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Dissertation chair: an owner’s manual, published by dr. courtney watson on july 21, 2022 july 21, 2022.
Last Updated on: 22nd July 2022, 01:28 pm
One of the most important faculty members in a doctoral student’s academic life is their dissertation chair. Part mentor, part administrator, the dissertation chair’s role encompasses responsibilities that directly impact your graduate experience. Prior to starting your dissertation, it’s important to understand the scope of your dissertation chair’s duties and how to make the most of your time with them.
These are a few frequently asked questions about dissertation chairs:
- How do I choose my dissertation chair?
- What does a dissertation chair do?
- What if I don’t get along with my dissertation chair?
How Do I Choose My Dissertation Chair?
Once you have completed your coursework and been given the green light to start your dissertation, it’s time to make the all-important choice about who will guide you through the final gauntlet of your Ph.D. program. It’s a big decision, so it’s imperative to take your time and select the right person. There are a few factors to take into consideration before asking your top choice.
My best advice is to approach a faculty member familiar with your subject area and with whom you have a good rapport. Whose classes did you do well in? Which faculty member has shown the most interest in your research and coursework? Who are you the most comfortable with? Past history makes a solid foundation for a productive partnership. It’s wise to find someone who is available, knowledgeable, and excited to work with you.
What Does a Dissertation Chair Do?
A dissertation chair’s job is to guide you through the process of completing the most rigorous academic challenge of your life . They are a sounding board for your ideas, they offer guidance for getting started and avoiding major obstacles, and they help you prepare for each milestone in the dissertation process . Those are the basics, though a good dissertation chair will tend to be more involved.
When thinking about what you want in a dissertation chair, good communication is key. Your dissertation chair should be responsive to emails, offer clear feedback in a timely manner, and be available to meet (either in person or via Zoom) regularly. In my experience, graduate students are sometimes afraid to ask their dissertation chair for help for fear of bothering them, which is often a matter of simply not understanding that it’s their chairs’ job to offer oversight and be available to their dissertation students.
What If I Don’t Get Along with My Dissertation Chair?
Unfortunately, this is a common problem faced by many doctoral students. First, know that you’re not alone. Conflicts arise between doctoral students and their dissertation chairs all the time, stemming from benign neglect, miscommunication, disengagement, or even personality conflicts. Whatever the reason for the disconnect, it can be a very stressful situation.
If you’re struggling with your dissertation chair, fear not. Problems can often be resolved with a meeting to get back on track to discuss the issue and plan a path forward together. If you still feel insufficiently supported, a dissertation consultant might be able to provide additional expertise and guidance . Speaking to your graduate advisor or department chair is the next step for learning about your options and getting the issue resolved.
Dr. Courtney Watson
Dr. Courtney Watson has research, professional, and dissertation committee experience in the humanities and social sciences, health sciences, education, and liberal arts. With a background in peer-reviewed qualitative research and scholarship, she is skilled at coaching clients through the developmental phases of dissertation research, writing, revision, feedback analysis, and citation. She also offers thoughtful and thorough academic job market preparation, guidance through the dissertation process, and higher education career advice. Book a Free Consultation with Courtney Watson
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