Graduate Student

Orientation – Fall 2024

Agenda
• Welcome- Prof. Gagan Agrawal, Professor and Director
• Systems Support-Policies/Equipment-Computer Science Support Staff
(Richard Hare/Nicholas Hobbs/Corey Kim)
• Computer Science (CS) Graduate Programs-
• Professor Liming Cai, Graduate Coordinator
• Professor Kyu H. Lee, Graduate Coordinator
• Graduate Student Computer Science Staff (Nathan Shamaun, Sherry
Wrona, Samantha Varghese)
• Graduate Student Support - Mrs. Samantha Varghese, Graduate Student
Affairs Coordinator
• Closing Remarks
Welcome to School of
Computing
Dr. Gagan Agrawal, Professor and Director
 Computer Science
System Support
https://helpdesk.franklin.uga.edu
[email protected]

Richard Hare Nicholas Hobbs Corey Kim

Computer Science IT resources
• Servers
• odin.cs.uga.edu
• Main Fileserver
• vcf Cluster
• vcf0-vcf3.cs.uga.edu
• Compute Cluster
• Cuda systems(cuda2.cs.uga.edu)
• Departmental Windows workstations
• Computer Science Labs, Office space, Classrooms
• Questions: [email protected]
EITS
• UGAmail/Office 365
• eLC
• google.uga.edu
• VPN: remote.uga.edu
• Duo: two factor authentication
• sendfiles.uga.edu- securely send data
• vlab.uga.edu- virtual windows desktops
• Software.uga.edu
• status.uga.edu- state of EITS systems
EITS Issues
• eitshelpdesk.uga.edu
• Submit a ticket
• Text chat
• 706-542-3106
• 101 Cedar Street

• Duo Help!!!
Access to CSCI Systems
• Available to all students currently enrolled in a Computer Science
course
• myID- initials plus 5 digits. Not email alias.
• myID.uga.edu
• All windows files are deleted every semester
• SSH access is provided for Linux systems(odin/vcf nodes) via the
UGA VPN(remote.uga.edu)
• Any issues with lab, office or classroom PCs should be reported to
the Franklin OIT helpdesk: https://helpdesk.franklin.uga.edu/
• Please include a complete description of the problem and your location.
Suggestions
• Make sure to have at least one device enrolled with Archpass Duo
• Make sure UGA VPN is working(remote.uga.edu)
• Any cisco client should work
• Login to sendfiles.uga.edu with your myID
• Don’t send credentials over email.
• Make sure you have HDMI out on your computing device.
Contact us
• Email
• [email protected]
• Web
• https://helpdesk.franklin.uga.edu
Questions ???
Graduate Coordinators
Dr. Liming Cai Dr. Kyu Lee
Graduate Education
• Different from undergraduate education
• Independence, self-motivation, responsibility

• Advanced-level course work

• topics with greater depth, cutting-edge research, hands-on-experience

• Research (PhD and MS-Thesis)

• advancing knowledge in specific area(s), a lot of research
• publications, communication, and presentations

• Career preparation
• industry, academia, research labs, government
CS@UGA Graduate Degree Programs
• PhD
• MS in CS – Thesis
• MS in CS – Non-thesis
• MS in Cybersecurity-Thesis
• MS in Cybersecurity- Non-thesis
• MAMS
• MS in Data science
Degree Requirements (PhD, MS, MS-NT)
1. Course work and credit hours
2. Milestones toward your degree
3. Research, dissertation, thesis, and project report
Basic Core Courses (PhD, MS, MS-NT)
Take 1 or more courses from each group

1: Theory
• CSCI 6470 (Algorithms)
• CSCI 6480 (Approximation Algorithms)
• CSCI 6610 (Automata and Formal Languages)
2: Software Design
• CSCI 6050 (Software Engineering)
• CSCI 6370 (Database Management)
• CSCI 6570 (Compilers)
• Group-3: Systems Design
• CSCI 6720 (Computer Systems Architecture)
• CSCI 6730 (Operating Systems)
• CSCI 6760 (Computer Networks)
• CSCI 6780 (Distributed Systems)
Grad-only hrs, additional hrs, and total
Basic Grad-only Additional Project Total
Cores courses courses thesis hours
3 courses; 2 8000-level; 1 6000 or above; Project: 2 + 2 hrs >= 31 hrs
MS 12 hrs 1 6000-nonsplit/ 4 hrs + GradF (1 hr)
non-thesis 8000-level;
12 hrs 2 6000 or above*
3 courses; 1 8000-level; 7000 research >= 29 hrs
MS 12 hrs 1 6000-nonsplit/
8000-level;
6 hrs
7300 Thesis
+ 8990 (1 hr)
+ GradF (1 hr)
thesis 8 hrs 3 hrs
3 courses; 4 8000-level; 9300 Dissertation >= 12 + 24 + 6
12 hrs 2 6000-nonsplit/ 6 hrs = 42 hrs
PhD 8000-level;
24 hrs Primary
+ 8990 (1 hr)
+ GradF (1 hr)
including 2 hrs focus
of dir study 24 hrs
Steps: PhD in Computer Science
1. Coursework: GradFirst Seminar, Preliminary focus, Advanced
coursework, Research seminar
2. Choosing major professor, forming advisory committee
3. Comprehensive exam and admission to PhD candidacy
4. Dissertation planning and prospectus
5. Doctoral dissertation and defense
6. Annual PhD student progress report (due Spring semester)
Research Seminar
• CSCI 8990 Research Seminar
• Two goals
• Finding a research lab to work in
• Faculty discuss their research and how to join with their lab
• How to write a research paper
• Finding literature, organizing paper, literature review, writing the paper, spell,
grammar and plagiarism checking, presenting the paper
Comprehensive Exam - Year Three
• Prerequisites: Advisory Committee, Core Competency Approved, Most of
Advanced Coursework Completed, Research Paper Submitted, Program of
Study
• Written Comprehensive Exam
• Answer questions from committee which will involve reading relevant
research papers (approximately one week per question)
• Oral Comprehensive Exam
• Review answers given in written exam and answer follow up questions
• Briefly mention research plans to get feedback on feasibility
• Admission to candidacy
• Focus turns to research
• Time limits to achieving this status and completing degree after the status is
achieved
Dissertation Planning and Prospectus
• Initial activities for PhD Candidate
• Literature review (expect to read a lot of research papers)
• Come up, brainstorm & refine research ideas
• Design, implement, analyze, evaluate systems, algorithms, etc.
• Submit research papers
• Prospectus
• Happens after having an accepted Paper
• Write-up a detailed plan for your dissertation (Prospectus document)
• Presentation of Prospectus: Formal examination and approval by advisory
committee
Doctoral Dissertation
•Must represent a Substantial and Integrated body work
•6 hours of CSCI 9300 Doctoral Dissertation spread over at least 2 semesters,
after approval of Prospectus
•Importance and novelty of work must be defended (prior publications make
this easier)
•Once the student's major professor has approved the final version of the
dissertation, it will be distributed to the other members of the advisory
committee, and a dissertation defense scheduled no sooner than three weeks
after the distribution
•Defend the dissertation, make suggested changes (if dissertation approved by
committee) and submit the final version
 PhD – Milestones and Timeline

Milestone Timeline
Formation of advisory committee (G130 form) Before or during 3rd Semester
Core Competency Form (Departmental) Before the end of 3rd semester

Preliminary Doctoral Program of Study Form Before the end of 3rd Semester

Paper Submission before Comprehensive Exam Before or during 5th Semester

Final Program of Study Form (G138) Before or during 5th Semester

Comprehensive Exam Before the end of 6th Semester

 PhD – Milestones and Timeline (contd.)

Milestone Timeline
Application for Admission to Candidacy Before the end of 6th Semester
Paper Acceptance before Prospectus Before of during 7th Semester

Prospectus Before the end of 8th Semester

Application of Graduation Form (Athena) Before the beginning of 10th semester

Dissertation defense Before or during 10th semester

ETD Submission Approval Form (G129) Before the end of 10th semester
Steps: MS in CS – Thesis Requirements
• Work with a major professor on a research project leading to a
thesis
• Demonstrate mastery over some area of CS
• Advisory committee ensures quality of research meets
departmental and graduate school standards
• Major professor + 2 additional members
• MS Defense
• Written/Oral examination conducted by advisory committee
• Open to CS faculty and graduate students
• Presentation of thesis work followed by (a) questions from audience and
(b) closed-door examination from committee
MS in CS (Thesis) – Milestones and
Timeline
Milestone Timeline
Advisory committee form (G130) End of 2nd Semester
Core Competency Form (Departmental) Beginning of 3rd semester

Program of Study Form (G138) Semester preceding student’s last semester

Application of Graduation Form (Athena) Beginning of student’s last semester

Approval of Master’s Thesis (G140) Last semester

ETD Submission Approval Form (G129) Last semester

Steps: MS in CS (Non-Thesis)
• Masters degree program mainly focusing on coursework
• Provides foundation in computer science and software
development
• Prepares students for careers in software industry and
government
• Coursework + project
Masters Project and Report
• Applied research project under supervision of major professor, and 2nd professor
• Take CSCI 7200 over last 2 semesters, minimum 4 credit hours
• Comprehensive report detailing methods, techniques and findings in second
semester of project

Milestone Timeline
Core Competency Form (Departmental) Beginning of 3rd semester

Program of Study Form (G138) Semester preceding student’s last semester

Application of Graduation Form (Athena) Beginning of student’s last semester

MS in Cybersecurity (Non-Thesis)
• Masters degree program mainly focusing on coursework
• Develop expertise related to various aspects of cybersecurity, and
privacy
• Prepares students for careers in software/security industry,
government and NGOs
• Coursework + project
• Coursework requirements
• 5 required courses (20 credit hours)
• 2 elective courses (7-8 credit hours)
• 2-3 credit hours of CSCI 7200 (Project coursework)
• GradFirst Seminar
Masters Project and Report
• Applied research project under supervision of major professor, and 2nd professor
• Take CSCI 7200 over last 2 semesters, minimum total 4 credit hours
• Comprehensive report detailing methods, techniques and findings in 2nd semester of
project

Milestone Timeline
Core Competency Form (Departmental) Beginning of 3rd semester

Program of Study Form (G138) Semester preceding student’s last semester

Application of Graduation Form (Athena) Beginning of student’s last semester

Master of Applied Mathematical Sciences
• Professional masters degree providing training in applied
mathematical/quantitative methods
• Core curriculum from three departments – CS, Mathematics and
Statistics
• CS: One course from CSCI 6140 (Numerical methods & computing), CSCI
6210 (Simulation and modeling), CSCI 6470 (Algorithms) and CSCI 6810
(Graphics)
• Mathematics: One course from MATH 6400, MATH 6450, MATH 6500,
MATH 6510, MATH/CSCI 6670, MATH/CSCI 6690, MATH 6700, MATH
6720, MATH 6780
• Statistics: One course from STAT 6210, STAT 6220, STAT 6510, STAT 6520
MAMS (Contd.)
• Post-Core Curriculum
• One of six sequences: CSCI 6140-CSCI 8140; CSCI 6370-CSCI 8370; CSCI
6470- CSCI 8470; CSCI 6570–CSCI 8060; CSCI 6720-CSCI 8720; CSCI 6810-
CSCI 8810
• 12 hours of additional course work
• GradFirst seminar
• Technical report
• Performed under the direction of a faculty member
• 3 credit hours of CSCI 7100
• Committee reads report and conducts oral exam
General Advice to PhD and MS-Thesis
Students
• Start the research component as early as possible
• Do not wait until all (or most of) course work is completed
• Coursework and research can be done in parallel
• Research progress is often non-linear
• Common to get stuck for various reasons – some beyond your control

A Good Strategy to Follow

Dissertation Research
START Coursework END

Minimize This
GradFIRST Seminar
• New graduation requirement from the Graduate School
• All incoming graduate students from Fall 2022 and beyond are required
to take a GradFirst seminar in their first year
• You can register for any GradFirst seminar that accepts SoC students
• Many GradFirst seminars are restricted to students from only certain units
• SoC has two GradFirst seminars for the Fall 2024 semester
• Dr. Arabina (CRN: 55413) & Dr. Bhandarkar (CRN: 61566)
• We will have more GradFirst seminars in the spring semester
• Not offered in summer; required by Semester 2
How to Find a Major Professor?
• Identify 1 or 2 research areas that you are interested
• Identify professors who work in those areas
• Visit their or research group’s homepage, learn about on-going projects
• Read some background material (introductory or survey papers)
• Setup and appointment with professor(s) to discuss your interest
• Signup for directed study
• Gives you better understanding of the recent research
• Also, gives you an understanding of the advising style of the professor
• Professor gets to know your preparation, strengths/weaknesses, working
style etc.
• If interests & expectations match and if professor is agreeable, join the
research group
Graduate Seminar Series
• New feature for the benefit of new and current graduate students
• Intent is to better prepare students for their graduate degree programs
• Presentations from faculty members giving overview of their research
projects
• Presentations about life as graduate student
• Career guidance – finding internships, full-time jobs, etc.
• Common challenges faced by graduate students
• Dealing with stress and mental wellbeing
• Open to all graduate students
• Required for incoming PhD and MS Thesis students
• Time and venue: TBA
Academic Honesty
• Academic honesty is taken very seriously at UGA
• Serious penalties for violations
• Please review the policy available at:
https://honesty.uga.edu/Academic-Honesty-Policy/
• Not knowing about the policy is not an excuse for violations
• Unauthorized copying/sharing of code, plagiarism, unauthorized
assistance in exams/test/quizzes are examples of violations
• When in doubt talk to the relevant instructor, major professor or
graduate coordinators
How to Make the Most of Graduate
Program?
• Self-motivation
• Be eager to learn, have enthusiasm about courses, research etc.
• Do not blindly accept anything without questions
• Remember “Great research start with good questions”
• Be professional and responsible
• There will be very less hand-holding
• Plan your work – remember the adage: “Well-planned work is half done”
• Timeliness is extremely important
• Learning doesn’t happen only in classrooms
• There are learning opportunities everywhere
How to Make the Most of Graduate
Program? (Contd.)
• Identify your weaknesses and work to overcome them
• Go beyond academics
• Develop leadership skills – Get involved with campus student
organizations
• Volunteering opportunities
• Learn about different countries, cultures, etc.
• Building your professional network
• Do not hesitate to seek help when faced with
difficulties/challenges
• Dealing with stress, depression etc. in a timely manner is important to
your success and well-being
• Talk to friends, reach out to faculty, help one another, seek counseling
TA ships
• TA ships are allocated by the department at the beginning of each
semester
• Application is found on our website, under Graduate Financial Assistance
• Number of available TA ships is extremely limited
• Not everyone who has applied and is qualified for a TA will receive one
• We already have a list of students who have applied for a TA
• Do not repeatedly send emails to graduate coordinators or Ms.
Samantha Varghese requesting/enquiring about TA
• Do not go to Ms. Samantha Varghese’s office or graduate
coordinators office seeking TA.
• Emailing/visiting will not help you in anyway
• They just annoy us
RA Ships
• Application is found on our website, under Graduate Financial
Assistance
• These are allocated by individual faculty members from their grants
• Graduate Coordinators have little role in these decisions
• If faculty have RA ships, they will send email to the graduate student
mailing lists
• Please do not send emails to faculty members enquiring about RA
opportunities
• Faculty members receive large numbers of emails every single day and may not
have time to respond to your RA requests
• Do not send bulk emails seeking RA ships to professors in other units
• We have repeatedly received complaints about this from other departments
Questions ???
 Computer Science
Graduate Student Association
Computer Science Graduate Student Association

• Provide a clear and transparent communication channel

between the graduate students and the School of Computing
faculty and staff

• Facilitate professional development of Computer Science

students

• Organize other departmental and extra-curricular events

Past CSGSA Events

Information sessions on campus

resources and graduate student resources

Monthly coffee hours

Alumni relations

Documentary screenings

Contact us at [email protected]
 CSGSA: The committee

Aditya Shinde Spencer King

[email protected] [email protected]
School of Computing Staff Introduction
• School of Computing Staff
• Mr. Nathan Shamaun, Administrative Specialist ( front desk)
• Mrs. Sherry Wrona-Office Manager, Undergraduate programs
• Mrs. Samantha Varghese-Graduate Student Affairs
Coordinator, Graduate Programs
 School of Computing Staff

Mr. Nathan Shamaun Mrs. Samantha Varghese

Mrs. Sherry Wrona

5 Be’s
• Be organized
• Be courteous
• Be responsible
• Be open to grow and learn
• Be mindful to take care of yourself
Thank you!
• Email to [email protected] for
questions/concerns.
• School of Computing
• 415 Boyd Research and Education Center
• Main Phone: 706-542-2911
• LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/5188167/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uga-school-of-computing/