Entering students meet with this advisor after they arrive at Columbia and before the semester begins.  Continuing students in their first and second years meet with the advisor during the summer, and at any other time during the year upon request.  The advisor helps with the selection of an appropriate curriculum, monitors progress, and makes sure that the student receives administrative assistance in matters such as housing, etc. For the annual meeting, each student submits a brief written report to the advisor, listing the courses, seminars, rotations, conferences, teaching activities, etc. in which he or she has engaged.  For first year students, the laboratory rotation advisor attends the annual meeting.  During the second or early in the third year, students present a qualifying exam to an ad hoc committee chosen by the advisor, the thesis supervisor and the student.  After successfully completing the qualifying exam, a thesis committee is chosen, again with consultation, to help guide the student through his or her thesis research.