken at the undergraduate level. Normally, a minimum grade of B must be achieved.

If deficiencies are determined that can be accomplished by taking graduate courses in other

departments, your advisor will determine how these hours will or will not be incorporated into

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your academic record. Regardless, all requirements for the program must be attained in order

to graduate.

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III. MS GEOSCIENCE PROCEDURES

The MS Geoscience program consists of several components: 1) course work, 2)

comprehensive exam, 3) research, final project, or internship, 4) presentation, 5) thesis or

final report.

A student shall advance to candidacy for the master's degree upon successful completion of

all deficiencies, the thesis prospectus or detailed project plan, the comprehensive (oral or

written) examination and all course work excluding thesis hours (GEO 599) or internship

(GEO 598)/project (GEO 597) hours.

To guide you through the process you have an advisor and if you are doing a thesis you also

have a thesis committee. Below are details to describe each of these components.

A. Fall Kickoff Meeting

Students are required to attend the annual Fall Kickoff Meeting. This is a required part of the

MS Geoscience program and can only be missed with an approved absence from your

advisor. Missing this meeting without approval will jeopardize your standing in the program.

Usually the meetings is scheduled on the same day as convocation (mid August) which is

normally the Monday before classes start. Please see the university calendar

(http://www.uncw.edu/reg/calendars-events.html). Early in the summer, the Graduate

Coordinator will send an email to all MS Geoscience students informing you of the date and

time for the meeting as well as other information. Items on the agenda for the meeting include

introduction of new students, program information, important dates, and faculty introductions.

Additionally, those students who are Teaching Assistants will also meet with the lab

coordinators.

B. Program Timeline and Student Information Sheet

The master's program in geoscience is designed to be completed in 2 years; however, the

average time to completion is 2.5 years. Normally, graduate students enroll for eight to 12

semester hours of course work during each of the first two semesters. The remaining

semester hours of course work and some thesis credit (or project or internship) can be

scheduled for the third semester. The comprehensive oral examination (thesis option) or

written examination (non-thesis option) are taken after all course work is completed. Plan on

utilizing at least one full semester for writing the thesis or completing the final

project/internship. The thesis or non-thesis defense/public presentation could be scheduled

for the latter part of the fourth semester. A degree program checklist is available on the

departmental webpage.

Below are milestones and activities to help guide students through the 2-years (4 semesters

and 1 summer):

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Fall Semester

Year 1

Spring

Semester Year

1

Summer Year

1

Fall

Semester

Year 2

Spring

Semester

Year 2

Orientation Accepted to

program:

http://www.unc

w.edu/gradscho

ol/admittedstude

nt+B4:F10s.htm

l

Attend grad

school

orientation &

EOS Fall

kickoff meeting

(http://www.unc

w.edu/gradscho

ol/orientation.ht

ml)

Attend Fall

EOS kickoff

meeting

Teaching

Assistantship

TAs must enroll

in HR system:

http://www.unc

w.edu/gradscho

ol/graduateassis

tants/index.html

Submit Course

Plan &

Assistantship

Agreement

form (Grad

Coordinator

will email to

you)

Apply for NC

Residency

Turn in "next

semester

course plan"

Courseload Take 8 credits

(including GEO

501)

Take 8 credits

(including

GEO 502;

Non-thesis

internship students may

delay taking

GEO 502 until

Spring

Semester Year

2)

Take 1-4

credits

Take 8 credits Take 5-8

credits

(thesis/project/

internship)

10

Responsibilit

ies &

Opportunitie

s

Know your

degree

requirements -

read the

catalog:

http://catalogue.

uncw.edu

Apply for

travel funding

from UNCW's

Grad Student

Association to

support your

research:

http://student.u

ncw.edu/org/gs

a/formpolicies.

html

Attend/present

at a

conference &

apply for

travel funds:

http://www.un

cw.edu/gradsc

hool/currentst

udents/formsd

ocs/travelawar

d.pdf

Apply to

graduate,

clear degree

audit, turn in

all

requirements:

http://www.u

ncw.edu/grad

school/current

students/grad

uation.html

Thesis Tasks Define thesis

topic, determine

committee,

preliminary

draft of

prospectus

Schedule at

least 1

committee

meeting,

complete

prospectus,

identify and

pursue funding;

begin research

RESEARCH:

Collect and

analyze data;

begin writing

thesis

Take oral

comprehensiv

e exam & file

final

prospectus

(with

committee

signatures);

finalize

research;

continue

writing thesis

Finalize

thesis:

advisor

approves

draft, grad

school

approves

format,

committee

approves

draft, public

presentation

& defend

thesis, advisor

& committee

signs cover

page, submit

to grad

school:

http://www.u

ncw.edu/grad

school/thesis/i

ndex.html

Non-Thesis

Tasks

Define project

or internship in

collaboration

with advisor

Develop

project/interns

hip proposal

Work on

project/interns

hip

Work on

project/intern

ship

Take written

comprehensiv

e exam, write

project/intern

ship report ,

advisor

approves,

give

presentation

All graduate students are required to complete and maintain an Information Sheet

(http://www.uncw.edu/msgeoscience/current/forms.html) which documents addresses and

emergency contact information. You are required to complete a new form at the beginning of

every academic year.

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C. Graduate Advisor

Each student has an advisor who serves as the chair of the student's thesis, final project, or

internship. Normally, students are not admitted into the program unless a faculty member

consents to serve as their advisor. The advisor must have expertise in the area of student

research or professional internship and usually agrees to advise only those students wishing to

pursue a topic area within his or her range of research expertise. Mutual consent between the

graduate student and a faculty member in the selection of a graduate advisor is critical to the

success of the student's degree program and research.

The graduate advisor provides guidance during registration and course planning. The

relationship between student and advisor is a close and important relationship. Maintaining

good working relations with your advisor should minimize problems in the completion of the

research project or internship and should result in invaluable assistance to the student.

However, after beginning graduate studies, if a student wishes to switch to another area of

research, or the faculty advisor changes research directions, then this may necessitate

selection of a new graduate advisor. Only after very careful consideration, should a student or

advisor feel that a change may be best, then: 1) there is a meeting between the student and

advisor when the two of you discuss alternative advisors, 2) the Graduate Coordinator is

notified that there may be a change in advisor and requests a meeting, 3) the Graduate

Coordinator, advisor, and student meet to discuss the options, 4) meeting(s) occur with

potential new advisors to see if there is a good fit, and 5) change of advisor is reported in the

student's file. If an advisor cannot be identified then the student will be dismissed from the

program. Switching advisors rarely happens and should only occur after very careful

consideration since it will likely lead to a longer time in the program.

D. Graduate Degree Plan

A graduate degree plan should be completed before the end of the second semester or before a

substantial number of course credits have been completed. The EOS Department has a form

that can be used (http://www.uncw.edu/msgeoscience/current/forms.html) but the Degree

Audit also has the capability for a course plan to be entered into the student record. The

student and his or her advisor should, by mutual agreement, develop a course sequence for 1 -

2 years based upon projected course offerings. The Degree Plan should reflect the broad

aspects of offerings in geoscience and should provide some focus for the student's specific

interests. The plan should reflect the background and preparation of the student which means

it should remedy any deficiencies. The plan should identify required and elective courses in

order that all program requirements are met. The plan is used by both student and advisor to

check the progress of course work.

E. Procedures for the Thesis Option

In the thesis option, the most important responsibility of graduate advisors and committee

members is the guidance of graduate student course work and research. Failure to monitor

these elements may result in considerable strain on the student-thesis advisor-university

relationship. In order to promote a firm understanding of student expectations in his/her

educational and research program, a prospectus is essential. The graduate student's thesis

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committee should meet and approve the prospectus and program plan for each graduate

student. All parties signify their mutual agreement to the provisional document as outlined

above by signing the Thesis Prospectus Approval Form

(http://uncw.edu//msgeoscience/current/forms.html). A copy of the prospectus is maintained

with the advisor and thesis committee and the form is kept on file in the student's permanent

record. The prospectus should be completed before the beginning the third semester. The

student or advisor must email the completed form to the Graduate Coordinator who records

the date and then forwards to the EOS Administrative Assistant who places it in the file.

The prospectus for each student should contain the following sections: student program,

literature review, research proposal, anticipated budget, and potential sources of funding.

a. Thesis Committee

The primary role of the graduate advisor is to assist in the choice of courses to take and

direction of the thesis topic. The graduate advisor provides guidance during the research

project and critically edits the thesis with suggestions for any improvements. The advisor,

therefore, must have expertise in the area of student research and usually agrees to advise only

those students wishing to pursue a research topic within his or her range of research expertise.

The advisor assists in selecting two other faculty members to serve on the thesis committee.

Selection of committee members is normally completed during the first semester and should

focus on providing the student with additional expertise in the design and implementation of

the research project. Any faculty member at UNC Wilmington holding graduate faculty

status is eligible if he or she provides the needed expertise. At least two committee members,

including the advisor, should be from the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences faculty.

One other faculty member from another department may be added to the committee, if

appropriate, but may not chair the committee. The advisor completes and submits the Thesis

Committee Appointment form (available on line on the departmental webpage) to the

Committee members and Graduate Coordinator. A copy is placed in the student’s permanent

file.

The thesis committee assists the student by suggesting courses for their degree program, assist

with the development of the research project, and must approve the prospectus and final

thesis. They are prepared to offer advice and counsel throughout the degree program on any

aspect of the program. Each committee member reads, edits, and evaluates the thesis and

must approve the final draft.

The thesis committee conducts the oral comprehensive examination. Their evaluation of the

student's performance determines whether the student passes or fails. Careful selection of

committee members and maintaining close contact with each member throughout the degree

program ensures a smooth progression towards completion of the degree. Keeping the

committee members informed of progress on research and writing of the thesis is especially

important. When they do not know what is being done, they will assume that nothing is

happening. The relationship among graduate student, advisor, and thesis committee is an

unusual and close relationship. Maintaining good working relations with the advisor and

committee members should minimize problems in the completion of the thesis project and

should result in invaluable assistance to the student.

13

Occasionally a non-UNCW expert provides a valuable addition to a thesis committee. When

this is the case, the person must be approved as Graduate Faculty which is processed through

the Graduate School. The Graduate School policy governing these appointments is as follows:

The student's advisor submits the nomination, co-signed by the Graduate Coordinator and the

Department Chair, to the graduate school. The nomination shall include a brief supporting

statement about the person's expertise in relation to the student's research and a current

curriculum vitae should accompany the nomination.

Minimum criteria for approval normally includes possession of an appropriate terminal degree

and evidence of current scholarly activity appropriate to the discipline (normally publications in

refereed journals).

Approval rests with the Dean of the Graduate School.

Approval does not allow listing of the person's name in the UNCW catalogue nor does it

authorize formal involvement with other advisory committees or assignments associated with

graduate education. However, the appointee signs the title page of the thesis in the same fashion

as other members of the thesis committee.

Not more than one such person shall serve on a student's thesis committee, and each shall serve

in addition to the three regular or adjunct members of the UNCW faculty that normally

constitute an advisory committee (i.e., a total of four persons).

b. Thesis Prospectus

A research proposal, or prospectus, written in narrative form, describes the objectives,

hypotheses, methodology, and data analyses of the thesis research project. The prospectus

may be broad-based in nature, especially if the topic or approach is novel or innovative. The

objectives of the study should be clearly stated. Objectives are defined as measurable or

demonstrative accomplishments. Hypotheses and anticipated results should be discussed.

The prospectus should indicate a time frame for accomplishment of the proposed objective.

The prospectus should demonstrate that the objectives can be accomplished in the time frame

discussed. The entire document should be considered conditional. The methodology for

accomplishing each objective should be presented in as much detail as possible. The kinds of

data to be collected and the method of analysis should be clearly stated. The document should

address the significance of the study in light of the literature cited. The prospectus can be

used to measure progress and develop a schedule for accomplishments.

i. Literature Review

A review of the pertinent literature concerning a specific research topic mutually agreed upon

by student and thesis advisor should be completed. The review should be a demonstration of

the student's command of the literature in the intended field. Using conventional or

computer-based searching techniques, and/or consultation with a person knowledgeable in the

field, the student should review major relevant papers in the area of his/her study. The review

should include broad papers in the field of study as well as specific papers related directly to

the research topic. The review should present the pertinent information concerning unique

approaches or conclusions of the documents considered. The review should identify a

problem that the student's research will address. The review can be historical, topical, or a

14

combination of the two. The review should be written in scientific style and include a

literature cited section written in the agreed upon format.

ii. Anticipated Budget

Expenses for supplies, travel, subsistence, library assistance, and other costs related to the

thesis research should be estimated and listed as a tentative budget. In many cases, this can

serve as a catalyst in identifying potential sources for funding. In all cases, establishing a

budget helps to focus on often overlooked but important aspects of research.

iii. Potential Sources of Funding

This section is an extension of the budget and helps to identify those agencies capable of

offering fiscal support of the research project.

c. Oral Comprehensive Exam

Every graduate student must pass a comprehensive examination covering his or her field of

study prior to being elevated to status as a degree candidate. The comprehensive exam is

designed to provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate his or her knowledge of

course work completed at the University of North Carolina Wilmington or transfer work

accepted by the university for graduate credit. The questions reflect your proficiency,

communication, and critical analysis of geoscience. The exam should be taken when the

student has completed the majority of their course work, no later than the third semester of

course work (for fulltime students), and they are ready to enroll in Thesis credits. However,

sometimes the timing for coursework requires that thesis work is underway and then when

coursework is close to being complete, the comprehensive exam is conducted. In order for

the student to remain in good standing, he/she must have completed and passed the

comprehensive exam prior to completion of 3 thesis credits. Therefore, if a student has

enrolled in 3-credits of thesis then he/she must complete the oral comprehensive exam before

the end of the semester.

The student passes the examination only with unanimous approval by the thesis committee.

The decision of the committee is final. The Oral Comprehensive Exam form must be signed

by the advisor and thesis committee members at the time of the examination (available online

on the departmental webpage). The advisor returns the completed form to the Graduate

Coordinator. If the student passes the exam, then the Graduate Coordinator notifies the

Graduate School so that the student’s degree audit reflects date that the student passed the

comprehensive exam. If the student does not pass the exam then the advisor and thesis

committee makes recommendations for improving the student’s performance and the student

must reschedule the exam after three months have elapsed. The student must pass the exam

on the 2nd attempt or he/she will be dismissed from the program.

Although it is common to have a committee meeting to discuss the Prospectus as well as

conduct the comprehensive exam, they are two separate events and do not have to be

scheduled at the same time. Remember, a signed Prospectus should be on file prior to

enrolling in Thesis credits and it is possible to take the oral exam while enrolled in Thesis

15

credits, so the Prospectus usually happens before the oral comprehensive exam, but

sometimes they occur at the same time.

d. Thesis Credits

Students must enroll in a minimum of three credit hours of thesis (GEO 599) and a maximum

of six credits may be used toward the degree. Because course work is usually taken during

the initial two to three semesters of graduate study, students often elect to register for thesis

credits during the final semester even though research has been initiated in the first semester

of the program.

Continuous Enrollment (GRC 600): For students who have completed all of their coursework

(30 credits and met the requirements of the program) and are only involved in writing their

thesis, the University provides a special course, Continuous Enrollment (GRC 600) so that a

student can be enrolled at UNCW while working on their thesis (e.g. using the library and

other facilities) and also satisfying the university requirement that you must be enrolled in

order to graduate. Students registering for GRC 600 must have their registration approved by

the Graduate School. Students must be enrolled (either course credit or GRC 600) during

the semester in which the degree is awarded. Students must be enrolled to defend a

thesis and graduate from UNCW.

See this website to fill out the GRC 600 form:

http://uncw.edu/gradschool/registration/index.html

e. Conducting Thesis Research

Although course work is important to graduate education at the master's level, research and

the resultant thesis are unique experiences of graduate study. Consequently, the design of a

realistic and well-defined research project should be the highest priority. A thesis project

consists of two phases: writing a prospectus and writing a thesis. A detailed prospectus

facilitates this goal by outlining necessary steps in reviewing pertinent literature and in

writing a narrative of the scope of the thesis. The student and thesis committee use the

prospectus to monitor progress in the research project.

Thesis research provides an opportunity to make a contribution to science and to learn

firsthand the objectives, hypotheses, methodologies, data analysis techniques and

interpretations used in research. Graduate students often lack experience in conducting

directed or original research. Therefore, the thesis advisor must assume an active role as

teacher and advisor in the design and completion of student research.

Writing a thesis involves presentation of research findings and evaluation of work done by

others. Incorporation of pertinent existing knowledge relative to the thesis research is most

important and usually involves frequent and careful citing of work published by others. Such

citations should conform to the principles set forth in the U.S. Geological Survey’s

“Suggestions to Authors” and/or the journal in which the student expects to publish the thesis.

The process of writing your thesis usually takes much longer than you first anticipate.

Finishing the thesis prospectus within the first or second semester and beginning the research

project early are both key elements to finishing the degree within four or five semesters.

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Beginning your research, finishing data collection, and completing all requirements for the

degree except for the thesis within three or four semesters requires a great commitment on

your part. Taking the initiative is your responsibility. Your thesis committee and major

advisor are willing to work with you to ensure your completion of the degree.

Graduate School policy, endorsed by the department, states that the thesis should be in the

format of an article ready for submission to an appropriate journal. Detailed presentations of

data should be in the form of appendices and should be sufficient to allow future students access

to your data should they need to repeat the work or to make comparisons with newly gathered

information. Faculty advisors and advisory committees differ in opinion as to the appropriate

length of a thesis. Discussions with your advisor prior to beginning formal research and writing

should clarify your mutual understanding of thesis format and how much detail to include.

Detailed guidelines for the preparation and submission of a thesis have been developed by the

Graduate School and are available on this website:

http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/thesis.html.

This website also has the deadlines for submission for formatting approval and final thesis

submission. Follow these guidelines carefully. Before beginning your writing, check the

Graduate School website to determine if there have been changes to the thesis guidelines. If

any questions arise about thesis format discuss them with your advisor or the Graduate

Coordinator.

f. Oral Defense of Thesis and Submission to the Graduate School

Each student is required to publicly present and defend his or her thesis. The process is to first

give an oral presentation to the EOS department and then privately defend the research to the

thesis committee. The defense allows the committee to question the student on all phases of

the research and the written thesis. The following are guidelines for each component of

completing a thesis:

Format Approval: After your thesis has been approved by your advisor you must submit

it electronically to the Graduate School for format approval. The thesis copy must be

accompanied by the thesis Format Approval Sheet. See detailed instructions on the

graduate school website: http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/thesis/index.html

When the thesis has been reviewed, the student will be notified that the format has been

approved and the oral defense can be scheduled. Please allow at least three (3) working

days for the review process. If the thesis was not approved, meet with your advisor to

discuss the required changes and resubmit it to the graduate school. You will then be

advised as to whether a defense can be scheduled.

Schedule Defense: A tentative defense date is selected in consultation with the student’s

thesis advisor and all committee members. A tentative date can be chosen since it can be

difficult to find a date that works for the entire committee and getting a date scheduled

as soon as possible enables faculty and students to know the date well ahead of time.

However, the student must remember that this is tentative and may change depending on

committee review of the thesis. After a date is chosen, the student must consult with the

EOS administrative assistant to reserve a room for the public presentation and private

defense.

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Committee Thesis Approval: With approval from the student’s advisor, the student

sends a complete thesis to each committee member at least 10 (preferably 15) working

days before the scheduled tentative defense. The thesis must be complete and format

has been approved by the graduate school. Each committee member will study and

edit the thesis prior to the defense and may give feedback to the student prior to the

defense or bring comments and edits to the thesis defense. Any committee member

who feels the student’s thesis is not ready for the defense can request that the defense be

re-scheduled.

Defense Flyer: The student must create a Thesis Defense Flyer and submit it to the EOS

administrative assistant for dissemination to the entire department, The department must

be given at least 1 week notice for the defense or else it will potentially be rescheduled

for a later time. Students need to remember that the public presentation is an important

component of their graduate program and therefore ample notice must be given in order

to involve everyone in the department who is available to attend.

Thesis Presentation and Defense: The format of the thesis defense involves a public

presentation followed by a private, closed door, defense consisting of questions by the

thesis committee. Normally, the examination by the thesis committee immediately

follows the public presentation; however, on rare occasions, the public presentation

may be scheduled to precede the private defense by up to one week, but only if the

entire thesis committee agree. When this happens, the date of private defense is

considered the formal date of the defense, which means this is the date that is

submitted to the graduate school and entered into the student record.

Thesis Defense Results: After both the public presentation and private defense, the

thesis committee deliberates on both the student's public presentation and on the

condition of the thesis and then the student will be notified that he/she has either

passed or failed the defense. It is a unanimous decision of the committee. Following

the decision, the committee shall complete a Results of Thesis Defense form (available

online on the departmental webpage) and submit it to the Graduate Coordinator who

records the result and the EOS Administrative Assistant places places the original in

the student’s departmental file.

Final Thesis Edits: At the conclusion of the defense, the student receives suggestions

for changes, additions, deletions, etc from each committee member. The student

should make all changes or corrections requested by the committee and prepare the

final copy for submission to the Graduate School. The student must get his/her

advisor’s approval prior to submitting the final thesis to the graduate school. Follow

the guidelines on the graduate school website for submitting the thesis as well as

completing and submitting the ETD form.

Deadline: The deadline for completion of the thesis requirement

(http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/thesis.html) shall be without exception the last day of

final exams in the semester in which the student intends to graduate. If that deadline is

not met, graduation will be moved forward one semester (assuming no other

requirement remains unfulfilled).

GEOREF: In order to complete the GEOREF submission form, students must

complete this form before graduating. This information allows the Graduate

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Coordinator to submit the citation materials necessary to have your thesis included in

the GEOREF database.

F. Procedures for the Non-Thesis Option

Students in the non-thesis option must register for a minimum of three credit hours of

Internship (GEO 598) or Final Project (GEO 597). Because course work is taken during the

first two to three semesters of graduate study, students often enroll in an Internship or Final

Project during their final semester. However, unlike traditional courses, there is required

preparation before a student may enroll in an Internship or Final Project. Students must

complete 18 hours of coursework prior to enrolling in GEO 597 or GEO 598.

Students who have completed all of their course work and are taking either GEO 597 or GEO

598 will be considered as full-time students, thereby fulfilling the enrollment status and

guaranteeing use of the library, computing facilities, etc. Students must be enrolled (either

GEO 597/598 or GRC 600) during the semester in which the degree is awarded.

Although course work is important to graduate education at the master's level, the

development of a research project or an opportunity to work in the professional field with an

internship are unique experiences of graduate study. Consequently, the design of a realistic

and well-defined project or internship in the geosciences should be considered of highest

priority by the student and his/her advisor. If the direction for the student is towards the directed

project, the graduate adviser will assist with the planning of the project and critically edit the

associated documents and presentations with suggestions for any improvements.

Each student is required to present the results of his or her internship or non-thesis directed

project in a public forum. This oral presentation will allow the student to report on the

detailed learning experience that they have undertaken in either the directed project or

professional internship. In addition, because many non-thesis students will become employed

in professional positions, the experience in presenting results in a public forum is just another

component of the non-thesis option MS program.

a. Internship

The professional internship provides professional development in a particular area of the

student’s interests. Because internships vary depending upon the agency, each internship

agency must be approved by the Graduate School and an internship plan must be developed

(e.g., calendar, deliverables, etc.) in conjunction with the faculty advisor, EOS Internship

Program Coordinator, and the agency site supervisor. Specific information on the procedures

and processes can be found by contacting the EOS Internship Program Coordinator. In order

to remain in Good Standing, students must indicate before the end of the 2nd semester that

he/she will be pursuing an Internship as part of completing the non-thesis Portfolio

requirement. The student and advisor must notify the Graduate Coordinator and Internship

Program Coordinator that the student will be pursuing an internship. This notification is

required in order to maintain the student’s record.

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b. Final Project

The non-thesis Final Project allows the student to initiate, develop and complete a well-

defined investigation into a topic or area of interest (both intellectually and professionally) to

the student. The directed project will have a supervising faculty mentor (the student’s

advisor) to assist in the design and organization of the various stages of the project, but the

development and completion of the project is entirely up to the student. To ensure that the

student progresses in a timely manner and maintains Good Standing in the program, a plan for

the Final Project must be approved by the student’s advisor prior to the beginning of the 3rd

semester (full-time students). The project plan is similar to a thesis prospectus in that there is

a clear description of the rationale, literature review, hypotheses if relevant to the project,

expected outcomes/results, and timeline for completing the project.

c. Oral Presentation of Internship or Non-Thesis Project

Each student is required to present the results of his or her internship or non-thesis project in a

public forum. This oral presentation will allow the student to report on the detailed learning

experience that they have undertaken and because many non-thesis students will become

employed in professional positions, the experience preparing and presenting results in a public

forum is another important component of the program. The public presentation may be

scheduled as soon as the student has completed the project or internship and has prepared the

final draft of the project/internship summary. At least 30 days before the student wishes to

schedule the public presentation, a request should be submitted to the non-thesis advisor who

will provide guidance and approve that the student is ready to give their presentation. Next, the

Graduate Coordinator is informed that the student is ready to present. At least 15 business days

notice is given in order for the presentation to be scheduled and announced to the department.

After the presentation, the Graduate Coordinator and advisor discuss the presentation and final

report and makes recommendations for edits. When the advisor approves the final report it is

then delivered to the Graduate Coordinator who will then notify the graduate school that the

student has completed the non-thesis portfolio requirement.

d. Written Comprehensive Examination

Every graduate student (thesis or non-thesis option) must pass a comprehensive examination

covering his or her field of study prior to being elevated to status as a degree candidate. In the

non-thesis option, the comprehensive examination is written and is taken after the successful

completion of all required core coursework with the exception of GEO 597 and GEO 598.

The comprehensive examination is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to

demonstrate his or her knowledge of course work completed at the University of North

Carolina Wilmington or transfer work accepted by the university for graduate credit. The

questions reflect your proficiency, communication, and critical analysis of geoscience.

In the non-thesis option, the written comprehensive examination is scheduled during the

midpoint of the Spring or Fall semester. The Graduate Coordinator will notify students with

the exam date, but all students should be preparing for the exam well ahead of time. The

student must notify the Graduate Coordinator and advisor (by email) the intent to take the

exam and must provide at least 15 business days prior to the date of the examination.

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This examination is in two parts. The first part is multiple choice and covers an overview of

geology topics for students in the geology concentration and geospatial topics for students in

the geospatial concentration. The second part is composed of questions collected from faculty

who have taught electives in the program of students. A minimum of 3 courses are included in

this part of the exam. Generally the format is essay, short answer, computations, and other

means of assessing knowledge. Students should discuss this exam with faculty in order to

prepare for the exam. Do not wait until the last semester to start preparing for this

examination.

The non-thesis written comprehensive examination is administered by the Graduate

Coordinator. To pass the exam, the combined total score for the two sections of the

examination must be greater than 75%. Any graduate student failing the written examination

may take the exam again; however, no student may take the examination a third time. The

student must pass the exam on the 2nd attempt or he/she will be dismissed from the program.

The student may elect to re-take all or only parts of the exam, but remember the total score

must be at least 75% so this should be discussed with the advisor and Graduate Coordinator.

The results of the non-thesis comprehensive examination are shared with the student and

advisor and the graduate school is notified so that the student’s degree audit is updated to

reflect completing this part of their program.

Requirements to Remain in “Good Standing” in the MS in Geoscience Program

The Department requires that students pursuing the MS in Geoscience must be making

satisfactory progress in the program in order to remain in “Good Standing”. Maintaining this

status is important because it means you are on track to complete the program in a timely

manner and you are eligible to receive a Teaching Assistantship if funds are available. If a

student is declared not in Good Standing, they can petition to be reinstated. The Graduate

Advisory Committee reserves the right to evaluate the Good Standing status of any student in

the MS Geoscience program at any time. The requirements for Good Standing are:

1. Must maintain a GPA above 3.0. Per UNCW regulations, a student with a GPA less than 3.0 is placed on Academic Probation.

2. Must maintain grades of B- or better in all coursework. When a student receives a grade of C it indicates that he/she is having difficulty progressing in the program.

UNCW regulations stipulate that when a student receives three Cs or one F they are dismissed from the program. If a student receives a C, they are no longer in Good Standing in the MS Geoscience program.

3. As described in the UNCW catalog, an Incomplete is used when extenuating

circumstances prevent a student from completing a course. Therefore, when a student receives an Incomplete it is an indication that he/she is potentially having difficulty progressing in the program. If a student receives an Incomplete, their Good Standing status in the MS Geoscience program will be evaluated by the Graduate Advisory Committee.

4. As a Teaching Assistant, the EOS department requires positive teaching evaluations. Therefore, a student may not be in Good Standing if they receive poor evaluations.

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5. Thesis Prospectus must be approved by the Thesis Committee and is ideally

completed by the beginning of the 3rd semester, but no later than the end of the 3rd semester (full-time students).

6. Oral comprehensive exam must be taken, and passed, before completing 3 Thesis credits (full-time students). A student cannot take the exam until the advisor has approved the prospectus. The prospectus can be signed by the committee at the

same time as the oral comprehensive exam. 7. The intent to pursue an Internship as part of the non-thesis Portfolio requirement

must be on record before the end of the student’s 2nd semester (full time students). 8. The Final Project plan must be approved by the student’s advisor prior to the

beginning of the 3rdsemester (full-time students).

It is the student’s responsibility to maintain Good Standing in the MS Geoscience program. Therefore,

the student and their advisor must promptly notify the Graduate Coordinator when key milestones

have been achieved so that the student’s record is up-to-date. It is the responsibility of the Graduate

Coordinator to record the milestones and forward this information to the EOS Administrative

Assistant who maintains the student file.

G. Switching between MS Geoscience Concentrations & Options

Students may switch from one concentration to another (e.g. Geology to Earth Processes &

Global Change) and may switch from the thesis to non-thesis option, or non-thesis to thesis

option. To initiate the switching process, the student must first submit a written email request

to the Graduate Coordinator and their advisor. Upon approval from the advisor and the

Graduate Coordinator, the Graduate Coordinator will send a request to the graduate school to

change the student’s concentration or option. If a student requests to switch from non-thesis

to thesis an approved prospectus must be on file by no later than the end of the third semester

or 24 credits, whichever is earliest. The required approved prospectus ensures that the student

is progressing through the program in a timely manner and switching from non-thesis to thesis

will hopefully not extend the time to completion.

H. Application for Graduation

Students must apply to graduate from any UNCW program. You simply login to SeaNet and

follow the instructions. The deadline for submittal of this application is published in the

University Calendar of Events (see the registrar’s website). Normally, the Apply to Graduate

deadline is the semester preceding the semester in which the student wishes to graduate. Any

student failing to meet the deadline to Apply to Graduate must contact the Graduate School

and hope that an exception can be granted. Also, all students must be enrolled in order to

graduate. If you have completed all coursework then you must enroll in GRC 600 (explained

above).

You may graduate in Spring (May), Summer (August), or Fall (December). Students who

graduate in the Spring are expected to attend the Commencement activities. It is the student’s

responsibility to notify their advisor and Graduate Coordinator if they will not be present for

commencement. If you graduate in August then you can attend the December commencement

22

since there is no summer commencement activities. All students participating in the

Commencement exercise must order academic regalia.

There are two (2) final steps in the graduation procedure in the Department of Earth and

Ocean Sciences:

1. Clean up your office space and turn in keys to the EOS Administrative Assistant.

2. Complete the Exit Evaluation Survey form. This form is on the MS Geoscience

website and its completion allows the Graduate Coordinator and Graduate Advisory

Committee to monitor issues and difficulties experienced by the graduate student in

completion of their degree.

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IV. CERTIFICATE IN GISCIENCE PROCEDURES

The GIS Certificate is designed for students who would like to: 1) pursue a career in GIS and

need more coursework to help with job placement, 2) combine GIS with another discipline, or

3) gain more knowledge to help with achieving professional certification (e.g. GISP).

A. Core and Elective Courses

Students pursuing the GIS Certificate complete 18 credits of approved courses. You should

carefully read the graduate catalog (http://catalogue.uncw.edu/index.php) to make sure you

are on track to complete the certificate. Students with no previous experience in geospatial

technology should begin the program with the core courses (9 credits) since they provide the

foundation that is needed for more advanced courses and they will provide the breadth of

information that is needed in the profession. The remaining electives (9 credits) are listed in

the catalog. Once a semester the Graduate Coordinator will email a list of courses for the

following semester that meet the requirements for the GIS Cert. Do not lose this email

because you will need it when you begin registering for courses.

B. Other Courses

On occasion, there are trial courses (e.g. GEO 592) that may count as electives in the

program. The rule for any course to count towards the GIS Cert is that the content must be

50% geospatial (cartography, remote sensing, image processing, database design and

management, statistical analysis, field mapping, or other activities that utilize geospatial

technology).

A student may enquire with the Graduate Coordinator to see if a course will count towards the

program. The student must provide the name of the faculty instructor, course syllabus and

schedules, and list of assignments. For example, if a student enrolls in a Directed Independent

Study (DIS) (e.g. GEO 591) he/she must provide ample information in order for the Graduate

Coordinator to evaluate the 50% rule. At the end of the semester, the student must provide an

email from their advisor and documentation (e.g. final report) in order for the Graduate

Coordinator to make the final judgment and then petition the Graduate School to update the

student’s degree audit.

No thesis credits will count towards the GIS Certificate regardless of geospatial content.

Students are encouraged to enroll in Internship credit. Please schedule a meeting with the

EOS Internship Program Coordinator to learn about the program and remember that the same

50% rule applies to internships. You must plan ahead in order to get GIS Certificate credit for

an internship.

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V. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Teaching Assistantships

The Earth and Ocean Sciences Department offers Teaching Assistantships (TAs) to students

enrolled in the MS Geoscience Program. Students in the Graduate GIS Certificate Program

should expresses concern for the lack of TA funding to the Dean of the College of Arts and

Sciences.

Students must apply for an assistantship by writing an email to the Graduate Coordinator and

cc’ing your advisor. Requests must be sent before the end of the semester. For example, if a

student would like a TA to start in the Fall semester, then they must email the Grad

Coordinator before the end of the Spring semester. TA funding is very limited and,

unfortunately, the Department does not receive enough funding to support all of the qualified

students in the MS Geoscience program. Therefore, selection for TA funding is based on the

following ranked criteria:

1) recruiting new students to the MS Geoscience program;

2) 2nd year students who were recruited to the program, are progressing well in their

classes and research (are in Good Standing in the program), have received excellent

teaching evaluations, and are highly recommended by their advisor,

3) 2nd year students who are progressing well in the program and meet the requirements

of #2, and

4) 3rd year students.

Teaching Assistantships are normally awarded for one academic year. Students failing to

perform their duties in a satisfactory manner may have their assistantship revoked at any time.

Normally, and by departmental rule, Teaching Assistantships are awarded for a total of four

semesters. Exceptions may be granted for an additional semester upon justification and

review by the student’s advisor, Graduate Coordinator and EOS Department Chair.

When a students accept a TA position they are agreeing to be a part-time employee of

UNCW. Each semester, all TAs must be on campus and available for work at least one week

prior to the beginning of classes and must remain on campus through the final examination

period. Arrival delays, early departures or any time missed during the semester, must be

approved by your advisor, faculty supervisor/lab coordinator, Graduate Coordinator and Chair

of the Department. Never plan on leaving (e.g. for a conference) without first obtaining

permission or else you risk your status as a student in good standing which can jeopardize

future funding.

During the semester, all TAs are evaluated by the lab coordinator through in-laboratory

observations and provide feedback to the TA. The laboratory coordinator gives one copy of

the completed evaluation form to the Teaching Assistant and places another copy in the

student's file. Our goal is to provide the best learning environment for our students. At the end

of the semester, all faculty supervisors complete an evaluation of their assigned TA and turn

these in to the Graduate Coordinator. This evaluation is used to identify outstanding TAs, to

help those who may be struggling or to find assignments that are better suited to the TA.

25

TAs are assigned duties by the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the Department

Chair. Duties will generally involve preparing for and teaching two or three 100 or 200 level

laboratories. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate.

The EOS Administrative Assistant will complete form HR 1.35 to initiate payment to you for

your assistantship. Valid I-9 and W-4 forms must be completed and forwarded to the Dean of

the College of Arts and Sciences before you will receive your paycheck. Therefore, you must

complete the Onboarding process in the UNCW Human Resources office prior to the semester

when you first begin employment at UNCW.

a. Teaching Assistantship Contract

Students who are receiving a Teaching Assistantship must sign the Graduate Assistantship

Appointment Agreement prior to the beginning of the semester. This document sets forth the

expectations, terms and conditions between the graduate student assistant and UNCW. All

terms and conditions must be satisfied or termination of the appointment may occur as well as

potential denial of any future appointments. The Graduate Coordinator emails the form to the

student who then electronically signs it and submits it to the Graduate School.

b. Suggestions for New Teaching Assistants

To learn about the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistantship, please read the manual from

the UNCW graduate school:

http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/graduateassistants/guidelines/manual.pdf

Listed below are some suggestions to help make your job as a laboratory instructor easier.

If you have no class conflicts, sit in on the lecture section of the course for which you are a TA.

This will help your teaching in several important ways:

o You will be able to cite specific examples from the lecture material and discuss the

relationship to subjects being covered in the lab exercises, and vice versa. By doing

so, you will help make the course a more integrated, total experience for the student.

o Students will ask questions about things that they don't understand from the lecture

portion of the course. This way you will be better prepared to answer them.

Prepare thoroughly — if you are well prepared, teaching is surprisingly easy and fun. Talk to the

lab coordinator if you have questions on any aspect of the laboratory material. You should

anticipate sending 5 to 7 hours per week preparing for a laboratory.

Authorized Absences from Examinations: Students who will be absent from a scheduled class

meeting or examination because of an official university activity must provide a written

excuse in advance. These students shall be given the opportunity by their professor and

laboratory instructor to complete any missing assignments or examinations.

Inform your students of your office hours and your office location. Be sure to include your

office hours and office location on the course syllabus. Post the hours on the outside of your

office door and keep them. Undergraduate students will complain if they can't find the TA

during posted office hours.

Check with the lab coordinator and the lecture instructor concerning any responsibilities beyond

teaching your labs. TA's are often needed to proctor examinations, grade papers, or assist with

other duties at various times throughout the semester. Also discuss grading procedures and

record keeping of grades with each lecture instructor.

26

Try to be as informed as possible on various items related to each lab. If you do not know the

answer to a questions, then do not be afraid to say “I don't know that answer, but check with

me in a couple of days so that I have time to find the answer.” There are many problems

associated with adopting an attitude such as “I can tell them anything because they will never

know and probably do not care to know,” or “They will never know the difference.” Keep in

mind that many of our undergraduate majors decide on geology, geography or oceanography

as a career so it is important that we teach them the correct knowledge. Experience has

demonstrated their consternation and frustration upon discovering in an upper-level class that

something they learned in a 10o-level lab was inaccurate information. None of us are experts

on everything, and there is nothing wrong in admitting that we don't know the answer.

Students should respect you more for wanting to take the time to find correct answers to their

questions rather than simply telling them something on the spur of a moment.

Complete your grades as soon as possible and final lab grades to the lecture instructor for

inclusion in the final student grades. Lecture instructors find it advantageous to have the lab

grades before the lecture final exam, which could be scheduled as early as two days after the

last day of classes. Please check with each lecture instructor to determine a mutually

agreeable deadline for the submission of lab grades.

You may find it inadvisable to post your grades, but, if you do, remember that you are not

permitted to identify proper names and student identification numbers on the posted list. If

you post grades, please give the lecture instructors a copy before you post. You should be

available for consultation with the students during the final examination period in case they

have questions concerning their lab grade. For your convenience, you may wish to post

specific office hours for the final examination period. Do not post grades and immediately

“skip town” because this will place unnecessary burdens on the other Teaching Assistants,

faculty and office staff.

Make sure your class grade distributions are reasonable and justified. If necessary, check with

the student’s lecture instructor concerning his or her performance in lecture.

B. Tuition Remissions (out-of-state), Loans, etc.

The UNCW College of Arts and Sciences administers the distribution of tuition remissions for

out-of-state students enrolled in all graduate programs within the College. Tuition remissions

available on this campus are very limited in quantity and demands among the departments

with graduate programs are very high. Only students who have an assistantship (TA or RA)

are eligible for out-of-state tuition remissions. The department of Earth and Ocean Sciences’

Graduate Advisory Committee annually reviews all graduate students and determines a

ranking for receiving tuition remission funding for out-of-state graduate students.

In addition to teaching and research assistantships, state and federal loan and work-study

programs are available to qualified graduate students. Specific information concerning

details, applications, changes, and additions may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office

(962-3177).

The North Carolina Insured Loan Program is available to North Carolina residents who are

enrolled for at least nine hours in graduate studies. Students may borrow up to $5,000 per

academic year from College Foundation, Inc., without family need or income restrictions.

These are long-term, low interest loans with repayment beginning six months after graduation

(or withdrawal) and extending over a period of up to 10 years. The interest on the loan begins

27

to accrue on initiation of repayment. Application for North Carolina insured loans are made

directly to: College Foundation, Inc., 1307 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Non-resident graduate students may be eligible for similar loans through Federally Insured

Student Loan Programs in their home states. These programs have essentially the same

eligibility and repayment requirements as the North Carolina Insured Loan Program.

Addresses of state agencies offering insured loans can be obtained from the Financial Aid

Office.

Graduate students who can demonstrate significant financial need, are enrolled for at least

nine hours of course work, and are citizens of the United States may be eligible for the

College Work-Study Program. This federally funded program provides a variety of part-time

jobs in campus departments and offices on a schedule compatible with the student's class

schedule. The hourly pay is based on the federal minimum wage. Students in this program

usually work between 10 and 15 hours per week, depending upon established need. In order

to determine eligibility, applicants must complete an institutional application form and a

Financial Aid form available from the Financial Aid Office.

Graduate students may also obtain research funding by independently seeking grant or

scholarship monies. The Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs may be able to

provide assistance with information on sources of funding and with the preparation of

application packages. The Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs (962-3810)

is housed in Hoggard Hall. Also consult with your advisor and the Graduate Coordinator

concerning sources of outside funding. Always stay current reading email because the

Graduate Coordinator will inform students of opportunities.

C. Federal Loans for GIS Certificate Students

UNCW’s Financial Aid office has a Graduate Certification Form

(http://uncw.edu/finaid/OSFAForms.html) that a student needs to complete in order to

possibly qualify for a Federal Student Loan program. Please enquire with the Financial Aid

Office for more information.

D. North Carolina Residency

Under North Carolina law, legal residence means more than simply living in the state.

Specifically it means maintaining a domicile (permanent home of indefinite duration) as

opposed to a temporary residence incident to enrollment in a college, university or technical

institute of the state. As a starting point, if you have living parents, your domicile is

presumed to be that of your parents but may be changed to qualify for in-state tuition if your

required legal residence can be demonstrated. Marriage does not prevent you from becoming

a legal resident for tuition purposes, nor does marriage ensure that you will become a resident.

To determine whether you can become a legal resident of North Carolina for tuition purposes,

you must demonstrate an intent to make North Carolina your permanent dwelling place of

indefinite duration. These actions should be undertaken immediately upon your arrival to

campus and North Carolina (preferably within the first month). Please review these actions

28

and steps at http://uncw.edu/admissions/documents/ResidencyInfoBrochure.pdf. The

following are some more important actions to help attain residency:

convert your automobile registration to North Carolina

obtain a North Carolina driver’s license (or NC Identification Card from the Driver's

license office)

register to vote in North Carolina and vote when possible

list your personal property at the New Hanover County Tax Office for taxation

file a North Carolina tax return as a resident at the next appropriate time

convert your banking, club/organization membership, etc., to North Carolina

These actions begin the one-year (12-month) waiting period to attain residency. To become a

North Carolina resident you must demonstrate that you are financially independent of your

parents or guardian if your parents or guardian are non-residents of North Carolina and

demonstrate a visible means of support substantiating the claim of financial independence. If

you have not been entirely self-supporting during the last 12 months, a completed affidavit

will be required from your parent(s) to indicate the amount of support provided.

Further and equally important, once you have clearly established the residency intent and

financial independence, you must maintain North Carolina residence for 12 months

immediately before the semester the in-state status can be made effective. The only

exceptions to the required 12-months residency period apply in some, but not all, cases to

individuals marrying a North Carolina resident who has maintained residency 12 months or

longer, and to individuals whose parents have been North Carolina residents 12 months or

longer and who are legal dependents of their parents.

If you desire a residence change, you must complete a Residence and Tuition Status

Application and submit it to the Dean of the Graduate School. Applications can be obtained

from the Graduate School at http://uncw.edu/gradschool/residency/forms/nonresident.pdf. No

status change can be made without submission of this application. The 12-month residency-

waiting period must be completed before the first day of the semester in which in-state

residency is being requested. Please note that you may submit your application up to 60 days

before the start of the semester in which your in-state status can become effective although the

entire 12-month residency period may not have been satisfied at the time your application is

filed.

In other words, to avoid being billed as an out-of-state resident, you should file for a status

change before the tuition bills are due so that the Graduate School will have time to process

the application and notify Student Accounts as to your status change. For example, when

applying for in-state residency for the fall semester, students may submit their applications

starting June 15, or 60 days before the semester begins.

A decision on your residency status will be emailed approximately 10 days after being

reviewed by the Graduate School. If you are denied North Carolina residency for tuition

purposes, an appeal of the decision is possible. At that time, you can, and should, attend to

clarify points and to present additional arguments in your favor.

29

E. Financial Aid Information for Graduate Students

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), on-line, at

www.fafsa.gov.

Accept loans, or portion of loans, offered.

Complete Loan Entrance Counseling, on-line, at www.studentloans.gov.

Complete Master Promissory Note(s), on-line, at www.studentloans.gov.

Completed aid disburses to UNCW student accounts ten days before classes start OR

when students are enrolled at least half time. Students who register during drop/add

should expect a financial aid refund approximately seven business days later.

For students whose aid requirements are complete, and who are pre-registered at

least half-time, every effort is made to have refunds available, by direct deposit, the

first day of classes each term.

Direct deposit is set up through SeaNet, E-billing and Account Information, and the

“E-Refund” tab.

Read Emails! Communication from the financial aid office is via UNCW email.

Points to Remember:

A new FASFA must be completed each academic year.

o File in March or April to allow ample time for aid to process for fall.

o Please do not wait until the day bills are due to file the FAFSA.

Half-time enrollment (at least 4.5 hours) in a degree-seeking program is required.

Post-baccalaureate certificate students are not eligible for federal aid at UNCW

(except teacher certification students).

Students who are taking classes required for admission to a graduate program at

UNCW may be eligible for student loans, at undergraduate levels, for up to twelve

months. Contact the financial aid office to follow-up.

Students must accept loans (or portion of loans) offered. Aid will not be disbursed

until the student confirms it.

Full-time equivalent courses (e.g. Thesis, Internship, Final Project, and GRC 600) are

considered full-time for financial aid purposes.

Pay attention to billing notices from the Student Accounts Office:

o Notices are sent to students whose aid is not in place to cover charges.

o Check SeaNet for outstanding requirements or follow-up with the financial aid

office.

o Students will be dropped from classes for failure to pay tuition..

Financial aid for graduate students disburses at full-time levels for students enrolled in

6.00 or more credit hours.

30

o For students who pre-register for 6.00 hours, and add courses during drop/add,

additional charges may post AFTER the financial aid refund was processed.

o Students are responsible for clearing the additional charges before the next bill

due date, or registration will be cancelled.

o Monitor student account information to stay on top of current charges.

Pre-registration for spring semester begins in October. Students with an outstanding

balance on their student account cannot pre-register for classes.

Summer Aid

Summer session is a trailer to the current academic year.

Financial aid is limited to eligibility remaining from fall/spring.

The summer aid application is available on the financial aid website after April 1:

o Students must complete the summer application.

o Half-time enrollment during summer is required for federal aid eligibility.

F. Research Assistantships and Fellowships

Research Assistantships (RAs) are offered by the department through individual faculty who

have funds available from research grants or contracts. Selection criteria are similar to those

for Teaching Assistantships with emphasis on the suitability of an applicant for a particular

research program. Stipends are generally the same as for Teaching Assistantships. Duties

will be assigned by the faculty member administering the research project. RAs are awarded

usually for one full academic year; however, sometimes RAs are awarded for a single

semester or for a summer session based.

G. Graduate School Support of Student Travel

One component of the Graduate School's Professional Development Program provides, in

part, travel expenses for graduate students who will participate in the agenda of professional

conferences. Funds for these activities are limited and dependent upon the availability of

funding. The following guidelines are enforced to achieve and maintain the maximum thrust

of the program.

1. The Graduate School will provide up to $400 for a graduate student to participate in

a professional conference. Seminars, workshops, and similar meetings normally

will be excluded in favor of annual conferences of professional societies.

2. The funds will be allocated expressly for graduate students and not for faculty.

Students must be in good standing, making satisfactory progress toward completion

of their degrees, and enrolled at the time the funds are expended.

3. Preference will be determined, in descending order of importance, as follows:

a. Conferences where students present papers as sole or senior authors, and where

papers will be printed in full as part of the conference proceedings.

b. Conferences where students are junior authors, and where papers will be

printed in full as part of the conference proceedings.

c. Conferences where students present papers as sole or senior authors, and where

papers will be printed only as abstracts.

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d. Conferences where students are junior authors, and where papers will be

printed as abstracts. In all cases each student must present a scholarly paper in

order to be considered for travel funds.

4. To apply, the student's major professor should submit a letter of application, which

clearly indicates (a) one of the above circumstances outlined in 3 above, including

the date of the presentation, (b) evidence of the paper's acceptance, (c) a budget

covering transportation and per diem, and (d) the source of commitment for the

matching funds. Applications must be cosigned by departmental chairs.

Application forms are available online on the graduate school webpage.

5. Students selected for support will receive an award letter and will be expected to

comply with the rules of the allocation. In all cases, the funds will be administered

on a cost-reimbursement basis.

H. Graduate Student Association Support of Student Travel

The Graduate Student Association provides graduate students with a one-time travel grant to

attend professional conferences, workshops, or to complete thesis research. These grants are

designed to reward excellence in scholarship and to increase the visibility of the University of

North Carolina Wilmington’s graduate programs within the academic community. Funds are

limited, and all guidelines are strictly enforced. In the event of limited funds, preference will

be given to students beyond their first year of graduate study who has not received a travel

grant from either the Graduate School or the Graduate Student Association. Students are only

eligible to receive one travel grant per year, and, if a student has received a grant for any

travel from the Graduate School, he or she is automatically ineligible for this travel grant

award. Online forms are available at: http://student.uncw.edu/org/gsa/forms.htm.

I. Research Grants and Fellowships

UNCW has many scholarships and other research funding opportunities:

Sylvia & B.D. Schwartz Scholarship

This university-wide scholarship provides an award equal to the current in-state tuition and

fees for one year. The criteria for the award are: 1) you must be enrolled for at least nine (9)

credits during both fall and spring semesters, 2) you must have achieved scores of at least 550

on either the verbal or quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examination and at least

450 on the other section, and 3) you must have attained an undergraduate Grade Point

Average of at least 3.25 for at least 60 hours of course work. The Department of Earth and

Ocean Sciences may submit one name for consideration of this award, annually in early

spring. See the departmental Graduate Coordinator for additional information.

Champion McDowell Davis Scholarship

Full-time graduate students with at least two full semesters of work to complete before

graduation are eligible for the Champion McDowell Davis Scholarship. The Department of

Earth and Ocean Sciences may nominate individuals for this award annually, in mid-spring.

The scholarship covers in-state tuition and fees for one year.

32

Graduate School Summer Research Stipend

The Dean of the Graduate School annually awards several stipends for summer research

during a period when your teaching or research assistantships may lapse. The awards are

competitive and require a research proposal. The current value of this award is $1,000.

Dr. Ralph W. Brauer Fellowship

The Brauer Fellowship was established to assist currently enrolled degree-seeking graduate

students in supporting extraordinary projects and activities generally not funded through other

means by the university. For more information see the purpose, guidelines, and application

form: http://www.uncw.edu/grad%5Finfo/UniversityofNorthCarolinaWilmington-

Scholarships.htm. Applications are due at the beginning of October.

Department of Earth and Ocean Science Research Grant

The EOS Research Grants awards funds for graduate student research. These grants can be

used to support any aspect of research, including field work and research-related travel,

analyses, thin-section preparation, equipment, and supplies. Individual grants are limited to a

maximum of $500.00. Applications are typically due in late January. Application forms are

available online on the departmental webpage.

Victor Zullo Memorial Research Award

The Victor Zullo Memorial Research Award is a cash award that recognizes outstanding

achievement in research by a UNCW Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences student. The

selection is made by the department awards committee with nominations from faculty

advisors.

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VI. EOS DEPARTMENTAL PROCEDURES

The Earth and Ocean Sciences department office staff will provide information and assist

graduate students toward a successful course of study. Below are general procedures that

specifically affect graduate students. For additional information on general office procedures

check with office staff. If in doubt about anything consult the Graduate Coordinator.

A. Official Communication

The University of North Carolina Wilmington recognizes e-mail as an official method of

communication with students, staff and faculty. The UNCW e-mail address is the official

address for faculty, staff and students. Therefore, students must regularly (at least daily) read

their UNCW email. Students assume full responsibility for the decision to forward e-mail to

another account and any failure to receive e-mail does not constitute a defense for failure to

respond. While e-mail is an official method of communication, it is not the only official

method of communication and does not exclude alternate methods such as written or oral

communications. All members of the university community must maintain good e-mail

management habits and adhere to the standards of responsible use specified in the UNCW

Responsible Use of Electronic Resources Policy:

(http://uncw.edu/policies/documents/07.100_Resp_Use_of_Elec_Resources0807.pdf)

B. Telephone Service

There are no public telephones provided for student use. Therefore, if you receive a phone call

via the EOS department office then a message will be placed in your student's mailbox.

Students should regularly check their mailbox for messages and other information. Office

staff has neither the time nor responsibility for tracking down graduate students for a message.

C. Office Space

Each full-time graduate student, Teaching Assistant, or Research Assistant is provided office

space (pending availability) where materials may be stored and where students may study and

work. The Department Chair, in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, makes office

assignments. Priority for office space is given for TAs since they are required to meet with

students. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their space clean, uncluttered, and be

respectful of the shared office spaces. Please report any problems to the Department Chair.

D. UNCW ID Card and Mail

The university requires every student to have a valid UNCW ID card. The library circulation

system also requires use of the UNCW ID card.

Mailboxes are provided in the departmental office for all fulltime students in the MS

Geoscience program. The department receives mail once daily. Mail leaves the departmental

office once daily. The university mail should be used for official university business only.

Personal mail can be sent at the post office in the University Center.

34

E. Departmental Keys

All graduate students are provided electronic access (via your student ID) to the exterior doors

of DeLoach Hall and Osprey Hall and the Center for Marine Science if you are working in

these buildings. You will also be given a key for your assigned office space, and other rooms

as needed. Additional requests for keys are initiated in the EOS department office. Students

should consult with their advisor or Department Chair to determine the specific keys or

electronic door access that is needed. The Department Chair issues the appropriate request to

the Physical Plant to have keys made. The student will be notified when the keys are ready.

All keys must be returned to the department upon completion of the M.S. degree or

withdrawal from the University. The Center for Marine Science (CMS) keys are assigned in

the CMS front office.

F. Security and Safety

Graduate students are expected to assist the faculty in maintaining building security. It is the

responsibility of any graduate student who is working in a laboratory during off hours to leave

the room secure with lights off and doors locked. The outside building doors of DeLoach

Hall are electronically keyed (open with your UNCW ID card) and should never be propped

open. If you find a door propped open, please close it properly. Undergraduate students are

usually not permitted in the building on weekends unless under the direct supervision of a

faculty member or assigned access through the department office.

A graduate student should be prepared to deal with emergencies as effectively as possible. (l)

Locate fire extinguishers, fire blankets, exits, and emergency lights. (2) In any lab where you

will be teaching or working, locate the nearest first-aid kit, eyewash station, and shower. (3)

If a student is working in the building during off hours and an emergency occurs (fire,

chemical spills, injuries, etc.), call the university police at 911 or 962-2222 or

Police@uncw.edu; then notify your advisor. In the event of serious equipment malfunction,

please contact your advisor, the Graduate Coordinator or the Department Chair and take such

measures as are feasible until help arrives.

G. Clerical Support and Records

The departmental administrative assistants do NOT perform any clerical work for students.

The official student files are kept in the department office and are maintained by the

administrative assistants and the chair of the department. The Graduate Coordinator

maintains a digital archive of student records and forwards these to the department for

printing and saving in the student folders.

H. Use of Departmental Equipment

Most of the equipment in the research and teaching laboratories is university owned and is

usually managed by a faculty member for use in particular courses and research programs.

Often the equipment requires considerable skill and care to avoid damage that may be costly

to repair and which may render the item unusable while repairs are made. Graduate students,

therefore, should never use a piece of equipment without first requesting its use from the

faculty member in charge. If it is not clear which faculty member is in charge, consult your

35

advisor and/or the Department Chair. Generally, such use will be granted if the item is not in

use and the responsible faculty member is convinced that the student knows how to use the

equipment properly and will give the item of equipment proper care during its use. There

may be times when equipment is in heavy use and will not be available, and there may be

certain items which faculty will not allow others to use. If a project is being planned that may

require department equipment, you should discuss the availability with your advisor. If there

is a lack of access to equipment, then there may be other alternatives to obtain the use of

necessary equipment or the project may have to be redesigned.

I. Departmental Seminars

The Earth and Ocean Sciences Department offers seminars by scientists and students. These

seminars are designed to provide intellectual stimulation for students and faculty, and all

graduate students are required to attend.

J. CMS Boat Use

Anyone operating a university vessel must have UNCW boat certification. Certification is

obtained by successfully completing of a university-sponsored short course in boat handling

and water safety. Other boating courses may be acceptable if approved by the UNCW Center

for Marine Science (CMS) boat safety officer. Consult the CMS website for more

information: http://uncw.edu/cms/

K. Rock Preparation and Thin Section Laboratory

Dr. David E. Blake is the laboratory director. The rock preparation and thin section

laboratory is housed in Room 107 of the Academic Support Building, located across the street

from the campus police station in the southeast corner of campus. Graduate students who

plan to use the laboratory must be certified by the director before operation of any equipment.

Failure to follow documented procedures may result in loss of user privileges.

The following laboratory procedures must be adhered to at all times.

A sign-in sheet is located next to the laboratory entrance. All users must sign-in before and after

using the lab for any purpose, noting all equipment that was used. Any problems with equipment

or the lab during your visit must be reported immediately to the director.

Safety equipment (safety goggles, ear guards, insulated gloves, and aprons) must be worn during

use of the equipment. You should not be under the influence of certain prescription drugs while

operating the equipment – if in doubt, check with your pharmacist.

The wall-mounted exhaust fan must be operating during equipment use.

Tools are for use on equipment in rock preparation lab; they should not be used for repairs

elsewhere or removed from the laboratory.

Storage of rock samples in the laboratory may be arranged with the consent of the director.

The laboratory must be kept clean at all times. This means working in specified areas, removing

samples from specified areas so that others may use the same equipment, cleaning and protecting

equipment as directed in the laboratory manual, wiping floors after saw or lap wheel use, returning

samples to assigned storage areas, and sweeping floors after laboratory use.

Tobacco products of any type may not be used in the laboratory. Food should not be brought into

or consumed in the rock lab.

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L. Computer Laboratories

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences maintains computers and printers for use by

graduate students in DL 120 and DL209. Students must use an external flashdrive or their

space on the network Timmy server to save files. Never save files on the desktop/hard drive

and never alter the computer configuration. Students will lose computer access privilege if

they damage or alter any of the computing or printing equipment. If there are computer

problems, please report this to your advisor who will submit a ticket to TAC.

37

VII. OTHER UNCW INFORMATION

A. University Parking

All students must obtain a parking decal in order to park on campus. Parking priority

locations may be available for graduate Teaching Assistants, but this varies from semester to

semester. See the UNCW Parking Office for more information.

B. William Madison Randall Library

a. Facilities

The William Madison Randall Library, located in the center of campus, is open over 98 hours

per week during the regular academic sessions. The library receives a large number of

geological serials. Current periodicals are arranged in alphabetical order on the shelves

located on the south side of the first floor. In addition, many full text journals are available

online. Previous issues, bound and unbound, are located in the stacks in the northwest corner

of the first floor. Students and faculty members are allowed to check out periodicals for a

period of up to two days. In addition, copy facilities are available on the first floor at a

nominal cost.

It is important for each graduate student to learn the organization of the Library and access to

its various components as geology publications are located in several different collections.

An important starting point is the Reference Desk where you can read the Guide to

Collections and Services and its complement Geology, a Guide to Research or contact Mr.

Peter Fritzler (fritzlerp@uncw.edu) the sciences librarian. In addition, online information

about geology resources can be found at:

http://library.uncw.edu/web/research/subjects/earthscience/index.html.

On-line Catalog (ROC). The Randall Library Online Catalog lists cataloged books, maps,

and audiovisual materials. Access to the catalog is through the Randall Library home page:

http://library.uncwil.edu. You can search in the catalog by subject, author, title, or keyword.

All cataloged materials are assigned specific Library of Congress subject headings. A list of

these subject headings can be found in the red volumes, or the microfiche edition, of Library

of Congress Subject Headings located in the catalog area of the Library.

b. Liaison Librarians

Liaison librarian services include more in-depth help finding information for your papers,

projects, thesis, or other research. One-On-One Help is a form that allows you to contact the

librarian in your subject area. They can assist you with accessing (and understanding) the

research databases, library catalog, and other resources to find articles and books for your

papers, and show you how to obtain resources that are not available in Randall Library. This

service is provided for students, faculty, and staff at UNCW.

For additional information online: http://library.uncw.edu/forms/one_on_one_help

38

C. Insurance

a. Health Insurance

All UNCW students are required to have health insurance. Those unable to show proof of

existing coverage will automatically be enrolled in the university sponsored insurance plan.

Details are available on the Student Health Center website:

http://uncw.edu/healthservices/shc_studentins.html.

Beginning on August 1, 2013, Student Blue, underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North

Carolina (BCBSNC) became the insurance carrier for the Student Health Insurance Plan. The

plan protects students at home, at school, or while traveling, 24 hours a day, for the entire

year, including vacation periods. All students attending UNC Wilmington are eligible for

participation in this plan.

Application forms and information concerning coverage, exclusions, annual cost, and

enrollment dates can be obtained online at http://uncw.edu/healthservices/nextyear.htm or

from the Student Health Center on the second floor of Westside Hall. Please note that

services and fees for using the Student Health and Wellness Center are subject to change.

b. Liability Insurance

Graduate Teaching Assistants may take advantage of the Teachers' Liability Insurance offered

by the University of North Carolina system through The Travelers Insurance Company.

Forms are usually circulated at the beginning of the academic year.

39

VIII. EARTH AND OCEAN SCIENCES FACULTY AND STAFF

Name Position Email Phone Office

Dr. Michael Benedetti Professor benedettim@uncw.edu 7650 DL220

Dr. David E. Blake Associate Professor blaked@uncw.edu 3387 DL221

Dr. Douglas Gamble Professor & Chair gambled@uncw.edu 3778 DL129

Dr. Eman Ghoneim Associate Professor ghoneime@uncw.edu 2795 DL126

Dr. Joanne Halls Associate Professor &

Graduate Coordinator

hallsj@uncw.edu 7614 Osprey

1004C

Dr. Andrea Hawkes Associate Professor hawkesa@uncw.edu

Dr. M. Elizabeth Hines Associate Professor hinese@uncw.edu 3012 DL124

Dr. Sharon Hoffmann Assistant Professor

Dr. Todd LaMaskin

Dr. Chad Lane

Associate Professor

Associate Professor

Dr. Chad Lan

lamaskint@uncw.edu

lanec@uncw.edu

Dr. Richard A. Laws Professor laws@uncw.edu 4125 DL108

Dr. Lynn A. Leonard

Dr. Ai Ning Loh

Professor

Assistant Professor

lynnl@uncw.edu

lohan@uncw.edu

2338 DL115

A

(CMS)

Ms. Yvonne Marsan

Ms. Patti Mason

Laboratories Manager

Lecturer

marsany@uncw.edu

masonp@uncw.edu

7822 DL122

Dr. Scott Nooner Associate Professor nooners@uncw.edu

Dr. Narcisa Pricope Associate Professor pricopen@uncw.edu Osprey

1004B

Mr. Roger D. Shew Lecturer shewr@uncw.edu 7676 DL121

Dr. Michael S. Smith Professor smithms@uncw.edu 3496 DL115C

Dr. Peter Zamora Assistant Professor