1. Mama Ph.D.s: Exploring Varied Approaches, Honest and Inclusive Dialogue, and Strategic Planning for Women Considering Advanced Degrees
Laura Page, University of Missouri
Dr. Cassie Gerhardt, University of North Dakota
Dr. Lori Reesor, Indiana University
Tuesday, March 14, B Convention Center

2. Presenters Laura Page Doctoral Candidate University of Missouri
15 years in SA
Mom of three: ages 8, 5, and 3
Dr. Cassie Gerhardt
Associate Dean of Students University of North Dakota
18 years in SA
Mom of two: ages 13 and 11
Dr. Lori Reesor
VPSA
Indiana University
25+ years in SA
Mom of two: ages 13 and 15

3. Learning Outcomes Participants will…
Understand the motivations, opportunities, and sacrifices re: pursuit of an advanced degree
Evaluate various approaches re: work-life integration
Create personal plan with tangible next steps to pursue after the conference
Laura LP

4. Our Stories

5. What is your motivation for considering/pursuing another degree
What is your motivation for considering/pursuing another degree? If already enrolled, what are your biggest challenges/obstacles?
Laura LP

6. Asking Critical Questions
Is a doctoral degree relevant/necessary for your long-term goals?
Which degree? Which program?
Full-time, part-time, home institution; travel to a different campus, or online
RESEARCH and conduct informational interviews
Cassie Include the executive doctorate programs (Penn State, Columbia) CG

7. Asking Critical Questions
Support network
Family, friends, colleagues, peers in program (cohort?)
Work environment
Supervisor, cycle (busy seasons), space, flex time
Financial considerations
Tuition support, teaching/research assistantships, loans
Consider upcoming life changes
Cassie
Support network: Partner’s schedule, Ages of kids
Consider upcoming life changes: marriage, starting a family, kids starting school, health of aging parents, potential moves
Be able to articulate WHY this is the right program for you, the right time for you CG

8. Work-Life Integration
Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities
Strike a balance with social media
May be useful at work but unplug after hours/weekends
Gender issues related to organizational politics
Address the work culture; propose solutions
Work remote; Skype in for important meetings
GoogleDocs in place of some meetings
Flex time, .75 time, or part-time
Put health first; reduce stress in workplace
Lori LR

9. Work-Life Integration
On a regular basis, conduct self-assessments and goal setting (personally and professionally)
Develop a mentoring network
Across departments and institution; other institutions
Include a variety of careers/education levels
Lori LR

10. Alternative Path
Additional degrees may not be necessary for your career development
Be creative in finding ways to achieve satisfaction
Commit to lifelong learning
Contribute to the field and to the literature
Stay relevant to issues that impact higher ed.
Take advantage of opportunities as presented
Cassie CG

11. Career Roadmap Activity
Personal reflection
List your strengths and what you enjoy most about your job
Previous educational experiences
What type of student are you? What motivates you? Thinking of your Master’s degree or undergraduate degree, what worked well? What was challenging?
Professional aspirations
What is your ultimate professional goal? What steps are necessary to make this happen? Education? Experience? What is the next position you hope to obtain?
Support system
Supervisor/institution, partner, family, friends, mentors, colleagues
Laura LP

12. Next Steps
-Read! Current topics, trends, and research -Write! Share knowledge through publications -Keep resume/CV current -Pursue teaching experiences -Expand/diversify your experiences -Course offerings on your campus Use career roadmap to create a working timeline for your personal and professional goals; share/discuss with others in your life
Laura
-Next steps apply to everyone in the audience, regardless if you choose to pursue additional degrees
-Expand/diversify your experiences—committees, trainings, workshops, volunteering LP

13. Questions??? Laura Page, laurapage@mail.missouri.edu
Dr. Cassie Gerhardt,
Dr. Lori Reesor,

14. References
Alexander, P. A., & Jetton, T. L. (1996). The role of importance and interest in the processing of text. Educational Psychology Review, 8(1), Bembenutty, H., & Karabenick, S. A. (2004). Inherent association between academic delay of gratification, future time perspective, and self-regulated learning. Educational Psychology Review, 16(1), Bowen, G. W., & Rudenstine, N. L. (1992). In pursuit of the Ph.D. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Churchill, H., & Sanders, T. (2007). Getting your PhD: a practical insider's guide. Sage. Husman, J., & Lens, W. (1999). The role of the future in student motivation. Educational Psychologist, 34(2), Komives, S. R., & Taub, D. J. (2000). Advancing professionally through doctoral education. The handbook of student affairs administration, Schuh, J. H., Jones, S. R., & Harper, S. R. (Eds.). (2010). Student services: A handbook for the profession. John Wiley & Sons. Wao, H. O., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2011). A mixed research investigation of factors related to time to the doctorate in education. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 6,

15. Thank you for joining us today!
Please remember to complete your customized online evaluation following the conference.
See you in Philly in 2018!