Lab Rotations and Permanent Laboratories

Rotations are arranged through mutual agreement between the student and the faculty member (Principal Investigator or ‘PI’) of the lab in which the rotation is arranged. This decision is formalized by the submission of a Laboratory Rotation Agreement Form, which is signed by both the student and PI.

Completed rotation agreement forms are typically due to ILS Admin one week prior to the start date of the rotation period. (Please see the Laboratory Rotation Schedule below for the current year's exact dates)

To help make an informed decision about your lab rotations:

• Attend the Lab Showcase during Orientation & the ILS annual retreat
• Attend seminars by faculty members
• Meet individually with faculty members
• Consult with other graduate students
• Consult your program's Graduate Advisor

Students should start contacting PIs to ensure a rotation placement well in advance of the start of each rotation period. 

When reaching out to a potential PI, let them know about you and your research interests.  You can help this process by sending some or all of the following:

• A copy of your CV
• An unofficial copy of your transcripts
• A copy of your personal statements from your application
• A quick write up of why you are interested in their lab and how it aligns with your interests

Students should discuss potential funding with PIs when a rotation is being negotiated. It is crucial that students understand how they will be funded should they pursue their Ph.D. in that lab. 

Students are required to spend at least 20 hours per week working in their rotation lab. At the end of each rotation, the faculty member completes a rotation evaluation of the student’s performance. These evaluations are shared with the Graduate Advisor and determine whether the student will receive credit for research hours. 

• Changes to an assigned rotation may be made only with permission of the Graduate Advisor.
  •  It is not an option to remain in a laboratory for longer than the designated rotation period, nor are students permitted to begin a rotation later than the mandated start date, unless approved by the Graduate Advisor. 
• Failure to participate in or to complete the required lab rotations may result in termination from the program. 
• If issues arise during a rotation period, the student should consult with the Graduate Advisor.

It is possible to have two faculty members listed as supervisors (co-PIs). A student may designate one as primary supervisor or may have them listed equally as co-supervisors, in which case they will have equal responsibility for the student’s progress. 

However, if a supervisor is not a member of your program's GSC, that faculty member cannot be a primary supervisor. They can be a co-supervisor or a secondary supervisor only. Students should inform the Graduate Advisor and Graduate Program Staff if they plan to have a co-PI. 

If, for any reason, a student desires to end their association with their current permanent laboratory, they may change to another laboratory. Any change must be discussed with and approved by the Graduate Advisor and GSC Chair. We strongly encourage students to contact their Graduate Advisor before notifying the PI of their decision to leave their lab to determine the best course of action. 

Please see your program's Graduate Student Handbook for more details on this process.