Academic Honesty

Equipment and
Facilities

Computers

Photocopiers

Keys

Security

Vehicle Use

Health Insurance

Graduate Research Assistant Obligations

Check Out

Graduate Student Handbook

V. General Responsibilities of Graduate Students

A. Academic Honesty

Students are expected to demonstrate honesty in all aspects of their academic work. Documented evidence to the contrary, after due process, will lead to termination of graduate studies.

B. Equipment and Facilities

Not all programs have the same equipment and facilities at their disposal. Therefore, it may be necessary to borrow equipment or use a lab. Students should obtain the project leader's permission before using a lab or borrowing a piece of equipment and obtain proper instruction in its care and use. Both students and staff are expected to exercise good judgment in the use of all laboratories and equipment and to return borrowed equipment promptly and in good condition.

C. Computers

Computer rooms are available for use by students in the Department. Other computers are located in offices throughout the Department. Research projects have priority for use of computers. Computers furnished by the Department may be used for writing theses and for coursework assignments when not being used for research projects. Copying computer software is illegal. Failure to abide by the law can result in fines or dismissal. If you need software, check with your major professor or the Network Computing Manager. Funds may be available for purchasing required software.

D. Photocopies

Departmental copying equipment is to be used only for copying materials that are directly related to the official business of the Department. You must have a copy machine access code. This can be obtained from your major professor.

E. Keys

Keys permitting access to buildings and offices, laboratories, greenhouses, research farms, growth chambers, and other facilities are issued to graduate students. See CSS Office Manager for forms and procedure for obtaining keys. Keys should not be kept where they can be easily taken by others. Lost keys must be reported promptly to the department. Keys should not be used for access to offices or laboratories outside your immediate areas without permission from the person in charge. Keys must be returned on completion of the study program.

F. Security

Students who expect to be in buildings after working hours should obtain an After-Hours Work Permit from the main office. This provides authorization to study or work in the areas listed on the permit. Graduate students should take responsibility for assuring that laboratory and office doors are locked when not in use and that windows are secured, etc. to help reduce loss from theft.

G. Vehicle Use

Operators of state-owned vehicles must be employees of the State of Oregon (this includes Graduate Assistants) and have a valid driver's license. Students may drive a vehicle only after prior permission is obtained from the responsible faculty member. In addition to “driving defensively,” keep public relations in mind. These vehicles are very visible, and you are a representative of the State. Under no conditions shall state cars be used for personal purposes. The student must get a Motor Pool form from the departmental Office Manager, fill it out and return it to the Office Manager for processing. This must be renewed every September.

H. Health Insurance

Graduate assistants are required to be enrolled in a University-offered health insurance plan unless they can prove they are covered by equal or better coverage through another provider. For details on the OSU International Student Health Insurance plan, the OSU Graduate Assistant Employee Health Insurance plan, and Student Health Services please visit the Student Health Services website.

I. Graduate Research Assistant Obligations

Graduate students on assistantship appointments (GRA) are employees, and have obligations for work on Departmental projects. Work schedules will be decided by the major professor. It is recognized that thesis research may contribute to Experiment Station projects; consequently, there may be little distinction between project work obligations and thesis work. Graduate Research Assistants are expected to contribute to Departmental activities by serving on committees and/or helping with other activities as deemed appropriate in consultation with their major professor.

A student on a 0.49 FTE Graduate Research Assistantship may enroll for 48 credit hours per year, and must enroll for at least 12 credit hours each academic term.

Students are often moved to time card pay during the summer term as few courses are offered and field and laboratory work loads are typically high. International students may be required to maintain their GRA/GTA through summer terms to maintain visa status.

It is important to recognize that Graduate School is a unique opportunity for educational, professional, scientific, and personal growth. As such, to fully benefit from this experience, the assistantship should not be viewed as a typical job. Rather, the greater the effort, the greater the long-term benefit for the student.

J. Checking Out

At the end of the study programs, graduate students are responsible for a number of items outlined in the following check-out sheet:

Departure Check-Out Sheet

_____ Schedule and Perform an exit interview with the Department Head or Unit Associate Head

_____ Clean laboratory areas, throw away samples, return equipment and supplies

_____ Save electronic copies of your final thesis and figure files

_____ Make arrangements with your major professor and network staff to cancel your account and erase files

_____ Delete your other files from computer network and departmental computers

_____ Return books

_____ Return keys

_____ Leave mail forwarding information with main office personnel

_____ Leave permanent contact information and current employment or student status