Student Applications for Telescope Time

IfA policy for student use of telescope time is under review; the old policy policy no longer reflects the actual practices of the Time Allocation Committee (TAC). This page attempts to summarize the current practice, but it is provisional and should be updated SOON!

1. Observations unrelated to dissertation research compete with all other proposals on a equal basis. This policy has been in effect for at least 10 years.

2. Observations for an approved dissertation compete with other proposals, but are given preference in borderline cases. There is no guarantee of observing time on large telescopes, but the TAC seldom denies observing time to an approved dissertation.

There is a significant advantage in having a dissertation approved before the TAC meets. This does not seem to be fully understood by the students or some of the faculty.