Advising

The Department PhD Liaison is a member of the PDC and advises the Department Chairperson and faculty regarding current rules and requirements. Additionally, they provide guidance to students regarding program requirements, opportunities for courses at other schools, etc. The PhD Liaison is responsible for determining that the coursework completed by the student meets the program requirements.

Marta McManus, The Director of Special Programs & Initiatives, serves as an academic advisor all PhD students and provides support from the point of admission all the way through graduation to ensure the best possible experience for each student.  Some of the types questions or concerns she can help with include:

• registration
• degree requirements
• academic performance
• personal and life issues
• any other situation where a student may feel they need support

The Faculty Mentor is assigned to the student upon enrollment and who, along with the PhD Liaison, provides guidance regarding course selection and professional development activities.

The Dissertation Committee faculty provide input on the dissertation work. By the end of fall of the fourth year, students must have a dissertation committee with at least 3 members, a committee chair, and a dissertation topic.