Students are expected to be actively involved in research for their entire enrollment in the program. To facilitate this process, the school assigns each student a research adviser when he or she is admitted to the program. By mutual agreement, students may change their research advisers at the end of the first year or any time thereafter. Students are expected to perform their research functions satisfactorily to remain in good standing in the program and to continue to receive financial assistance. Research advisers provide annual assessments to students under their care, informing them of the quality of their research activities.