As a graduate student, you are expected to carry on independent work and to exhibit individual responsibility in planning and carrying out your program of study. In your work you should treat everyone as you would like to be treated -- with respect and consideration. You are also expected to be a good member of the University and local communities. You are encouraged to join the professional society of your major field and observe its Code of Ethics. Obtain a copy of the LSU Student Handbook. This short booklet describes your rights and responsibilities as students of LSU and the code of student conduct. You should know what is considered academic and behavioral misconduct and the penalties associated with misconduct. You may obtain a copy from the Dean of Students office.

School vehicles are available for the use of graduate students who have been authorized to drive University vehicles by the Director of the School and are receiving an assistantship, fellowship, or hourly wages. For graduate students, the Division of Administration of the State of Louisiana requires that authorized drivers have a valid Louisiana driver's license or a valid license from their home state and a satisfactory driving record. The student must present these documents to the School's Safety Officer who will recommend authorization if the driving record indicates that the student will not be a "high risk" driver. All authorized drivers are required to undergo Defensive Driving training at least once every three years. Sign-out sheets for the School's motor pool vehicles are on the front desk of the Main Office (Room 227). Keys and log books are maintained by the receptionist. When finished with the vehicle, enter any vehicle expenditures (gas, oil, etc., regardless of how payment is handled) and odometer reading in the logbook, and make sure the vehicle is clean and full of gasoline. Vehicles must be parked in the Agricultural Center parking lot located across the creek from the RNR Building. Any student not following these procedures will lose the privilege of using the School's motor pool vehicles. Only University employees or University students are authorized to ride in University vehicles!

In the event School vehicles are not available, vehicles may be obtained from the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Motor Pool (578-3153). Secure permission from your major professor before using any University vehicle. The Biological and Agricultural Engineering Motor Pool charges for the use of these vehicles. Make sure to return the vehicle clean and with the gasoline tank full.

Although vehicle safety is enhanced by two inspections annually, safety-related problems with vehicles should be dealt with immediately by any driver who becomes aware of the problem. Any unresolved hazardous conditions should be reported to the receptionist when returning vehicle keys to the main office.

For the safety of the occupants and vehicles, all drivers are expected to drive responsibly. Before driving a vehicle, you should check the tires, brakes, and lights. In the event of an accident, there is an information packet in the glove compartment that contains instructions and priorities. Complete the Accident Report Form included in the packet at the site of the accident, if possible. Inform the School Director and your major professor as soon as possible. These following forms must be prepared immediately after an accident:

1) report of injury (to an employee or student). This is required for insurance purposes and should be prepared with the help of the Assistant to the Director.

2) a Supervisor's Accident Investigation Report. As part of the safety program, this report is prepared by the major professor with the driver's help.

MISCELLANEOUS

Keys

Students may obtain keys for the RNR Building entrance, their office, and laboratories used in their research. To obtain keys your major professor must make a formal request to the School Director with approval by the Program Leader in your area. Building security depends on all RNR personnel. We have experienced thefts of personal and University property. To prevent such losses, make sure doors remain locked, especially on weekends, and do not prop the outside door open when it is locked.

Graduate Student Desks

If available, desks and space will be provided to all graduate students in the School. Desk assignments are normally made by the Space Committee at the request of the major professor. Ideally, the faculty of the School would like to provide a study space for all graduate students, but space constraints have resulted in the following desk assignment priorities:

1. Full-time Ph.D.

2. Full-time MS

3. Part-time Ph.D.

4. Part-time MS

If a desk is not used regularly and frequently, it may be reassigned. Desk assignments will be made by the Space Committee at the beginning of the fall semester or any time a large number of desks need to be assigned. Although it is generally preferred to leave a student in place once an assignment is made, desks may be reassigned each semester.

Travel

All travel at University expense will be under the direct control of the Director and must be approved in advance in writing. All expenses must be paid by the traveler and reimbursement claimed with a travel voucher. Travel expenses may not be charged to the University. Check with your major professor for the current regulations for travel reimbursement before you plan any type of travel. Detailed travel information is contained in PM-13, University Travel Regulations, or is available in the Main Office.

Purchases

If your research is part of a current Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station project, you may obtain supplies from the Science Supply Store, the Central Supply Store, and the Union Bookstore provided that you are authorized by your major professor to purchase the supplies and you have your major professor's customer number. Always check with your major professor for the rules and regulations governing purchases from outside vendors. Sign all receipts with a legible signature, and include appropriate purchase order numbers and your advisor's name in parentheses to aid in processing.

Use of Copiers

Certain types of material necessary for your research may be copied on the School's copier on the second floor in the mail room with the approval of your major professor. Copying material for personal use must be done on the copier in the

reading room (RNR Room 218).

Secretarial Assistance

The secretaries and office student workers in the School are willing to answer your questions and assist you with problems related to you educational program. Their jobs do not include typing or copying for graduate students.

Sign Out

You are required to sign out at the Main Office and leave a telephone number where you can be reached before going on each University business trip.