As you move through the Ph.D. process past the comprehensive exams and into dissertation writing, it would be natural to apply the academic behaviors that brought you success in the past, to the dissertation process ahead. Unfortunately, dissertation writing is unique to any academic experience… [Read More]
Preparing for the Dissertation Defense Process
April 4, 2011 By
As another quarter comes to an end, many of you may be moving closer to the end of your dissertation process—yea! While working with thousands of Ph.D. candidates, I still find it funny that instead of being relieved that the end of this journey is near, many are more nervous than ever…[Read More]
Dealing With Committee and IRB Issues? You Are Not Alone!
March 7, 2011 By
Admit it—the dissertation process can be challenging. The challenge is in part exacerbated by the process. For example, this morning I spoke with a frustrated client about the six weeks to find a chairperson, eight weeks for the IRB process, and the $4,000 a quarter she was paying in the meantime—yikes! [Read More]
Remembering Your (Dissertation) Why
February 1, 2011 By
When we forget our purpose, we may come to believe that we have no choice, going through our days like an automaton, not truly connecting with what we’re doing and not connecting with our personal why. I ask you to remember why you choose your doctoral degree, and why you choose to continue doing your dissertation. It is not about the frustrations…[Read More]
Finding Your Motivation in the Dissertation Process
January 6, 2011 By
“Once the seeds of faith take root it cannot be blown away, even by the strongest wind” –Rumi You become what you think about. You have to envision yourself as a person who has graduated, having met your end goal by obtaining your doctorate or Master’s degree. Condition your behavior by visualizing a positive end. [...]
Creating the Balance Between Life and Dissertation
October 28, 2010 By
Well, it’s the holiday season again—a time for joy, family, and gratitude for the year that is quickly coming to an end. At the same time, many of us are still deep in the dissertation process. Right now, yes now, is the time to create and restore balance in our life. My favorite author, Steven [...]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Dissertation Process
October 28, 2010 By
In my experience with assisting dissertation students over the past 20 years, I have identified the most commonly made mistakes that doctoral candidates make with the best of intentions. The dissertation process is unique in that sometimes the best of intentions do not prove successful- many times those that understand the dissertation process move through [...]
Survey: Mentor’s Perceptions of Dissertation Difficulty
October 28, 2010 By
Ninety-two dissertation mentors from online universities participated in the survey. The dissertation mentors were quantitatively and qualitatively surveyed. The methods section questions had the lowest average responses, indicating the dissertation mentors perceive online students to have most difficulties with this portion of their dissertations. Qualitative analyses indicated that students lacked of data analysis skills, inability [...]
