GRADUATE STUDENT
HANDBOOK
CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION…………1
PAWS ID
LSUMAIL
ORIENTATION
NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
SCHEDULING COURSES & PAYING FEE BILLS
SCHEDULE BOOKLET
FEE SCHEDULES
GRADUATE SCHOOL CALENDAR
HEALTH INSURANCE
PROGRAM OF STUDY………………3
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
GENERAL INFORMATION
FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS
CHE 7800 SEMINAR
SAFETY REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE
LSU CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
NON-THESIS OPTION
THESIS OPTION
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
TIME LIMIT
SECOND MASTER’S DEGREE
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF
PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
THESIS OPTION
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
TIME LIMIT
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS….14
GRADUATE ASSISTANT CATEGORIES
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
RULES & REGULATIONS
MANDATORY EMPLOYEE TRAINING
LSU PS-21
LSU PS-85
DEPARTMENTAL RULES & REGULATIONS
EMPLOYMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
FASOP: AS-25
ONBOARDING & REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
CONTACTS & HELPFUL
RESOURCES………………………..18
CAIN DEPT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR
BURSAR OPERATIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
PAWS ID
LSU GROK PAWS ID: LSU OVERVIEW
Student PAWS IDs are automatically created when an application for admission is submitted and the fee
is paid in full. Applicants will receive their PAWS ID information via e-mail to the address provided on the
application form.
LSUMail
LSU GROK LSUMail: OVERVIEW
LSU provides its faculty, staff, and students with an LSU e-mail account named LSUMail. It is powered by
Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud service and the web interface has been customized for LSU. Your e-mail
address will be [YOUR PAWS ID]@lsu.edu.
ORIENTATION
All new graduate students are required to attend the Graduate School’s New Graduate Student
Orientation. Graduate student orientation is held each August on the Wednesday before classes start.
You will also receive an email notification of orientation if your application has been completely processed
and you are admitted by August 1.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
All F-1 and J-1 students who are new to LSU are required by U.S. Immigration regulations to “reportto
the university, which is done by attending International Orientation and bringing your I-20/DS-2019,
passport, and I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to the program (you will obtain an I-94 upon your arrival to the
United States). After reporting at this program, International Services (IS) will register your F-1/J-1 SEVIS
record. Failure to be registered in SEVIS is a violation of non-immigrant student status; therefore,
attendance is mandatory.
IS is unable to individually process early arrivals. F-1 or J-1 students who do not attend International
Orientation can expect to see course registration delays and late fees. F-1 and J-1 students who miss the
program due to visa or flight delays should report to International Services (101 Hatcher Hall) immediately
upon arrival to campus.
Most students are required to take the Michigan English Placement Test that is different from TOEFL and
IELTS. This test is administered the day after International Orientation.
English Proficiency
Depending on your performance on the English Placement Test, you may be required to take an English
class (which will be scheduled for you by the English Department); it will be in addition to the coursework
requirements listed in the “Program of Study” section of this handbook.
The majority of international graduate assistants are TA1s (H969 graders), RAs (H966
research assistants), and SAs (H967 service assistants). They do not have to take the Oral
Proficiency Interview (nor the English 1051 class).
Only TA2s (H970 teaching assistant or lab assistant) and TA3s (H965 instructor/assistant of
record) must take the Oral Proficiency Interview to retain their positions.
o If exempted through oral interview, students only need to attend a one-time, three-hour
Exemption Workshop with Ms. Elin Epperson.
o If not exempted, students will not be eligible for H970/H965 positions until they have
completed English 1051. NOTE: Students must be enrolled in English 1051 by Ms. Elin
Epperson (they cannot add the class themselves).
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES COURSE ENROLLMENT
SCHEDULING COURSES & PAYING FEE BILLS
The following documents provide assistance and information for scheduling courses and paying fee bills.
Students should read them carefully and refer to them while registering each semester.
SCHEDULE BOOKLET
LSU GROK STUDENTS: SCHEDULING COURSES
LSU GROK myLSU PORTAL: HOW TO SCHEDULE & DROP COURSES
LSU GROK myLSU PORTAL: PAY MY FEE BILL
LSU GROK myLSU PORTAL: DEFERRED PAYMENT & PAYROLL DEDUCT
FEE SCHEDULES
FEE GLOSSARY
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION CALENDAR
GRADUATE SCHOOL CALENDAR
Remember to “Complete Registration.” If you do not complete registration, your courses will be
purged (deleted)! See LSU GROK myLSU Portal: Pay My Fee Bill for instructions.
HEALTH INSURANCE
INSURANCE PLANS
All full-time and part-time students registered for resident study, excluding Continuing Education
participants, are eligible to purchase an insurance plan for themselves and their dependents.
Please note: Non-immigrant international students are required to have adequate insurance. Therefore, all
F and J non-immigrant international students will be automatically billed for the plan every semester on
their Bursar Office tuition bill, unless proof of other adequate insurance is presented to the ISO and a
waiver is signed prior to the ISO semester deadline. International students should visit the ISO website for
more information.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Cain Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) originated from the Audubon Sugar School (1897)
and our graduate program was initiated in 1908. Today, the Cain Department of Chemical Engineering is a
nationally recognized leader in education and research in the areas of chemical manufacturing, fuel
processing, energy, environmental engineering, biochemical engineering, advanced computation, process
systems engineering, catalysis, and materials. Graduate students have access to state-of-the-art
laboratory facilities and equipment, extensive experimental and diagnostic facilities, and advanced
computing systems. After graduation, chemical engineering graduates engage in careers in academia,
national labs, and industry research.
The department offers two graduate degrees, a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MS in ChE)
and a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (PhD in ChE).
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section acquaints you with information needed to plan and guide your program of study at LSU and
emphasizes departmental rules and regulations. Reference should also be made to the General Catalog,
as it contains additional rules and regulations set forth by the Graduate School and university. All
regulations of the department, Graduate School, and university must be met in order to complete a degree
program. It is the sole responsibility of the graduate student to comply with the appropriate regulations and
schedules.
It should be noted that graduate students must generally satisfy all requirements in place at the time of
graduation. Special programs may be designed, however, to meet the needs of students who face
significant rule changes after entrance into a degree program. Any questions about departmental or
university rules or specific degree programs should be referred to the Director of Graduate Studies of the
Cain Department of Chemical Engineering.
Full-Time Enrollment
In order to be classified as a full-time graduate student, students must maintain registration in a minimum
of nine semester hours in the fall and spring semesters (with a minimum of six hours for graduate credit
coursework), or a minimum of six semester hours in a summer term or online module (a minimum of three
hours for graduate credit coursework). At least one half of the registered credit for part-time graduate
students must be in graduate credit coursework.
All full-time graduate students holding research or teaching assistantships are expected to register for at
least 12 credit hours of graduate coursework during the fall and spring semesters and nine credit hours of
graduate coursework during the summer term. For further details, refer to the Graduate Assistantships
Departmental Rules & Regulations section of this handbook.
As rule of thumb, for every hour of course credit, three hours of effort per week are required either in or out
of class by the student. Thus, a student registered for 12 hours of research would normally be expected to
conduct 36 hours of research per week.
Satisfactory Progress
All students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in all graduate coursework. Any student whose cumulative or
semester average is below 3.00or who is assigned an unsatisfactory grade in research (CHE 8000 or
CHE 9000)will be placed on academic probation. Any student whose cumulative or semester average is
below 2.75, or who remains on probation for more than one semester, will be dropped from the Graduate
School. Students on probation are ineligible for financial support from the department.
CHE 7800 Seminar (1)
Prereq.: graduate standing in engineering. Pass-fail grading. Full-time graduate students are expected to
enroll in this course every fall and spring semester. Only one semester hour of credit will be allowed
toward degree.
Seminars from visiting scholars or experts provide a valuable opportunity for graduate students to learn
about research trends at a high level. The Cain Department of Chemical Engineering has been holding
five to ten graduate seminars each fall and spring semester for more than two decades.
All full-time graduate students are required to register for CHE 7800 Seminar (1) every fall and
spring semester. This course consists of up to 14 (one hour) weekly seminars including presentations
and discussions on current research topics and other special interests in chemical engineering and related
fields.
Safety Regulations & Compliance
All students must comply with the department’s minimum safety regulations. A copy of the ChE Minimum
Safety Regulations Guide is available here. All graduate students are required to read and understand the
safety regulations, then sign the compliance statement on the last page and submit it to the Coordinator of
Graduate Studies.
LSU Code of Student Conduct
All students must comply with the LSU Code of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty, including
plagiarism and other forms of cheating, cannot and will not be tolerated. Students are advised to get
clarification of the policies with respect to collaboration on homework and other projects for each course in
which they are enrolled.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING
The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MS in ChE) is available with either a thesis or non-thesis
option. Whenever practicable, students are encouraged to pursue the thesis option, and it is only this
option for which financial aid is available from the department.
Regardless of their program option, all ChE MS students must complete the ChE graduate core program,
CHE 7110 (Mathematical Methods in ChE), CHE 7120 (ChE Thermodynamics), CHE 7130 (Fundamentals
of Heat and Mass Transport), and CHE 7140 (Chemical Reactor Design Methods), or equivalents.
At least one-half of the required credits must be in courses numbered 7000 or above (includes CHE 8000).
The remainder can be numbered 4000 or above except as limited by the general graduate student
requirements of the department.
More details regarding LSU Graduate School requirements and regulations can be found in The
Graduate School section of the online LSU General Catalog.
Non-thesis Option
Hours Required
The non-thesis option is composed of 36 credit hours of formal coursework and a written comprehensive
final examination.
Major Professor & Examination Committee
Students in the non-thesis MS program are assigned a major professor and examination committee upon
admission. The major professor is typically the Department Chair or Director of Graduate Studies. The
examination committee consists of three or more members of the graduate faculty nominated by the
Department Chair and appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School.
The major professor is generally designated as chairperson of this committee. Non-thesis master’s
committees must include at least one full member of the graduate faculty from the major department. A
majority of the voting members of the committee must be regular (not adjunct or affiliate) faculty from the
department. If there is a minor, one committee member must represent the minor department.
Comprehensive Final Examination & Graduation
Students in the non-thesis MS program must pass the MS Comprehensive Examination within one year of
their enrollment.
The MS Comprehensive Examination is normally given at the end of each spring semester (at the same
time as the PhD Qualifying Examination). The MS Comprehensive Examination is identical to the PhD
Qualifying Examination except that students are required to complete six questions over a five-hour period
rather than the 12 questions in eight hours required of a PhD student. The MS Comprehensive
Examination is generally taken at the conclusion of all (or almost all) required coursework. When the
examination is completed more than one semester prior to graduation, an oral examination identical in
format to the thesis defense examination, but focused on a review of the MS Comprehensive Examination,
will be required.
Students must file a “Master’s Application for Degree” with the Graduate School early in the semester in
which they intend to graduate and complete a “Request for Master’s Examination & Degree Audit,”
approved by their major professor and examination committee. Upon approval, students must submit
these documents to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies to be signed and delivered to the Graduate
School at least three weeks prior to the proposed examination date.
To be eligible to take the final examination, a student must have a 3.00 cumulative average and must be
registered for at least one credit hour of graduate coursework. Exams may be taken anytime the university
is open for business. In non-thesis programs, all degree requirements must be met no later than the
semester deadline for the regular semester following the final examination.
MASTER’S APPLICATION FOR DEGREE
REQUEST FOR MASTER’S EXAMINATION & DEGREE AUDIT
STEPS TO GRADUATION
Thesis Option
Hours Required
The thesis option is composed of 24 credit hours of formal coursework and a six credit thesis.
Major Professor
During their first semester in residence, students learn about the ongoing research projects in the
department and are matched with their major professor through a draft process. During this process,
professors who plan to take on new students present their current research projects and meet with
students one-on-one. At the end of the first semester, a major professor is selected and research begins.
The major professor is formally approved by the graduate faculty and has primary responsibility for
advising and guiding progress toward the degree.
Academic Course Plan
The departmental-level academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with, and
approved by, the student’s major professor during the second semester following the student’s formal
admission to the thesis master’s program. The academic course plan must be reviewed, approved, and
submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for approval by the Director of Graduate Studies on an
annual basis.
Thesis & Master’s Committee
As stated in the General Catalog, the preparation of a thesis is an important element in the program
leading to the master’s degree. The master’s thesis should demonstrate capacity for research, originality
of thought, and facility in organizing materials. It must be acceptable in subject matter and exhibit
creditable literary workmanship. The form of the thesis must be in accordance with the Graduate School’s
Formatting Electronic Theses & Dissertations handbook.
Final acceptance of the master’s thesis rests with a committee of three or more members of the graduate
faculty. The major professor is generally designated as chairperson of this committee. Thesis master’s
committees must include at least one full member of the graduate faculty from the major department. A
majority of the voting members of the committee must be regular (not adjunct or affiliate) faculty from the
department. If there is a minor, one committee member must represent the minor department.
The student, in consultation with his or her major professor, tentatively selects the committee. The Dean of
the Graduate School will then appoint the committee, making any necessary changes from the list of
nominated faculty. The Dean of the Graduate School may serve as a member of any committee or may
appoint additional members.
Comprehensive Final Examination & Graduation
Students in the thesis MS program must pass a final examination consisting of a comprehensive oral
examination.
Students must file a “Master’s Application for Degree” with the Graduate School early in the semester in
which they intend to graduate and complete a “Request for Master’s Examination & Degree Audit,”
approved by their major professor and master’s committee. The request must specify the major and minor
fields, thesis title, time and place proposed for the examination, and the members of the committee.
Students should initiate the request by completing the “Request for Master’s Examination & Degree Audit
form, arranging a date and time with their committee, and obtaining the necessary departmental
signatures. Upon approval, students must submit these documents to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies
to be signed and delivered to the Graduate School at least six weeks before the final date for submission
of approved theses (as listed in the Graduate School Calendar) and at least three weeks prior to the
proposed examination date.
To be eligible to take the final examination, students must have a 3.00 cumulative average and must be
registered for at least one credit hour of thesis research. Exams may be taken anytime the university is
open for business.
Students should provide their master’s committee with a copy of their thesis at least two weeks prior to the
date of their Final Examination. The committee will define the examination procedures and content,
although the examination is normally an oral defense of the thesis. In order for a student to pass this
examination, committee members can cast no more than one dissenting vote.
The student should correct the thesis as directed by the committee. It is highly advised that students make
an appointment to meet with the editor at the Graduate School prior to submission of the thesis so that
they are aware of all Graduate School submission guidelines. Approved theses, including Graduate
School corrections, must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than the deadline for submission of
approved theses in the regular semester following the final examination.
If the student’s major professor would like to have a bound copy of the final university approved thesis, the
student is obliged to provide one.
MASTER’S APPLICATION FOR DEGREE
REQUEST FOR MASTER’S EXAMINATION & DEGREE AUDIT
STEPS TO GRADUATION
THESIS/DISSERTATION ACCESS REQUEST FORM
Transfer of Credit
Graduate School Requirements
Students must have nine hours of graduate residence credit in a degree program at LSU and
be in academic good standing before submitting this form to the Graduate School. A maximum of
12 hours of transfer and/or LSU extension and/or non-matriculating credit may be transferred in
thesis and non-thesis programs as explained in the General Catalog under the "Transfer of Credit"
section. This includes a maximum of six hours of credit at the 6000 level and above.
Transfer work must have been taken for graduate residence credit with a grade of “B” or better and
must have been completed within five years of the time the student is eligible to submit this
request. See the “Transfer of Credit” section in the General Catalog for further stipulations.
Departmental Requirement
Students can transfer a maximum of nine hours of coursework to LSU for the MS degree
from another US institution with a maximum of two core courses eligible for transfer. Every
credit transfer is at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies.
REQUEST FOR TRANSFER/LSU EXTENSION OR NON-DEGREE WORK TO BE APPLIED TO THE
MASTER’S DEGREE
Time Limit
Programs for master’s degrees must be completed within five years, but full-time students should be
finished in 21 months. Coursework completed at LSU that is more than five years old can be validated by
the student’s graduate committee, usually through examination. Typically, MS students cannot receive
financial aid from the department for more than 21 months.
Second Master’s Degree
Students who wish to obtain a second master’s degree from the university must meet all academic and
residence requirements set by the Graduate School and department. A maximum of six hours from the
first degree may be applied toward the second degree. These hours must be listed on the “Master’s
Application for Degree” for the second master’s degree under the “Transfer or Petitioned Credits” section.
Typical Schedule (for a full-time thesis MS student entering with a BS in ChE)
Fall Year 1
Coursework: CHE 7110, CHE 7120, CHE 7130, three credits elective coursework
Research: select major professor, begin thesis research
Seminar: CHE 7800
Spring Year 1
Coursework: CHE 7140, nine credits elective coursework
Research: assistantship research
Seminar: CHE 7800
Summer Year 1
Research: six credits CHE 8000, assistantship research
Fall Year 2
Research: 12 credits CHE 8000, assistantship research
Seminar: CHE 7800
Spring Year 2
Research: 12 credits CHE 8000, assistantship research, completion of thesis
Seminar: CHE 7800
Other: graduation
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING
The Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (PhD in ChE) is conferred only for work of distinction in
which the student displays decided powers of original scholarship and only in recognition of marked ability
and achievement. The basic requirements are twofold: (1) A student must exhibit unmistakable evidence
of penetrating mastery of a rather broad major field. Such evidence is ordinarily provided by passing the
qualifying and general examinations. (2) A student must prove ability to complete a significant program of
original research by preparing a dissertation embodying creative scholarship and by passing a rigorous
final examination. The dissertation must add to the sum of existing knowledge and give evidence of
considerable literary skill.
Thesis Option
Hours Required
The PhD in ChE requires 24 hours of credit in dissertation research and a minimum of 30 hours of credit at
the graduate level. A minimum of 18 hours of credit in ChE courses at the 7000 level or above are
required, exclusive of any type of independent studies creditexcept for special project credit earned. The
remaining 12 hours of coursework can include graduate level courses in any department and may
constitute a formal minor or an informal collection of courses of interest.
Completion of the ChE graduate core program, CHE 7110 (Mathematical Methods in ChE), CHE 7120
(ChE Thermodynamics), CHE 7130 (Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transport), and CHE 7140
(Chemical Reactor Design Methods), or equivalents, is required.
At least one-half of the required credits must be in courses numbered 7000 or above (includes CHE 9000).
A minimum of six hours of coursework numbered 7000 or above must be taken at LSU, regardless of
transferred credit. The remainder can be numbered 4000 or above except as limited by the general
graduate student requirements of the department.
More details regarding LSU Graduate School requirements and regulations can be found in The
Graduate School section of the online LSU General Catalog.
Minor
PhD students are not required to complete a minor program of study. If a minor is desired, the minor
program and minor professor should be selected by the completion of the Qualifying Examination. The
specific requirements of the minor program of study will be defined by the minor professor in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the minor department. This normally entails 12 credits of coursework. The
minor professor also serves as a member of the student’s advisory committee for both the General and
Final Examinations.
Major Professor
During their first semester in residence, students learn about the ongoing research projects in the
department and are matched with their major professor through a draft process. During this process,
professors who plan to take on new students present their current research projects and meet with
students one-on-one. At the end of the first semester, a major professor is selected and research begins.
The major professor is formally approved by the graduate faculty and has primary responsibility for
advising and guiding progress toward the degree.
Academic Course Plan
The departmental-level academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with, and
approved by, the student’s major professor during the second semester following the student’s formal
admission to the doctoral program. The academic course plan must be reviewed, approved, and submitted
to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for approval by the Director of Graduate Studies on an annual
basis.
Qualifying Examination
To become a PhD candidate, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in the four core
courses and pass a written examination. The Qualifying Examination should be taken as early as possible
in the program of study, generally at the end of the first two semesters in residence. Eligible students are
typically given two opportunities to pass the examination.
Students with a cumulative GPA above 3.00 in the four core courses are eligible to proceed directly
through the PhD program. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the four core courses are permitted
to take the Qualifying Examination; however, a faculty-certified passing performance on the exam counts
as a “pass” performance only when a student successfully completes his or her MS thesis in this
department and only when his or her thesis committee formally recommends him or her to the PhD
program.
The Qualifying Examination is typically given once per year in two four-hour sessions held over two days,
immediately prior to spring commencement. The examination is at the advanced undergraduate or
beginning graduate level and requires completion of 12 questions, with a minimum of two in each of the
four core course areas. Perry’s Handbook will be provided during the examinationno other books or
notes will be allowed.
Students receiving financial assistance from the department are expected to have passed the examination
by the end of their second year in residence. Departmental approval is required to take the examination for
a third time or to receive financial aid after the second year without successful completion of the
examination.
NOTE: MS students considering switching to the PhD program are typically subject to these requirements
and should also take the Qualifying Examination in their first year of residence.
Advisory Committee
The advisory committee directs the student’s PhD program and evaluates his or her progress during the
General and Final Examinations. The committee consists of four or more members of the graduate
faculty. A majority of the voting members of the committee must be regular (not adjunct or affiliate) faculty
from the department. At least two of the members must be full members of the graduate faculty.
The student, in consultation with his or her major professor, tentatively selects the committee. The Dean of
the Graduate School will then appoint the committee, making any necessary changes from the list of
nominated faculty. In addition, the Dean of the Graduate School will appoint an outside member to the
committee, referred to as the Dean’s Representative (DR). The DR is a full voting member of the
committee and represents the Dean of the Graduate School and the entire graduate faculty.
General Examination
The General Examination is an oral defense of a written plan for doctoral research. Departmental
Guidelines for the PhD General Examination have been composed and approved by the department
faculty and are included at the end of this handbook.
Students become eligible to take the General Examination after successful completion of the Qualifying
Examination. The General Examination must be completed within 18 months of passing the Qualifying
Examination unless special permission to delay the examination is requested and received from the
department. A student’s contract may be revoked if he or she does not meet this requirement.
Students must file a “Doctoral Degree Audit & Request for General Examination,” approved by their major
professor and graduate advisory committee, with the Graduate School early in the semester in which they
plan to complete the examination. Upon approval, students must submit these documents to the
Coordinator of Graduate Studies to be signed and delivered to the Graduate School at least three weeks
prior to the planned date of the examination.
DOCTORAL DEGREE AUDIT & REQUEST FOR GENERAL EXAMINATION
Coates Awards
Students that have successfully completed their General Examination are eligible to apply for Charles E.
Coates Memorial Fund awards. The current application(s) are located at the end of this handbook.
Dissertation
Dissertation research and the dissertation are normally the only requirements for the PhD that remain after
completion or the General Examination. The dissertation must demonstrate a mastery of research
techniques, ability to conduct original and independent research, and skill in formulating conclusions that,
in some way, enlarge upon or modify accepted ideas. The form of the dissertation must be in accordance
with the Graduate School’s Formatting Electronic Theses & Dissertations handbook.
Distinguished Dissertation Awards
Any student who receives his or her doctoral degree at any of the three commencements in a calendar
year is eligible to be nominated for a Distinguished Dissertation Award.
Nomination packet must include the nomination form (completed by major professor), dissertation,
resume, department chair’s letter of recommendation, and additional supporting documentation from
within or outside the university.
DISTINGUISHED DISSERTATION CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
DISTINGUISHED DISSERTATION NOMINATION FORM
Final Defense & Graduation
Students must file an “Application for Doctoral Degree” with the Graduate School early in the semester in
which they intend to graduate and complete a “Request for Doctoral Final Examination,” approved by their
major professor and graduate advisory committee. The request must specify the major and minor fields,
dissertation title, time and place proposed for the examination, and the members of the advisory
committee.
Students should initiate the request by completing the “Request for Doctoral Final Examination” form,
arranging a date and time with their research committee, and obtaining the necessary departmental
signatures. Upon approval, students must submit these documents to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies
to be signed and delivered to the Graduate School at least six weeks before the final date for submission
of approved dissertations (as listed in the Graduate School Calendar) and at least three weeks prior to
the proposed examination date.
Students should provide their advisory committee with a copy of their dissertation at least two weeks prior
to the date of their Final Examination. The committee will define the examination procedures and content,
although the examination is normally an oral defense of the dissertation. For the student to pass the Final
Examination, committee members can cast no more than one dissenting vote.
The student should correct the dissertation as directed by the committee and, if the dissertation is then
acceptable to the committee, submit the necessary copies to the Graduate School by the date specified in
the Graduate School Calendar for that semester’s graduates. It is highly advised that students make an
appointment to meet with the editor at the Graduate School prior to submission of the dissertation so that
they are aware of all Graduate School submission guidelines.
If the student’s major professor would like to have a bound copy of the final university approved
dissertation, the student is obliged to provide one.
DOCTORAL DEGREE INSTRUCTIONS
APPLICATION FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE
REQUEST FOR DOCTORAL FINAL EXAM
THESIS/DISSERTATION ACCESS REQUEST FORM
THE SURVEY OF EARNED DOCTORATES (required of all doctoral students prior to document approval)
Transfer of Credit
Graduate School Requirement
Students must list all graduate level work previously taken on their Doctoral Degree Audit. If a
student would like to use courses from another university and has the department’s approval,
those courses should be listed on the Doctoral Degree Audit. Up to 24 credits of course credit (15
credits in the graduate core courses and nine credits of electives) can be transferred for a person
entering with an MS in Chemical Engineering.
Departmental Requirements
Students can transfer a maximum of nine hours of coursework to LSU for the PhD degree
from another US institution with a maximum of two core courses eligible for transfer. Every
credit transfer is at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies.
The student must have earned a grade of “A” or “B” in order to transfer courses. Pass/Fail courses
are not allowed to be transferred.
Time Limit
Programs for doctoral degrees must be completed within seven years, but full-time students should be
finished in five years. Coursework completed at LSU that is more than five years old can be validated by
the student’s graduate committee, usually through examination. Typically, PhD students cannot receive
financial aid from the department for more than five years. Students that enter the PhD program with an
MS will not normally be supported beyond 52 months.
Typical Schedule (for a full-time PhD student)
Fall Year 1
Coursework: CHE 7110, CHE 7120, CHE 7130, three credits elective coursework
Research: select major professor, begin thesis research
Seminar: CHE 7800
Spring Year 1
Coursework: CHE 7140, nine credits elective coursework
Research: assistantship research
Seminar: CHE 7800
Other: all eligible students are required to take the PhD Qualifying Examination
Summer Year 1
Research: six credits CHE 9000, assistantship research
Fall Year 2
Coursework: three to six credits elective coursework
Research: six to nine credits CHE 9000, assistantship research
Seminar: CHE 7800
Spring Year 2
Coursework: three to six credits elective coursework
Research: six to nine credits CHE 9000, assistantship research, preparation and defense of
dissertation proposal (PhD General Examination)
Seminar: CHE 7800
Other: repeat PhD Qualifying Examination if necessary
Summer Year 2
Research: six credits CHE 9000, assistantship research
Year 3 & Beyond
Coursework: complete major and minor requirements as necessary
Research: 12 credits CHE 9000 (if no coursework), assistantship research, completion of
dissertation
Seminar: CHE 7800
Other: PhD Final Examination, graduation
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
GRADUATE ASSISTANT CATEGORIES
Teaching Assistants
The vast majority of full-time, first-year graduate students in the department receive financial assistance in
the form of a graduate teaching assistantship. This assistantship is a half-time appointment, requiring
approximately 20 hours per week. The work required under the terms of a graduate teaching assistantship
is in addition to any CHE 8000 or CHE 9000 research for which the student has registered. For example, a
student on a half-time teaching assistantship that is enrolled in 12 credits of CHE 9000 would be expected
to devote 56 hours per week to teaching and research activities (20 hours for the assistantship and
12x3=36 hours for the research credits). Any deviation from this level of effort should be discussed with
the major professor.
Research Assistants
The vast majority of full-time, post-first-year graduate students in the department receive financial
assistance in the form of a graduate research assistantship. This assistantship is a half-time appointment,
requiring approximately 20 hours per week. The research required under the terms of a graduate research
assistantship is in addition to any CHE 8000 or CHE 9000 research for which the student has registered.
For example, a student on a half-time research assistantship that is enrolled in 12 credits of CHE 9000
would be expected to devote 56 hours per week to research activities (20 hours for the assistantship and
12x3=36 hours for the research credits). Any deviation from this level of effort should be discussed with
the major professor.
In general, all assistantship research is related to the student’s thesis or dissertation topic and all of the
work can be applied to his or her degree program. The assignment of duties and assessment of
performance on a research assistantship lies almost solely with the student’s major professor. It is
recommended that the student meet with his or her major professor early in the degree program to discuss
policies on assistantship duties, performance evaluation, expected level of effort, research and class time
requirements, and vacation. Please note that each faculty member is given wide latitude to structure his or
her research group and define its standards of performance and policies. There are undoubtedly
differences between groups within the department and it is up to the student to identify those groups within
which he or she can be most productive.
RULES & REGULATIONS
In addition to the policies defined by the major professor, there are a number of rules and regulations that
apply to students on graduate assistantships.
MANDATORY EMPLOYEE TRAINING
LSU POLICY STATEMENT 21.R10 (PS-21): GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
LSU POLICY STATEMENT 85.R00 (PS-85): PREPARATION OF TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Departmental Rules & Regulations
1. Students on graduate assistantships are expected to conduct research during the entire
year, including summers and semester breaks, but excluding staff holidays. Holidays are set
by the LSU System in accordance with the provisions of L. R. S. 1:55 F., which authorizes 14 paid
holidays per year. Any leave with continuation of pay under an assistantship requires approval of
the major professor. If the student is receiving his or her assistantship from departmental funds (as
opposed to external research contract funds), departmental approval may also be required for
leave with continuation of pay.
FY 2017-18, FY 2018-19, and FY 2019-20 LSU SYSTEM HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
2. All full-time graduate students holding research or teaching assistantships are expected to register
for at least 12 credit hours of graduate coursework during the fall and spring semesters and nine
credit hours of graduate coursework during the summer term unless:
a. the student is required to take six hours of English, in which case nine credits of coursework
are required,
b. the student has completed all course requirements, or
c. the student has obtained proper departmental authorization.
Failure to meet the coursework requirements will result in partial or complete loss of financial
assistance.
3. Students holding graduate assistantships are expected to make continued progress toward their
degree by remaining in good standing with the Graduate School, achieving satisfactory evaluations
in research, and meeting all deadlines of the degree program.
4. MS students cannot receive financial aid from the department for more than 21 months. PhD
students cannot receive financial aid from the department for more than five years. Students that
enter the PhD program with an MS will not normally be supported beyond 52 months.
a. Students supported by external grants and contracts may be extended special
consideration on duration of support in light of the extra requirements often associated with
such support (e.g., interim and final reports).
b. Students on departmental support will be supported up to one month following the
successful defense of their theses or dissertations, or until they turn in the final version of
their theses or dissertations, whichever comes first.
5. PhD students holding graduate assistantships are expected to have passed the Qualifying
Examination by the end of their second year in residence. Departmental approval is required to
receive financial aid after the second year without successful completion of the examination.
6. PhD students holding graduate assistantships are expected to have passed the General
Examination by the end of their third year in residence, or one year after completion of the
Qualifying Examination, whichever is earliest. Departmental approval is required to receive
financial aid after this date without successful completion of the examination.
7. Students are responsible for university fees and income taxes on their assistantship stipends.
These fees can be deferred at registration so that payments can be deducted monthly from their
pay. Students on graduate assistantships are granted full tuition waivers by the Graduate School,
as well as waivers of non-resident fees (if applicable).
8. Students on graduate assistantships are normally paid at the end of every month. Students are
required to have a bank account for direct deposits. For new students entering during the fall, the
first stipend checks will be distributed as soon as possible to cover the period from the start of
classes through the end of August. Students will receive their first full paycheck at the end of
September, assuming all required employment and tax documents have been submitted.
9. Outside employment for full-time students without departmental authorization will result in
immediate loss of assistantship.
EMPLOYMENT
General Information
All students must have a Baton Rouge mailing address, as one must be used on all employment forms.
Students will need to supply two forms of identification:
International students must submit their passport and I-20 to International Services (IS) at
International Student Orientation, as well as a photo ID and social security card (passport will
suffice until social security card is obtained) to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.
National/US students must submit their driver’s license (photo ID) and either their social security
card or birth certificate to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies. A valid US Passport may be
submitted in lieu of the above-mentioned documents.
FASOP: AS-25 STUDENT EMPLOYMENT BEST PRACTICES
Onboarding & Required Documents
Students who are new to employment at LSU must log into Workday and complete the Action Items found
in their Inbox. Failure to complete and submit the appropriate items will result in a delay in payment and/or
a cancellation of his or her assistantship. Step-by-step instructions for completing the onboarding process
can be accessed here. Required documents include:
1. Acknowledgement of Loyalty Oath, PS-67, PS-1, Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy, LSU
Board of Supervisors Bylaws & Regulations, and Health Insurance Coverage Notice (if
applicable). Students are required to complete these acknowledgement forms, indicating that they
have read, understand, and agree to comply with these policies. Students are urged to read each
policy carefully before completing the acknowledgements.
LSU POLICY STATEMENT 67.R05 (PS-67): MISUSE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
LSU POLICY STATEMENT 0001.R06 (PS-1): EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY
LSU PERMANENT MEMORANDUM 73 (PM-73): TITLE IX & SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
LSU POLICY STATEMENT 73.05 (PS-73): SEXUAL HARASSMENT
LSU POLICY STATEMENT 95 (PS-95): SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
LSU HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TITLE IX & SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
THE LIGHTHOUSE PROGRAM
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
LSU POLICE DEPARTMENT
STUDENT ADVOCACY & ACCOUNTABILITY
2. I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. This form must be completed by all students who
are new to employment at LSU. I-9 forms are required for each employee to verify identity and
employment eligibility. Each employee must complete and sign the form on or before the first day
of employment. An authorized representative of the department (typically the department HRM
contact) must examine and certify the authenticity of the documents presented as evidence of
identity and employment eligibility on or before the third day of employment.
I-9 FORM & INSTRUCTIONS
a. All non-US citizens who receive compensation from LSU are required to complete an
AS565 Alien Tax Information Request form and submit it to the Coordinator of Graduate
Studies as soon as possible.
AS565: ALIEN TAX INFORMATION REQUEST (ATAX)
b. Work Permit. All F-1 and J-1 students must have a valid, IS-approved work permit on file
with the LSU Payroll Office to be eligible to work on campus. Work permits typically expire
at the end of each semester (the expiration date is listed on the work permit). It is the
student’s responsibility to apply for work authorization PRIOR to the current work
authorization’s expiration date. Students will receive an e-mail from the LSU Payroll Office
reminding them to renew their work authorization 15 calendar days prior to the expiration
date. The student’s on-campus work authorization will be valid no earlier than the date the
student submits their work permission request via myLSU. IS cannot back date work
authorizations.
WORK PERMITS
LSU INTERNATIONAL SERVICES STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
c. Social Security Card. All international graduate assistants must apply for a Social Security
Number (SSN). Any F-1 or J-1 student who will be employed by LSU or has received
authorization from IS or USCIS to work for another employer in the US must apply for an
SSN. Receipt of this number will help ensure that you are paid in a timely manner. Students
are advised to apply for an SSN as soon as they have all of the required documentation
(listed below), as obtaining an SSN can take a month (or longer, in rare cases).
NOTE: Students must be in the US for a minimum of 10 days after completing IS
check-in (either at International Student Orientation or in 101 Hatcher Hall), to be
eligible to apply for an SSN.
LSU INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION
DSO LETTER REQUEST FORM FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
COMBINATION DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYER & ISO DSO LETTER FOR SOCIAL
SECURITY
Baton Rouge Social Security Administration Office
5455 Bankers Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Phone: 866-613-3070
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
View this location in Google Maps
Upon receipt of their SSN, students should:
immediately notify the LSU Payroll Office (204 Thomas Boyd Hall) and provide them
with a copy of the Social Security card. This is necessary in order to continue to receive
payment for on-campus employment,
immediately notify their employer and bank of their SSN, and
keep their Social Security card in a safe, secure place at home, along with their other
non-immigrant documents. Due to the possibility of identity theft, it is NOT advisable for
students to carry their Social Security cards in their wallets.
3. W-4 and L-4 Tax Forms. All students must complete W-4 and L-4 tax forms.
myLSU PORTAL: TAX DOCUMENTS
TAX WITHHOLDING
4. Add Payment Elections. Students holding assistantships must obtain a bank account and sign
up for direct deposit. Many students choose to use Campus Federal Credit Union, as it is located
on campus.
PAYROLL SCHEDULES (Graduate assistants are Academic & Unclassified: SALARY employees)
CAMPUS FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONCHECKING ACCOUNTS
CONTACTS & HELPFUL RESOURCES
CAIN DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Website: http://www.lsu.edu/eng/che
Main Office: 3307 Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Phone: 225-578-1426
Fax: 225-578-1476
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
R.E. Landry
Office: 3307B Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Phone: 225-578-3067
E-mail: relandry@lsu.edu
LAB SAFETY
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (ChEGSA)
ALUMNI NEWSLETTERS
CHE FACULTY DIRECTORY
CHE GRADUATE STUDENT DIRECTORY
CHE STAFF DIRECTORY
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
Website: http://www.lsu.edu/graduateschool
Main Office: 114 West David Boyd Hall
Phone: 225-578-2311
Fax: 225-578-2112
E-mail: graddeanoffice@lsu.edu
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
ENROLLED STUDENT FORMS
ENROLLED STUDENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ASSISTANTSHIPS & FUNDING
GRADUATION INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES (IS)
Website: http://www.lsu.edu/intlpro/is
Main Office: 101 Hatcher Hall
Phone: 225-578-3191
Fax: 225-578-1413
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
STUDENT FORMS
MAINTAINING F-1 STATUS
MAINTAINING J-1 STATUS
CHANGE OF STATUS
REGAINING F-1 STATUS
REGAINING J-1 STATUS
TRAVEL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICE CHARGE
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION
OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR
Website: www.lsu.edu/registrar/
Main Office: 112 Thomas Boyd Hall
Phone: 225-578-1686
Fax: 225-578-5991
E-mail: registrar@lsu.edu
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
RESIDENCY
COMMENCEMENT
BURSAR OPERATIONS
Website: http://www.lsu.edu/administration/ofa/oas/bur/
Main Office: 125 Thomas Boyd Hall
Phone: 225-578-3357
Fax: 225-578-3969
E-mail: bursar@lsu.edu
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME LSU ID ORIG TERM
DEGREE OBJ MAJOR PROF ASSISTANTSHIP
DOB SEX RACE
CITIZENSHIP PERMANENT US RESIDENT
LSU E-MAIL
LOCAL ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
PERSONS TO BE NOTIFIED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (MUST BE LOCAL)
NAME RELATION TO PERSON LISTED ABOVE
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
Office room number Office phone number Access/key(s) given
GF-01: GRADUATE STUDENT
INFORMATION FORM
RELATION TO PERSON LISTED ABOVENAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
89-
@lsu.edu
blank
unassigned
Teaching Assistant
blank
n/a
n/a
blank
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
unknown
GUIDELINES FOR THE PHD GENERAL EXAMINATION
When preparing for the General Examination, students should keep in mind that they must accomplish the
following four objectives:
1. Demonstrate mastery and critical understanding of the literature relevant to the chosen research
topic.
2. Propose and defend a very specific research idea that is (a) novel (not a repeat of others’ ideas)
and (b) fundamentally sound (based on well-understood principles of chemical engineering).
3. Show preliminary results from their own independent experiments or modeling effortsto confirm
their ability to carry out the research necessary for completing the PhD program.
4. Define a specific schedule, with milestones, to complete the work proposed.
In addition, students should seek input from their advisory committee throughout their research program.
EXAMINATION
The General Examination consists of two parts—a written document (to be reviewed by the student’s
advisory committee) and an oral presentation (to be presented to that committee).
Written Document
The written document should be distributed to the advisory committee at least two weeks prior to the date
of the oral presentation.
Format
12-point font
double-spaced text (except abstract and references, which are to be single-spaced)
1-inch margins all around
maximum of 30 pages (not including cover page)
Contents
Abstract
o one-page summary of the proposed research projectsummarizing the objective of the
project, the rationale for the project, what makes the project novel, and the technical
approach being taken
Context, Definition, and Objectives of the Proposed Research Project
o background material establishing context and motivation, with a critical analysis (not just a
summary) of the relevant literature
o definition of the research problem to be addressed
o statement of the objectives of the research project
Technical Approach
o how the research is to be conductedinclude detail of:
experimental equipment and methods (if relevant)
computational approach and methods (if relevant)
theoretical approach (if relevant)
o specification of the results being sought (be as specific as possible; e.g., measurements of
y vs. x, in the ranges of p to q, at r increments of x)
o explanation of how the results will address the research problem identified
o presentation and description/discussion of the student’s original results to date
o how results obtained at intermediate stages might be used to determine subsequent routes
of investigation (if appropriate)
Plan of Progress
o progress chart with milestones and timeline/schedule for completion of the components of
the research project
Literature References
o full citations of literature cited
o must be in accordance with the Graduate School’s Formatting Electronic Theses &
Dissertations handbook
Oral Presentation
The oral presentation lasts 30 minutes and will be followed by questions from the advisory committee.
CERTIFICATION
The advisory committee, with no more than one dissenting vote, certifies completion of the General
Examination.
A student whose General Examination is not certified by the committee may, at the discretion of the
examination committee, make corrections to the written proposal and, within 30 days of the first oral
presentation, schedule a new oral examination for the purpose of correcting problems with the first
attempt. As with the first attempt, the examination committee certifies the completion of the General
Examination with no more than one dissenting vote. At this time, a student not receiving certification may
apply to the department chairperson for assignment of a new major professor and project in a different
field of chemical engineering. However, the time limit on the certification of the General Examination
remains in effect. A student who is unable to complete the written part to the satisfaction of the major
professor may apply to the department chairperson for assignment of a new major professor.
updated 11/7/2016
DR. CHARLES E. COATES MEMORIAL FUND
CONFERENCE TRAVEL AWARDS CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
AWARD DESCRIPTION
This award is only available to PhD students in the Cain Department of Chemical Engineering.
The award reimburses up to $1,000 of eligible travel expenses with a limit of one award per academic year and a total of
three travel awards per student. The travel must be to a national or international conference at which the student presents
the results of his/her doctoral research in the form of a poster or oral presentation. The student must be both an author
and presenter of the research and have the recommendation of his/her thesis advisor and department chair.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Application packages must include
a completed, signed application form (see next page),
a current resume/CV,
a one-page statement outlining why the student opted to present at the conference and its significance in regards
to his/her PhD studies,
and a one-page letter of support from the student’s major professor (should include date degree is expected, date
general exam was passed, and the name of the journal in which publication is planned).
Applications must be submitted electronically to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Rachel Landry, at
relandry@lsu.edu.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to travel.
AWARDING PROCEDURE
Students selected to receive the award must
submit an acceptance or invitation from the conference organizer to present the research,
submit a copy of the final abstract (with author list), and
follow LSU procedures for travel authorization and reimbursement (please see Darla Dao in room 120, Chemical
Engineering Building, for assistance).
ABOUT THE CHARLES E. COATES MEMORIAL FUND
Charles E. Coates’ legacy of dedication to graduate study has been preserved over the years by the commitment,
achievement, and high caliber of each class of graduate students. Their achievements could not be realized without the
assistance of the Charles E. Coates Memorial Fund, established in 1964 in memory of one of LSU’s early professors of
chemistry.
The Coates Fund assists full-time chemical engineering, chemistry, and physics doctoral students in their research
endeavors through four awards: outstanding dissertation, conference travel, research travel, and scholar research.
updated 11/7/2016
DR. CHARLES E. COATES MEMORIAL FUND
APPLICATION FOR CONFERENCE TRAVEL AWARD CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Must be submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Studies at least 30 days prior to travel. Attach current resume/CV, one-
page statement outlining why you have opted to present at the conference and its significance in regards to your PhD
studies, one-page letter of support from your major professor (should include date degree is expected, date general exam
was passed, and the name of the journal in which publication is planned).
Student Information
Name: LSU ID#:
Email:
Major Professor:
Conference Information
Conference Name:
Conference Location:
Conference Dates:
Presentation Information
Presentation Type:
Presentation Title:
Author List:
Signatures
Student: Date:
Major Professor: Date:
Department Chair or
Director of Graduate Studies: Date:
Poster Presentation