I may not always have readily available funds to support new students. If you have never talked to me before and have not taken my class, I will generally be reluctant to offer you support right away. If you are considering asking me for support, start planning early. Talk to me and either take one of my security classes (659 or 859) or do a small research project with me to help me evaluate your skills.

Sometimes I may not have funds to support a student even if I find them very promising. In that case you may look somewhere else or you may help me find new funds. Consider applying for a fellowship. If you have worked with me I will gladly supply you a recommendation letter. I will also always be willing to ask for a teaching assistantship appointment with the Department, or seek ways to obtain a tuition waiver, for students who work with me. I am always actively seeking external funds and you may help me generate good ideas and write grant proposals.

Once I agree to fund you I will let you know for how long this appointment is. Usually, unless I am very short on funds, this should be for as long as it takes for you to graduate. Of course, helping me write good proposals should secure this;) It sometimes happens that funds run out. It is my duty to inform you about this well in advance and help you find new funds for the following semester.

If I get particularly unhappy with your work, I may decide not to fund you. Chances are this will not happen. However, if it does, you should expect to receive a lot of warnings before I actually pull out funds. So don't live in fear. If I haven't discussed any complaints with you, then I am probably quite happy with your work. Besides, feel free to ask me for a feedback on regular basis.