Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS)
The DGS Role
The director of graduate studies (DGS) serves as the administrative supervisor and coordinator of graduate studies within a program, overseeing all components of graduate education and promoting academic quality and integrity. The DGS functions as the primary liaison among graduate faculty, graduate students, and The Graduate School (TGS). As such, the DGS should be aware of programs developments that affect graduate faculty, be available, present, and responsive to students, and be familiar with TGS policies and procedures.
The DGS is responsible for fostering the academic strength of the program and supporting the educational and professional success of its graduate students. This charge must be carried out within the guidelines and regulations established by the program, graduate faculty, TGS, and the collective bargaining agreement with graduate students. While the work of a DGS differs across programs depending on the size and any unique administrative practices, the DGS Position Description describes the duties and responsibilities that most DGSes at Northwestern fulfill.
Resources
The Graduate School (TGS) provides various resources for directors of graduate studies (DGS), including:
- A dedicated Canvas site titled TGS Resources for Directors of Graduate Studies. Please email TGS Academic Affairs to request access.
- This guide listing resources for assisting and referring graduate students.
- A DGS Orientation hosted each fall, offering useful resources to faculty who are new to this role. During this orientation, TGS staff present on the duties and responsibilities of the DGS, the admissions process, TGS policies, and other pertinent information. Please email TGS Academic Affairs for upcoming orientation dates.
- Quarterly meetings to provide updates on TGS initiatives, spotlight best practices across programs, discuss new and existing policies, and collaborate with DGS and TGS colleagues.
- Information and training materials for TGS’s Admissions and Recruitment System, CollegeNET.
Quick Links
- TGS Staff List
- TGS Policies
- Graduate Student Progress and Forms
- CollegeNET
- Career Outcomes Reporting System
Contact List Updates
New to the DGS role or stepping down? Please complete the TGS Contact Form to notify relevant TGS units of the change.