April June 2014

Ask the Dr. Surviving the PhD

Surviving the PhD: Finding You Its so easy to lose yourself in the doctoral process. There are occasions when the world and family seem distant . You almost forget that the house needs to be cleaned and your family needs attention. Coming back into reality can be overwhelming and sometimes frustrating. Tips for times such as these: 1. Relax twice as much as you write. 2. Spend time with family more often than usual. 3. Reward yourself every week.

This is what it
looks and feels like at the end of the journey.

We have dedicated this spot fo doctoral students who would like to ask questions. If you wa your question to be featured please go to the contact page and send us your question!

There you are looking and feeling like a million bucks! The process is over and you have been granted that prestigious title of Dr. ______. Wow! Amazing! But that is just it, when will that time come? Is it ok to think if yourself as Dr. (in practice)? Yes, yes, yes!!! Think and you shall be. This process can become daunting; therefore, you need positive mental stimulation! So, you should:

Upcoming Events
The writing boot camp was a major success! Having time to concentrate, write, and receive feedback was a much needed opportunity for scholars who attended the camp. You can review monthly events and upcoming seminars on the website. Check out Dr. Brenda Combs as she shares her thoughts on the importance of having a mentor.

Student : Crystal Stewar Baton Rouge, Louisiana I have been assigned to my second chair for my dissertation process and the new chair wants to change my method of study. I feel comfortable with what I have and I have completed my first three chapters. How do handle this situation.

Myth & Reality

Myth:
Dissertation and Thesis mean the same and the terms can be used interchangeably Reality: Dissertation and Thesis represent different facets of academic research. A thesis is developed on an original idea. It is based on a hypothesis that is submitted as a synopsis. In a thesis one has to establish the hypothesis with original research work. However, for a dissertation a scholar has to collate data, synthesize information from it and present it with original thoughts.

Proverb 3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding

Dr. Hughes, Phoenix, AZ Crystal, this is not a unique situation and you are not alone. Find time to converse with your chair preferably sooner rather than later. If changing your method o study is a hardship, convey that and give reasons why. See if you can come to some comprise. After all, you are the one doing the study and you must feel comfortable.