Ask Doctoral Advising

So, really, why don’t advisors research and publish in their own profession? We know the value of research to ourselves, our profession, our institutions, and especially to our learners. Lack of time, money, energy all contribute, but in my case, I think that my biggest barrier is that I don’t know how to get started. When I researched my dissertation, I had a lot of support including mentors, faculty, manuals, expectations. Although, I became sick and tired of family and friends asking me when I was going to finish my dissertation, the incessant nagging was motivating. Now, without structure or perimeters, I have only my own nagging inner voice insisting that research is the only way to move forward as a doctoral advisor.

I loved being a doctoral student. I loved the exchange of ideas; learning new theories, knowledge, thoughts; and especially the camaraderie of other learners. As an independent researcher, I want to recreate the doctoral experience as an independent research model. To this end, I have gathered resources that mimic my doctoral experience including mentors, manuals, money (grants), and even coursework. On Friday, December 12, 2008 at 1:00 PM CT, I plan to attend the webinar Infusing Research into Practice: Multiple Pathways to Conducting Research in Academic Advising . Camaraderie seems to be the most difficult task in recreating my doctoral experience, but if anyone is interested, I will move the webinar from my one-butt cubicle to an appropriate conference room and we can all benefit. Who wants to bring the popcorn?