Introduction for Overview of the Dissertation Process
Topic 2: Overview of the Dissertation Process
We know that the primary stumbling block for students in completing a doctoral program is the dissertation – and it’s not the content that is difficult, it’s the lack of structure. How do successful “dissertators” find time to complete a dissertation on top of their other responsibilities? How does the committee structure work, and what will your chair expect of you? This unit explores those questions.
This section focuses on increasing your understanding of your role in completing the dissertation vis-à-vis that of the faculty or fellow students. In particular, it identifies the processes and structures you can put in place to make it more likely that you will meet deadlines and be successful. The unit asks you to plan how you will manage the many competing demands on your time, including that of completing the dissertation. Specific topics include learning from past students about strategies they recommend, being proactive in relation to your responsibilities, learning to work with your chair and the thematic group.
This section focuses on increasing your understanding of your role in completing the dissertation vis-à-vis that of the faculty or fellow students. In particular, it identifies the processes and structures you can put in place to make it more likely that you will meet deadlines and be successful. The unit asks you to plan how you will manage the many competing demands on your time, including that of completing the dissertation. Specific topics include learning from past students about strategies they recommend, being proactive in relation to your responsibilities, learning to work with your chair and the thematic group.