Proven Best Practices in Guiding Non-traditional Dissertation Students to Degree Conferral in the United States

Gina Peyton, David Brian Ross, Vanaja Nethi, Melissa Tara Sasso, Lucas A. DeWitt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Non-traditional doctoral students are employed in their specialised fields while completing their terminal degree to further their professional endeavours. Generally, these professionals work full-time and have family obligations, and some are married with variously aged children. They encounter heart-breaking situations with ageing parents as well as their own health issues. These doctoral students need just as much guidance and mentoring as traditional students in their journeys. This chapter addresses the dissertation chair–student relationship and assesses the practices, techniques and outcomes of that relationship. In addition, memoirs from recent doctoral graduates are included to provide insight, experiences and examples to aid doctoral students. Furthermore, recommendations of best practices from dissertation chairs are included to offer support and suggestions on guiding students through their doctoral adventure.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDeconstructing Doctoral Discourses
Subtitle of host publicationStories and Strategies for Success
EditorsDeborah L. Mulligan, Naomi Ryan, Patrick Alan Danaher
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages73-97
Number of pages25
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-11016-0
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-11015-3, 978-3-031-11018-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Publication series

NamePalgrave Studies in Education Research Methods
ISSN (Print)2662-7345
ISSN (Electronic)2662-7353

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Education
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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