The Confirmation Process: A Trek into the Known Margaret Korosec 3 June 2015 PhD Student University of Hull Technology-Enhanced Learning

Welcome  Introduction  What is a confirmation?  The confirmation  Prepare  Deliver  Reflect  My own trek  Recommendations

Introduction

MacPhail, W. (2009). Students in the Class. [Photo]. Retrieved from

The Confirmation

What is the PhD confirmation? Image by Kreuzschnabel/Wikimedia Commons License: artlibre and CC BY-SA 3.0artlibre

When is the confirmation? According to the Checklist of the Key Stages of the Research Degree Process found on the Graduate School site: The PhD confirmation (the ‘upgrade’ meeting) generally takes place between 8 – 12 months after commencing your PhD programme Documents and Forms:

Confirmation: Prepare

Literature Review Research Questions Thesis Structure Progress to Date Further Research Plans Draft Chapter

Confirmation: Prepare  Review documentation with your supervisor(s)  Prepare verbal responses  Mock meeting  Find out who the examiners are  Be prepared to address your progress Please note: Some departments require a presentation which is open to staff and students. Be sure and know what is expected of you!

Confirmation: Deliver

 Audio record the meeting.  Listen carefully to the questions and to the responses.  It is okay to say, “I do not know.”  Remember - the University wants you to succeed! Trust your efforts thus far, because….

You’ve come a long way, baby!

Confirmation: Reflect Sunset retrieved from

My Confirmation Experience

Retrrieved from Confirmation

My confirmation experience Submitted confirmation documentation 21 March Confirmation meeting with both supervisors, two examiners and one meeting chair 21 May Resubmission 1 August

The trek became clearer Railway Yards at Stourbridge junction (Rob Newman)

Recommendations

Gain new perspective and reflect on your work

Do not make assumptions

Always move your work forward

Ask for help when needed

Balance

Focus on the end

Thank you Margaret D

Doctorates are awarded to students who have demonstrated….  The creation and interpretation of new knowledge….  General ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge….  A systematic acquisition and understanding…  A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.