Academic Guidance
Academic guidance and advising in the PhD program is formally provided by the student’s research advisor and the PhD Program Coordinator. Unlike undergraduate education, most advising at a graduate level is initiated by students, although advisors may ask to meet with an advisee as needed to address concerns related to academic performance and/or professional behavior. Research advisors are faculty members with specific research expertise who mentor students in completing milestones towards degree requirements. The PhD Program Coordinator, on the other hand, tracks student progress in completing all degree requirements and supports students throughout the program as any challenges or opportunities arise for the student. For the individual students, the PhD Program Coordinator and research advisor work together to ensure the greatest possible student growth, learning and success.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESEARCH ADVISOR
Research advisors are faculty members with specific research expertise who mentor students pursuing a PhD prior to entering the PhD program, the student must identify a research advisor willing to work as their mentor to complete requirements of the PhD program.
Their responsibilities include:
• Mentoring students to complete program milestones
• Supporting the student’s development of research-related skills
• Advising students in registering for essential courses needed to build the student’s knowledge in content areas related to the program of study and dissertation
• Integrating the PhD student into their program of research
Because the research advisor commonly integrates their program of research, the student should be prepared to meet professional expectations related to advisor’s research activities. For example, the advisor may set expectations for the student to spend time in their research laboratory, attend scientific meetings, contribute to scientific products (e.g., manuscripts or grants), complete human subjects research training, etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PH.D. PROGRAM STAFF
PHD PROGRAM DIRECTOR – DR. ARLENE SCHMID
The PhD program director is a faculty member who generally provides oversight to the ORS PhD program. The responsibilities of the PhD Program Director are to:
• Oversee PhD student admissions and progress through the program
• Oversee ongoing program evaluation and improvement
• Communicate to stakeholders about the PhD program
• Support PhD students throughout the program
If you do not understand something or problems (personal or professional) arise let the PhD Program Director know so he/she can assist in troubleshooting and help you to make good decisions. In general, you may think of the PhD Program Director as a resource to assist you through any challenges that might arise while you are in the program, as well as to alert you to opportunities to improve your success.
PHD PROGRAM COORDINATOR – CAROLINE BILSKY
The PhD program coordinator is an administrative professional who generally provides support for the students and faculty of the PhD program. The responsibilities of the program coordinator include:
• Assist the Ph.D. program director in running the Ph.D. program
• Assist students in completing necessary paperwork throughout the program
• Assist students in course registration
• Collect and maintain data relating to student progress in the program
• Provide information to prospective students regarding application procedures
In many ways, the PhD program coordinator is your “go to” person when you need help in understanding or completing the mechanics of the program (e.g., registration, CSU Graduate School forms, meeting deadlines for submitting departmental or institutional paperwork and records, etc.).
FORMING A DOCTORAL COMMITTEE
The principal function of your doctoral committee is to help determine your program of study and to guide you through your independent inquiry experience. The committee also functions to advise the University upon the completion of each required examination (Qualifying and Dissertation Defense). The committee continually evaluates your progress toward the degree. Your interests will be best served by forming a committee whose members possess the specialized skills involved in your particular topic of inquiry.
You select the members of your doctoral committee in consultation with your adviser (who chairs the committee) by the end of your second full semester. For the doctoral committee, at least four members are required. The committee is formalized on the GS6 Program of Study form, which is due by the end of the third semester. Your adviser and at least one other committee member must be a faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Beyond these two, other departmental or non-departmental faculty may serve. Of the non-departmental faculty members serving on the committee, one will be formally charged as the Graduate School representative by the Dean of the Graduate School. This information will be documented on your GS6 form.
You are responsible for contacting these persons and request that they serve on your committee. However, a particular faculty member may be heavily committed to other projects and feel unable to serve on your committee. If this should happen to you, do not feel rejected. You will benefit by having committee members who are able to offer you the support that you need at the time that you need it.
You can expand your committee structure beyond the initial four to add expertise in specialized areas, but a large committee can be cumbersome and will require the student to fulfill the expectations of these additional persons. See the Graduate Bulletin for details. A faculty member does not have to be on your committee to provide you with occasional advice. If you are in continual need of advice from that person, you should consider inviting them to be on your doctoral committee.
The committee may be altered if necessary during your graduate program. This is done in consultation with your adviser and occurs using the Petition for Change of Committee (GS9A) form. For example, if a committee member leaves Colorado State University, you usually must replace them.
Consistent and effective communication with all committee members is an important responsibility for the PhD student. Maintaining open lines of communication helps to strengthen the mentee-mentor relationship to the benefit of the student and committee members. PhD students should plan to meet with committee members individually or in group format at least one time per year. More frequent meetings and communications will likely be required as the student approaches key milestones in the program (i.e., qualifying exam, proposal, dissertation defense).
While the student must take responsibility for initiating meetings and communication with committee members, each committee member must also be responsible for regular participation in the mentoring process and outcomes of the student work. For example, committee members should provide a substantial contribution to dissertation manuscripts intended for publication.