You might want to ask about placement rates of program graduates: what do students who completed their program do after they receive their degree? how many are employed in the field in which YOU are interested?

Appropriate questions about TA or RA positions that might not appear on the website might include: how many hours per week are expected of an assistant? do they teach their own courses and write their own syllabi? do they write and/or grade exams and/or research papers? how much is the stipend?

About the program content: Is there coursework on method and theory? How is the dissertation integrated into the program — in other words, are there thesis proposal workshops?

About conferences: Are there travel funds available?

About campus visits: Does the DGS arrange visits? Are there funds available to defray your travel costs?

About the area in which the university is located: Is on-campus housing available to grad students? What about for married students? with children? Is there child care?

Your aim is NOT to “get to know” the DGS. Your aim is to get answers to your questions about the program.

Best wishes to you!