Advising

The mission of the Cancer Biology PhD program is to train graduate students so that they may ultimately launch careers related to the study and treatment of cancer. A major goal of program is to assist students in their growth and development by constructing meaningful educational plans. We believe that students will become outstanding cancer researchers through frequent and collegial personal contacts with their primary research advisors, members of their thesis committees, and other faculty in the program. Scientific interactions between students and faculty foster the development of motivated students who are independent thinkers and responsible decision-makers. We expect faculty thesis advisors to have an active role in the advising process, including by monitoring progress frequently and by helping define and develop realistic educational career plans through regular interactions with the advisees. Faculty thesis advisors should refer students to other institutional resources as needed. We expect students to clarify their academic and career goals with their advisors and to be equal partners in the advising process, including by scheduling regular meetings with their advisors and by adhering to institutional policies, procedures, and requirements. These expectations, which are detailed in the program handbook, will ensure the successful completion of degree requirements and timely graduation.

For a statement of University policy or graduate advising, see the Graduate Advising, the Stanford Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures. opens in a new tab

Additional guidance and resources are available from The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education. opens in a new tab