DOC/710R Let’s Climb the Dissertation Mountain

Choosing a Mentor/Chair: The Guide UP the Dissertation Mountain

Role of Mentor/Chair Coach A rock climbing guide A content editor Design/subject expert Resource director Committee Coordinator Nag

A Mentor Does NOT:

Write the dissertation or any section. Edit every APA or grammar mistake Edit every single minor revision Keep you on your timeline Guarantee graduation Take on dissertation responsibility

Role of Dissertation Student Listen Ask questions Revise – Revise - Revise Avoid arguing Create timeline and contract;

sign and revise

Successful Mentoring Relationships

Develop a thick skin – edits are good!

Keep in contact with mentor.

Manage time wisely. Develop dissertation

timeline Develop consultation

sources Celebrate major steps in

journey

Finding a Mentor/Chair

Problem Statement determines choice Subject matter OR Design expert Match profiles with problem statement Interview – do not select someone

because you “like” them.

Ask MentorUse Problem statementWell-rounded Committee is criticalMentor must approve revisionsCommittee involvement

Finding Committee Members

Creating Mentor Charters and Timeline Contracts

Charters are agreementsProcesses, when, where, roles, and

conflict resolutionTimeline of milestones

When to Choose a Mentor

Must select a mentor by the end of DOC/721.

Search SAS Web SiteReview Faculty ProfilesUse Mentor/Mentee Matrix Create a Mentor/Mentee

agreementCommit to the Relationship