Introduction
Graduate students are a vital component of the teaching and research mission of SFA as well as apprentices to a profession; thus, their role frequently reflects the diversity and challenges of the entire university. Graduate students are expected, indeed required, to function under highly professional standards of independent study and research and work cooperatively and sensitively with others. You may need, from time to time, information on resources, personnel, organizational structure, problem resolution and other materials to aid in successful completion of this period of training. This handbook presents some essential information and guidelines that will enable you to begin a career in graduate work efficiently and professionally. The faculty, staff and students of SFA welcome and encourage you as you begin an important intellectual endeavor.

Graduate Bulletin - Catalog
The SFA Graduate Bulletin - Catalog, published every two years, is the single most valuable official administrative document regulating graduate school policies, procedures, regulations, programs and curricula. All graduate students must assume full responsibility for familiarity with its provisions as well as full responsibility for the requirements of their chosen degree program. Students should bear in mind that information and changes may be announced through official administrative notices, Graduate Office newsletters, and/or minutes of the Graduate Council. Moreover, individual colleges and departments may have requirements beyond those established by the Graduate School. The diversity of disciplinary studies within departments and colleges means that each academic unit within the university will have many unique features and requirements. Flexibility, vigilance, and cooperation are necessary on the part of a graduate student to ensure smooth progression to a higher degree.

Organizational Structure
The Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research is responsible for the academic program of all graduate students, for supervision of admissions, academic documentation, thesis registration and completion, as well as for carrying out the assigned policies and standards recommended by the Graduate Council and approved by the administration and the Board of Regents. Office staff can and do assist graduate students in many areas and are a most valuable asset in implementing and completing a program.

The Graduate School at SFA functions legislatively under a nine-member Board of Regents, appointed by the governor of the state of Texas and confirmed by the Senate. While the board sets general policies for the entire university, the daily tasks of management rest directly upon university administrative teams.