On this page:

---

Other links of interest

A Guide to Completing Your Master’s Degree in Three Years or Less:
Thesis-Track

Semester 1 (Fall)

Your first semester is a time to settle into the TCBES program, complete core coursework, and begin refining your thesis research interests. Meet regularly with your advisor and participate in lab group meetings. Spend time reviewing relevant journal articles to help focus your research direction. By the end of the semester, you and your advisor should have a clear idea of your thesis topic, and you may begin preliminary data collection or analysis.

Semester 2 (Spring)

In your second semester, you’ll complete your remaining core courses and one or two electives. Continue meeting with your advisor regularly. This semester, you should accomplish two major goals:

1. Establish your thesis committee
2. Complete your thesis proposal

Although the proposal can be finalized during the summer, it is highly recommended to complete it during this semester to stay on track for finishing your degree within three years.

---

---

---

1st Summer

Unlike undergraduate programs, graduate students are expected to use summer for research and professional development. This is an ideal time for fieldwork, data analysis, and writing. If you haven’t yet submitted your proposal, you must do so before August to register for thesis credits in Semester 3.

You may also attend or present at summer conferences. Be sure to schedule some personal time as well—maintaining balance is essential.

Semester 3 (Fall)

By now, your thesis proposal should be approved and submitted to the Graduate Division. Continue meeting with your advisor and lab group. Focus primarily on thesis research, data collection, analysis, and writing. Coursework should only be taken as needed.

By the end of this semester, take pride in your progress—and enjoy a well-earned holiday break.

Semester 4 (Spring)

Continue engaging in lab meetings and one-on-one advising. Your main focus should be finalizing your thesis research, analysis, and writing. You should also plan to present a 15-minute research talk at the TCBES Symposium in April.

If you’re on track, submit the Thesis/Project/Dissertation Defense Schedule form by the required deadline to defend your thesis this semester.

2nd Summer

Dedicate this summer to completing your thesis. Focus on data analysis, writing, and final revisions. If you defended in the spring, you’ll need to finalize your thesis manuscript and submit Form 3 by the Graduate Division deadline.

Additional Time

It’s not uncommon for a master’s degree to take more than two years. However, with careful planning and steady progress—particularly on your thesis proposal—you can stay on track to graduate in three years or fewer. The TCBES program expects all students to complete their degree within eight semesters.

---

What Goes Into a Thesis Proposal?

Before You Begin

Be sure to meet with your advisor and committee to discuss their expectations for your thesis proposal. The content and structure may vary depending on your project and field of study.

General Structure of a Thesis Proposal

• Background Information: Provide context for your study and explain its significance
• Chapter Objectives: Clearly outline the goals of each section or chapter
• Methods: Describe your research design, data collection, and analysis methods
• Timeline: Include a realistic schedule for completing your research and writing
• Budget: If applicable, outline anticipated expenses (e.g., travel, materials, analysis)

Proposal Defense

Coordinate with your advisor and committee to clarify expectations for the proposal defense meeting. Discuss:

• Whether presentation slides are required
• The recommended structure and length of your presentation
• Which sections to focus on during your talk
• How much time to allocate for Q&A and discussion

Room Reservation for Defense

All rooms must be reserved at least 10 business days in advance. For facility and room reservation requests, email: uhhrooms@hawaii.edu or search for an available room via the UH Hilo Facility Reservations.

Thesis Format Requirements

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the final manuscript adheres to both the UH Hilo Graduate Division guidelines and program-specific requirements. Follow the UH Mānoa Style and Policy Guide for Electronic Theses and Dissertations with the following exceptions:

• Signature Page: Do not include a signature page in your manuscript. Committee approval is captured via Form 3, not within the thesis itself.
• Abstract: An abstract is required. Refer to the ProQuest/UMI Guide for formatting instructions.
• Margins: Use the margin specifications outlined in the ProQuest/UMI guide.

Submission Instructions

All graduate theses must be submitted through ETD Administrator, a web-based submission and publishing platform.

1. Create an account on the ETD Administrator site
2. Follow the step-by-step submission process
3. Review publishing options, copyright considerations, and FAQs
4. Submit by the required deadline listed in the UH Hilo Academic Calendar

If online submission is not possible, contact the Mookini Library at (808) 932-7296 for alternative arrangements. Learn more about HŌKŪ, the Mookini Library’s institutional repository: HŌKŪ Fact Sheet.

---

Thesis-Track Completion Timeline:
2-Year vs. 3-Year Plan

2-Year Track	3-Year Track	Milestones & Goals
Fall 1	Fall 1	1. Meet with advisor and sign advising compact CBES 602 Research Seminar in TCBES (1) ; 2. Begin thesis planning; 3. Take core and elective courses (min. 7 credits); 4. Begin selecting thesis committee
Spring 1	Spring 1 and Summer 1	1. Finalize and submit Form 1 (Graduate Committee Formation); 2. Discuss thesis plans with committee; 3. Begin writing thesis proposal; 4. Complete core courses and continue electives
Summer 1	Fall 2	1. Obtain committee approval of thesis proposal; 2. Submit Form 2 (Thesis/Project/Dissertation Proposal); 3. Submit 700-level Thesis/Dissertation Form (by first week of semester)
Fall 2	Spring 2	1. Meet with committee for updates; 2. Conduct thesis research; 3. Enroll in thesis and elective credits as needed
Spring 2	Summer 2 / Fall 3 / Spring 3	1. Submit Graduation Application Form early (even if you are not 100% complete); 2. Complete all coursework; 3. Finish thesis writing and submit Thesis/Project/Dissertation Form; 4. Submit Defense Schedule Form by deadline; 5. Reserve a room for your defense
Spring 2 / Summer 2	Spring 3 / Summer 3	1. Defend and receive final thesis approval; 2. Submit Form 3 (Thesis/Project/Dissertation Completion); 3. Graduate!

A Guide to Completing Your Master’s Degree in Two Years or Less:
Professional Internship-Track

Semester 1 (Fall)

Your first semester is focused on adjusting to the TCBES program, completing core coursework, exploring your career goals, and identifying a potential focus for your professional internship. As part of the professional internship course series, you’ll reflect on your personal values and professional aspirations to identify an internship that supports both your development and the needs of a host organization.

You should:

• Read relevant journal articles to sharpen your scientific interests
• Research agencies and NGOs whose work aligns with your goals
• Meet with the TCBES Internship Coordinator (Lisa Canale) to explore placement options

By the end of the semester, you should aim to secure an internship placement and begin developing your scope of work and deliverables. In some cases, you may begin preliminary internship tasks.

Semester 2 (Spring)

In your second semester, you’ll continue core coursework, enroll in the next professional internship course, and possibly take an elective. You should stay in regular communication with both your advisor and your internship mentor. Your primary goal this semester is to complete your Professional Internship Proposal.

---

---

---

1st Summer

Graduate programs typically do not include a full summer break. This summer is dedicated to conducting your professional internship. If your proposal was not completed in Spring but your internship begins in Summer, request approval to proceed from the Internship Coordinator. You must also enroll in CBES 690 and will:

• Participate in regular check-ins with the course instructor
• Maintain a professional internship work log and a photo journal

You may also attend local summer conferences. Don’t forget to take some personal time—work-life balance is key to long-term success.

Semester 3 (Fall)

In Semester 3, you will continue your internship, working toward the 600-hour requirement. You’ll also continue in the professional internship course series and take two electives. Regular meetings with your advisor are encouraged. Use this semester to:

• Update your proposal to reflect any changes in project direction
• Begin finalizing deliverables

Semester 4 (Spring)

Your final semester focuses on completing your graduation requirements. You will:

• Finish the professional internship course sequence
• Take remaining electives
• Synthesize your internship experience
• Write your Professional Internship Report
• Develop and deliver your Public Presentation

You are encouraged to present a 15-minute project talk at the TCBES Symposium in April. If on track, submit the Graduation Application Form and reserve a room for your presentation by the posted deadlines.

Your report and presentation must be reviewed and approved by your mentor and advisor. Once approved, you will:

• Deliver your public presentation
• Submit Form 3: Thesis/Project/Dissertation Completion
• Submit the Non-Exclusive Distribution License for UH Hilo Graduate Works form

If all requirements are met, you will graduate. Congratulations!

Additional Time

It is not uncommon for a master’s degree to take more than two years. However, with early planning and consistent progress, you’ll be well-positioned to complete your M.S. in a timely manner.

---

Professional Internship-Track Completion Timeline:
2-Year Plan

Semester	Milestones & Goals
Fall 1	1. Meet with advisor to discuss plan of study and professional internship ideas; 2. Sign advising compact (administered in CBES 602); 3. Begin core courses and internship credit series; 4. Secure a professional internship placement; 5. Submit Form 1 (Graduate Committee Formation)
Spring 1	1. Collaborate with mentor agency and internship coordinator to design your internship; 2. Complete core courses and begin electives; 3. Continue internship credits; 4. Write and submit professional internship proposal; 5. Submit Form 2 (Thesis/Project/Dissertation Proposal)
Summer 1	1. Enroll in internship credits; 2. Conduct professional internship work and maintain required logs/documentation
Fall 2	1. Take remaining electives; 2. Continue internship credit series; 3. Complete professional internship
Spring 2	1. Submit Graduation Application Form early (see deadlines); 2. Confirm all coursework is completed with advisor; 3. Finalize and submit professional internship report; 4. Reserve a room for project presentation; 5. Obtain final approval from mentor agency and advisor; 6. Deliver public presentation; 7. Submit Form 3 (Thesis/Project/Dissertation Completion); 8. Non-Exclusive Distribution License for their project; 9. Graduate!

Graduate Forms Guide for TCBES Students

Most graduate forms are available online through the Graduate Division. Once on the site, follow instructions to begin the electronic signing process.

Key Forms by Track

Thesis-Track Students Need

• Form 1: Committee Formation
• Form 2: Thesis Proposal Approval
• Form 3: Completion of Requirements
• Thesis Defense Schedule Form

Professional Internship-Track Students Need

• Form 1: Committee Formation
• Form 3: Completion of Requirements
• Non-Exclusive Distribution License (for HŌKŪ library submission)
• Form 2 may be required at the discretion of the Internship Coordinator

---

Detailed Overview of Forms

Form 1 – Committee Formation
Used to officially appoint your graduate committee. Your advisor and any committee members must sign.

Form 2 – Proposal Approval
Approval of your thesis or professional internship proposal. Submit this before registering for thesis credits (CBES 700).

Form 3 – Degree Completion
Confirms you have met all program requirements and are approved to graduate.

CBES 700 Thesis Credit Form
Required for each semester you register for thesis credits. You must complete at least 6 credits of CBES 700 to graduate. No grade or credit will appear in STAR until after your thesis is approved and degree is conferred.

Thesis Defense Schedule Form (Thesis-Track only)
Submit this after selecting your defense date and securing a room. The form must be approved electronically via Kuali Build by your advisor and the Graduate Division Specialist.

• Deadlines: November 15 (Fall) and April 15 (Spring)

Graduation Application
Must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in the semester you intend to graduate.

• Deadlines: September 15 (Fall) and March 15 (Spring)

Non-Exclusive Distribution License
Required for Internship Track students submitting their final report to the UH Hilo Library via HŌKŪ.

---

Special Permission & Petition Forms

Petition to Substitute and/or Waive Courses
Use this form to take 400-level courses for graduate credit (max. 6 credits).

Permission to Register in (Subject) 500 Course
Used in special cases for maintaining continuous enrollment. Contact your advisor before initiating.

Directed Reading or Research Course Form (599V, 699V, 799V)
CBES 699 allows for customized coursework. But, note that:

• As of August 2024, a maximum of 3 credits of CBES 699 can count toward TCBES elective requirements.
• The course must meet UH Hilo's Credit Hour Policy: 1 credit = ~3 hours of weekly work over 15 weeks.
• CBES 699 cannot be built around 100–200-level courses.
• It may complement 300-level courses (with instructor permission) but cannot be used for graduate credit in that course directly.

To initiate a CBES 699

1. Discuss the idea with your advisor (and committee if applicable).
2. Identify an instructor of record (advisor can assist).
3. Work with the instructor to draft a syllabus that includes:

• Objectives and learning outcomes
• Instructional methods and resources
• Deliverables (e.g., reports, summaries)
• Evaluation methods and grading breakdown
• Timeline of activities

4. Submit the Directed Studies Form with all required attachments and signatures to the Graduate Division.

---

Additional Forms

Student Overload Approval
Required to register for more than 15 credits (Fall/Spring) or 12 credits (Summer).

Graduate Repeat Course Notification
Submit if you are repeating a course.

Leave of Absence Petition
Allows up to 1 year leave for personal or academic reasons, with approval.

Permission to Enroll in Graduate Coursework as an Unclassified Student
For individuals not currently enrolled in a UH Hilo degree program. Note: CBES 600 and 601 are reserved for TCBES degree-seeking students.

Permission to Enroll as an Undergraduate in Graduate Coursework
For advanced undergraduates seeking approval to take a graduate-level course. Instructor approval required.

---

Hard Copy Exceptions

Although most forms are electronic, you may occasionally need a hard copy version. For assistance, contact the Graduate Division Specialist at hilograd@hawaii.edu or visit CoBE 201.

Affiliate & Adjunct Faculty

Purpose of Affiliate Faculty Status

Affiliate status allows individuals to serve on TCBES student committees, mentor Professional Internship students, teach 600-level graduate courses at UH Hilo, and serve as Principal Investigators (PIs) on grants. For definitions, see the Affiliate and Adjunct Faculty Reference Page.

Professional Qualifications for Affiliate Faculty

Applicants should:

• Hold a graduate degree (Ph.D. or M.S. with five years of professional experience in a field aligned with TCBES).
• Demonstrate high-level expertise relevant to TCBES programs, comparable to regular faculty.
• Maintain good standing in their professional and academic community and follow their field's ethical standards.

Expectations of Affiliate/Adjunct Faculty

Affiliate or Adjunct Faculty are expected to:

1. Contribute actively to TCBES through one or more of the following:

• Teaching graduate-level (600 or 400/600 dual-listed) courses
• Serving on thesis committees
• Mentoring Professional Internship students
• Providing in-kind resources (e.g., equipment, space, field access)
• Writing grants through UH Hilo (must include a regular UH Hilo faculty as personnel in MyGRANT)
• Co-authoring publications or presentations with TCBES students, faculty, or staff
• Giving seminars or guest lectures

2. Maintain professional competence and a personal commitment to education and scholarship.
3. Support the goals and reputation of TCBES and foster a collegial environment.
4. Ensure sustained and meaningful academic contributions.
5. Acknowledge TCBES in all affiliated academic and outreach activities.

Invitation and Approval Process

Based on the UH Hilo Graduate Council Guidelines (Approved 12–09–16)

1. A tenured or tenure-track TCBES faculty member, or the TCBES Director/Associate Director, may initiate a nomination.
2. The TCBES Director submits the nomination to TCBES faculty for a majority vote.
3. If approved, the request is forwarded to the Chair of the Graduate Council with supporting materials (e.g., CV).
4. The Graduate Council reviews and makes a recommendation to the TCBES Director.
5. The Director forwards the recommendation to the appropriate College Dean for final approval or denial.
6. If approved, the Dean issues a formal invitation outlining expectations and forwards the decision to Human Resources to begin the appointment process.

---

Special Considerations

Emeritus Faculty

UH Hilo Emeritus faculty are exempt from the invitation and approval process and do not need a non-compensated appointment. Emeritus faculty from other institutions must undergo the full appointment process.

Faculty in Federal Cooperative Units

Faculty from federal/state cooperative units are treated as UH Hilo faculty for committee service and chairing. Review by the Graduate Council is required, but Dean-level approval is not.

Appointment Renewal

Renewals do not require the full invitation process but are handled internally by the program and the Dean’s office.

---

UH Executive Policy E5.221: Affiliate and Adjunct Appointments

Affiliate Faculty

1. The title Affiliate faculty is a non-compensated appointment to UH at Hilo, usually to professional personnel in residence in Hawaiʻi County with a particular interest or capability which may contribute to the teaching or research program of the College; except for occasional lectures or consulting with individual students, affiliate faculty do no teaching.

2. The Dean of the College recommends appointments to this title only after review and approval have taken place within the appropriate UH at Hilo discipline. Appointments to this title carry no implied obligation for future appointment to instructional positions.

Adjunct Faculty

Non-compensated faculty appointments shall utilize the appropriate "Adjunct" title in accordance with the following guidelines for employing the adjunct faculty series:

1. The Adjunct faculty series is intended to encourage the utilization of qualified, experienced persons from the local community in appropriate educational programs and thereby to enhance and improve the integration of practical real world experience with conceptual, theoretical, and vicarious instruction.

2. The Adjunct faculty series (which does not replace any current category of appointment) will be non-compensated appointments with each appointment appropriately ranked by training and experience analogous to regular faculty.

3. The ranks in the adjunct faculty series will be:

   • Adjunct Instructor
   • Adjunct Assistant Professor
   • Adjunct Associate Professor
   • Adjunct Professor

4. Appointments to this series will be upon invitation, will not exceed one year, and are to be the specific instructional term or terms for which the appointee has agreed to accept responsibilities.

5. The appointment and ranking procedure utilized will be identical to that employed in the regular faculty appointment process with the exception that the recruiting and advertising aspects for compensated appointments will not be required.

6. Reappointments of Adjunct faculty at the same rank or at a different rank must be reviewed in the same manner as other faculty appointments. Changing the rank upward will require full appointment review by peers but will not involve a "promotion" process since each year's appointment is considered essentially as a new appointment.

7. This series is effective immediately, may be utilized by all units, and appointments may be delegated to the Chancellor or designee.

Student Conduct

The TCBES Code of Conduct outlines expectations for professionalism, integrity, and respectful engagement in academic, research, and community settings. It ensures a supportive, ethical, and collaborative environment where students uphold scientific excellence and mālama ʻāina.

Related Policies & Resources:

• TCBES Student Code of Professionalism
• UH Hilo Student Conduct Code
• UH Hilo Graduate Student Rights & Responsibilities

Problem-Solving and Accountability

Faculty

The following process is in place to address concerns if questions exist about faculty adhering to the Code of Conduct:

1. A student, staff, or faculty member should first discuss the concern(s) with the TCBES Director;

2. The TCBES Director will be obligated to bring the concern(s) to the TCBES Executive Committee, to ensure that the issue is not ignored; and

3. The TCBES Executive Committee will discuss the issue and make a recommendation for action. The recommendation must be agreed upon by a majority of the TCBES Executive Committee members. The recommendation will be forwarded on the Graduate Council and/or the upper University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo administration via proper channels (Dean, VCAA, Chancellor).

Responsibilities and Commitments

To be considered part of TCBES, you must either serve as primary advisor to Master’s student(s) OR be active in a combination (two or more) of the different types of activities within a 3-year period. Data will be self-reported annually on a form that will be provided to each faculty member (not yet developed). These activities are:

1. Teaching at the graduate (600) level) or at the 400/600 level (dual listed).
2. Serving on graduate student thesis committees.
3. Providing service to TCBES program (via Executive Committee, Admissions Committee, the TCBES symposium, seminar speaker, etc.).

In addition, TCBES faculty will agree to:

1. Turn over RTRF to TCBES to help support the EPSCoR Core Labs and the overall program until financial solvency is reached, with an option to opt-out yearly if special circumstances exist;

2. Conduct oneself in a professional manner toward students, following a code of conduct (see Code of Conduct for TCBES Faculty);

3. Follow all University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo policies as highlighted in the The Faculty Handbook, and fully documented at UH at Hilo Academic Policies (/policies/) and UH at Hilo Policies and UH System policies.

Student

Choosing to join the University community obligates each student to abide by this code of conduct. By enrolling in the University, students accept the responsibility to become fully acquainted with the University's regulations and to comply with the University's authority. The University expects students to maintain standards of personal integrity that are in harmony with the educational goals of the institution; to respect the rights, privileges, and property of others; and to observe national, state and local laws, and University regulations.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

I. Student Protections This policy provides procedures for academic complaints concerning the following three protections:

1. Protection of Freedom of Expression. Student shall be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion. At the same time, they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.

2. Protection against Improper Academic Evaluation. Students shall have protection against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation. Student performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.

3. Protection against Improper Disclosure. Information about student views, beliefs and political associations, which faculty members acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisors and counselors shall be considered confidential. Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, normally with the knowledge or consent of the student.

Academic disputes not covered by A, B and/or C above shall be dealt with at the College level provided that all previous recourse has been exhausted.

II. Procedures for the Resolution of Academic Complaints

Any student who believes that a faculty member has violated one of the above protections may initiate action to achieve a resolution. The actions outlined below must be initiated no later than the second week of the semester following the semester or summer session during which the student became aware of the alleged impropriety or could reasonably have been expected to become aware of it. In cases of a complaint related to improper evaluation, the receipt of the grade will be considered to have taken place during the semester during which the course was in session. At anytime during discussions with the faculty member, department/discipline or division chair, or the dean, when an offer of resolution is made, and that offer is rejected by the student, the student cannot return to that offer of resolution at a later stage of the process. Once the student rejects an offer of resolution, that offer will no longer be considered by the faculty, chair or dean.

Find all the information on policies that pertain to student rights and responsibilities on the Student Conduct website.

III. TCBES procedures for assignment of Advisor/Thesis Committee Chair, changing of Advisors, and changing Thesis Committee Members

Note, the terms Advisor and Thesis Committee Chair are synonymous. From here on, Advisor will be used.

Procedures for assignment of the Advisor for Thesis-Track students.

In order for a student to be accepted into the TCBES Thesis-Track, the Graduate Division must “Have received confirmation of TCBES Faculty sponsorship.” Link to TCBES Admissions. The UH Hilo faculty member signing off on the student’s application, who is sponsoring the student, is therefore the student’s Advisor. The student’s application with the Advisor’s sponsorship signature resides within the Graduate Division, Admissions Office. Before this commitment between the student and faculty member is finalized, the Admissions Committee Chair (or designee on the committee), verifies the faculty's willingness to serve as the Advisor.

Procedures to change an Advisor.

In certain cases, it may be necessary for an advisor change. These are done on a case-by-case basis, but the general procedures are outlined below.

a. Student-initiated

A TCBES student who wishes to change their Advisor must submit a Change Advisor Form ( PDF) to the TCBES Director. Before the Change Advisor Form can be signed by the TCBES Director, the student must find another faculty member willing to advise them; this may be done in consultation with the TCBES Director and original Advisor, as appropriate. This form must contain signatures from: 1) the student, 2) the new Advisor, and 3) TCBES Director, and be submitted with a new Form 1 to the Graduate Division. Once both forms have been accepted by the Graduate Division, the TCBES Director will send out a confirmation email regarding the change of Advisor to the student, as well as to the new Advisor and the original one.

b. Advisor-initiated

A faculty member may determine that they can no longer act as Advisor for a current TCBES thesis student. In order for a faculty member to formally withdraw as a thesis Advisor, the following steps must be taken:

1. The faculty member must have a joint meeting with the TCBES Director and Associate Director to explain the rationale for the proposed change and discuss options. If the change is due to concerns about student performance or behavior, including any violations of the TCBES Graduate Student Code of Conduct or the University of Hawaiʻi System-wide Student Conduct Code, and the student has not irrevocably broken the trust of the Advisor, the Advisor, Director, and Associate Director must identify a set of constructive prescribed actions the student can take in a reasonable amount of time to show they can meet expectations and continue in the Advisor-Advisee relationship. If the change is due to issues unrelated to the student (for example, changes in faculty circumstances relating to career, health, or family), there are no prescribed actions for the student to take then the Advisor Withdrawal form will be processed based on these personal reasons.

2. The faculty member, TCBES Director, and Associate Director must meet with the student to discuss the reasons for the proposed change in Advisor status and options. If the reasons relate to student performance or behavior, the student and TCBES Director will be given a written copy of specific concerns. If the Advisor is willing to continue, the student must be provided a set of prescribed constructive actions the student must take in a reasonable amount of time to continue on with the thesis Advisor. If the student performs the actions to the satisfaction of the Advisor, no further steps are needed and the resolution will be documented in the Advisor Withdrawal form. If the trust with the Advisor has been irrevocably broken, or if the student does not perform to the satisfaction of the Advisor and TCBES Director within a reasonable amount of time, the thesis Advisor will formally withdraw with the reasons documented in the Advisor Withdrawal form. The TCBES Director will notify the student.

3. If the faculty member is unable to continue on as Advisor, there are two pathways for the student to remain in the TCBES program:

   • the student’s remaining committee members (if the committee has already been formed) and the TCBES Director and Associate Director will work in good faith with the student to identify the best pathway forward and/or a new Advisor within three months. As a limited number of TCBES faculty are available to serve as Advisors, establishing a new Advisor-Advisee relationship may require a change in thesis topic and flexibility for all parties involved.

   • the student may enter the Internship track and would need to meet all of the requirements for that track.

4. If the faculty Advisor withdraws on the basis of student performance or behavior, the student has the right to appeal. Appeals are evaluated by the TCBES Executive Committee, though ultimately the decision to continue on as an Advisor or not rests with the individual faculty member.

Procedures to change Thesis Committee Members, who are not the Advisor.

If after the submission of Form 1 to the Graduate Division, a TCBES student wishes to change the members of their thesis committee, a new Form 1 must be completed. The new Form 1 supersedes the original Form 1. The new Form 1 must be signed by the student, the new committee member, any remaining committee members, the Advisor, and TCBES Director. It is the responsibility of the Advisor to contact the original committee member by email (for documentation) and inform them that they are no longer on the committee.

Professional Behavior and Development

Psychological and motivational challenges, not academic ability, are the most common obstacles in graduate school. Staying engaged, maintaining regular communication with your advisor, and cultivating relationships with peers, faculty, and professionals in your field are essential for both success and well-being. Schedule regular meetings with your advisor, keep them updated on your progress, and be proactive in discussing any difficulties—your committee is here to support your success.

Demonstrate professionalism by preparing for committee meetings in advance, setting clear agendas, following through on commitments, and respecting the time of others. Take notes during meetings and document decisions made. All graduate students are expected to attend TCBES seminars and student defense presentations; participating in academic events is a vital part of your development.

Tips for Building Professionalism

Your degree is more than coursework—it’s a foundation for your career. The following activities are essential to your growth as a conservation professional:

• Attend seminars regularly. Prioritize the weekly TCBES seminar and explore offerings from other UH Hilo departments and external organizations like the USDA Forest Service. Exposure to diverse topics will broaden your scientific perspective.

• Present at and attend professional conferences. Participation in events such as the Society for Conservation Biology's annual meeting strengthens your presentation skills and connects you with the broader scientific community.

• Join professional societies. Membership provides access to journals, conferences, and a network of peers. Choose a society aligned with your interests and join by the end of your first semester.

• Maintain and update your CV. Treat your curriculum vitae as a living document; revise it at least once per semester and seek feedback from your advisor and peers.

• Engage in campus life. Establish a presence on campus to build relationships with colleagues, faculty, and visiting scholars. Graduate school is not just about attending classes—immersing yourself in the academic community is essential.

• Secure research and academic funding. Actively seek grants and fellowships for living expenses, tuition, and research. Building a funding record is a key aspect of becoming a professional.

• Publish your work. Academic and research careers often depend on your publication record. Consult your advisor about opportunities for co-authored or independent publications.

• Pursue leadership and outreach. Get involved in TCBES, university, or external community initiatives. Leadership experience strengthens your resume and is often a criterion for funding and employment.

By committing to these practices, you not only enhance your academic journey but also lay the foundation for a successful career in conservation biology and environmental science.