Navigating Your PhD and Completing the Research Plan

This course will not be taught as a traditional course. That is due, in part, to the fact that students in the class will be from a variety of departments, will have been at the University for varying amounts of time already, and will need varying levels and types of support. As such, it will be very flexible and the content and focus will vary slightly for everyone. The instructor will conduct a student needs assessment at the beginning of the course to better shape the content and timing. From there, the instructor (with guest instructors as called for) will teach sessions on key, common goals or requirements during some course sessions, especially at the beginning of the semester. All students will join a peer writing group to review each other's work throughout the course. Some course sessions will consist primarily of a structured space to write, and others for writing groups to meet and discuss. Students will develop individual class attendance plans with the instructor to ensure that they are getting the support they need without adding a burden to their schedules that is not helpful.