GRADUATE STUDIES: STUDENTS’ OBLIGATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS By Dr. Michael Wainaina Associate Dean, Graduate School

GRADUATE SCHOOL Coordinates the Research Part of your Course. The coursework part should be fully taken care of by the Department and your School

What is a Masters Degree?

Graduate Student Responsibilities When you register as a graduate student you are making a commitment to devote the time and energy needed to engage in research and write a dissertation. Completion of the Degree programme is your obligation The University through the appointed supervisor has a right to expect substantial effort, initiative, respect and receptiveness to suggestions and criticisms. You must accept the rules, procedures and standards in place in the program and at the university and should check the University Calendar for regulations regarding academic and non-academic matters…Gathering information on procedures and policies is your obligation

Responsibilities Cont’d Be thoughtful and reasonably frugal in using resources provided by the supervisor and the University, and assist in obtaining additional resources for their research or for other group members where applicable. Conform to University, Department and Graduate School program requirements, including those related to deadlines, dissertation or thesis style, conflict of interest. Adhere to the Individual Course Schedule for the completion of the programme Keeping supervisors informed on how you can be contacted and informing them of any significant changes that may affect the progress of the research. When your degree program requirements have been met, terminate your work and surrender all materials, equipment and resources that belong to the Supervisor or the University

Responsibilities Cont’d Produce and present a Thesis for examination and award of Degree What is a Thesis? A thesis is a substantial piece of scholarly writing that reflects the your ability to: – conduct research – communicate the research – critically analyze the literature – present a detailed methodology and accurate results – verify knowledge claims and sources meticulously – Link the topic of the thesis with the broader field

What does a thesis do? A master's thesis must demonstrate that the student knows the background and principal works of the research area, and can produce significant scholarly work. It should contain some original contribution. A PhD Thesis must produce substantial original contribution to knowledge & research in the discipline

When should you commence work on your Thesis? The Thesis work is preceded by the proposal Immediately you are registered you should engage in the process of conceptualising a research problem.

Conceptualizing a Research Problem Topic Evidence for the Issue Deficiencies in the Evidence What Remedying the Deficiencies will do for Select Audiences FLOW OF IDEAS Subject Area Educational Issue A Concern A Problem Something that needs a Solution: Evidence from the literature Evidence from practical experiences In this body of evidence, what is missing? What do we need to know more about? How will addressing what we need to know help: – researchers – educators – policy makers – individuals like those in the study

Concept Paper You will be expected to present a concept paper on your selected topic/problem A concept paper is a document that enables the department to identify your area of interest and allocate you advisors/supervisors to guide you. Avoid a situation where you are talking to anyone and everyone about everything

Role of the Supervisor An important part of the role of the supervisor is to guide the transformation of the student from a consumer of knowledge to a creator of knowledge

How does the University Allocate Supervisors Several factors influence the decision: – The main one is area of specialization – Availability of Supervisors in your area of specialization in relation to their workload – Need to guide the student in both matters of Content and Methodology – It is the responsibility of the University to allocate you supervisors – It is your responsibility to work with the Supervisors allocated

Establishing a Student Supervisor working relationship For effective supervision, have an initial meeting with your supervisor and discuss and clarify expectations on the following: The extent and nature of direction from the supervisor The degree of independence of the student Written work – frequency of submission, drafts, progress reports The role of the supervisor in editing work The manner in which ideological or opinion differences will be handled

Issues Cont’d Frequency of contact. Preferred communication method (e.g., , voice mail, in person). Timelines for each stage of the work. Frequency and manner of submission of work (in writing or through presentation). Type of feedback expected. Whether students work in the department or at home/library. Hours of work. Nature of any directed reading program. Responsibility for sourcing literature and materials for the reading program

Other Key Stakeholders Beyond the Supervisor, you will need to work closely with: Your colleagues. Departmental Post-Graduate Studies Board/ Know the Chairman School Post-Graduate Studies Board/Know the Chairman Graduate School

Resources The responsibility to gather information is your own We have designed an online PUCU 500 Research Methods Unit to equip you with basic skills of conducting Research Modest ICT resources are provided by the University, but there is no serious researcher who relies on an institutional computer to conduct research The University Library has a vast resource of online reading materials Buy Books!!!

Thank you