Taking Action to Optimize Doctoral Completion Maureen Grasso Dean of the Graduate School The University of Georgia Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Taking Action to Optimize Doctoral Completion Reflect on experiences Share ideas and strategies Learn about centralized project activities Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Guiding Principles Theoretical Framework Data-based Interventions Collaborative Action with Faculty Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Theoretical Framework Four Conditions for Optimal Doctoral Completion ConditionDescription Condition #1: The right people apply for doctoral study Applicants must be realistic about the demands and expectations of doctoral study Condition #2: The right applicants are admitted as doctoral students Admissions committees must properly screen applicants and, upon enrollment, orient them to the program Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Theoretical Framework, (cont.) Four Conditions for Optimal Doctoral Completion ConditionDescription Condition #3: Students and faculty form productive working relationships Faculty members and students must interact in a mutually respectful and task oriented manner Condition #4: Students experience social support from fellow students. Students must recognize themselves as members of a community of learners facing common challenges and opportunities Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion. Theoretical Framework

Data Based Interventions Completion data Interviews with Faculty and Students Structured Self Assessment by each department Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Collaborative Action with Faculty Faculty driven – program level change Data were provided to optimize doctoral completion Self study at department level Goal setting at department level Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Principal Project Activities Two Conferences Data Collection Research and Publications Creation of unified website Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Data Collection Preparation of templates for CGS Data Verification Improving data systems on campus Establishment of benchmarks Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Research and Publications Interview based study with faculty and students 4 research briefs Program practices Program self assessments Producing strategy sheets Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Project Website Information is key to success Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion. Project Publications- Research Brief #1

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion. Resources

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Project Website Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Thank you Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.

Conferences 1 st Conference- June 2005 Theoretical framework Data issue Engage faculty in the process 2 nd Conference- February 2007 Department accomplishments Strategies for accomplishing each condition in framework Strategic Intervention for Doctoral Completion A collaborative initiative to understand and improve completion.