DOC/710R Let’s Climb the Dissertation Mountain Choosing a Mentor/Chair: The Guide UP the Dissertation Mountain

Role of Mentor/Chair Coach A rock climbing guide A content editor Design/subject expert Resource director Committee Coordinator Nag

A Mentor Does NOT: Write the dissertation or any section. Edit every APA or grammar mistake Edit every single minor revision Keep you on your timeline Guarantee graduation Take on dissertation responsibility

Role of Dissertation Student Listen Ask questions Revise – Revise - Revise Avoid arguing Create timeline and contract; sign and revise

Successful Mentoring Relationships Develop a thick skin – edits are good! Keep in contact with mentor. Manage time wisely. Develop dissertation timeline Develop consultation sources Celebrate major steps in journey

Finding a Mentor/Chair Problem Statement determines choice Subject matter OR Design expert Match profiles with problem statement Interview – do not select someone because you “like” them.

Ask Mentor Use Problem statement Well-rounded Committee is critical Mentor must approve revisions Committee involvement Finding Committee Members

Creating Mentor Charters and Timeline Contracts Charters are agreements Processes, when, where, roles, and conflict resolution Timeline of milestones

When to Choose a Mentor Must select a mentor by the end of DOC/721. Search SAS Web Site Review Faculty Profiles Use Mentor/Mentee Matrix Create a Mentor/Mentee agreement Commit to the Relationship