Advising Best Practice commitment connecting the dots Dissertation Doctoral Advising doctoral model expectations flexibility Journey learner success letting go Marathon mentors NACADA persistence prepare Publication reflection Research
You’ve read what we have to say, but now it’s your turn. What questions do you have?
Here in Minnesota, spring is slowly, but surely, arriving. As a recovering farm kid, I must say that spring has always been my favorite season. You have heard all of the clichés –especially that spring is a season of renewal. A new beginning. And so it is. READ MORE
It is Spring. We haven’t had snow in the last couple of weeks and the afternoon temps have hovered in the 60’s. READ MORE
For me, running and training for an event is iterative. I train with input from my coach, then I do the event. Then I analyze the run/event, consult with the coach, and train for the next event. I do strive to improve. I set goals. READ MORE
A February 18 article in the New York Times about those learners who believe they are academically entitled to high grades certainly caused some discussion among my colleagues, both here at Capella and at other institutions of higher learning across the country. READ MORE
Recently, in my pursuit of learning more about the art of watercolor, I came across series of articles written by an Australian artist Tony Smibert, in the journal International Artist. It introduced a five part series about the
“why” of the career perspective
“how” of learning the skills of becoming a professional artist
“what” of art market and business perspective
“what and why” of balancing the demands of family and career
“what” of practical elements critical to success
I was compelled by the holistic approach and by the parallel between graduate learners and aspiring artists preparing for a new career, or building on existing one – no matter what the age. READ MORE
Once learners pass comps and move into dissertation, their relationship to time management in the scholarly world changes. They no longer have the regular deadlines for assignments in courses, and for some it is a struggle to figure out how to manage their time without receiving, completing and turning in weekly assignments. READ MORE
The winter is difficult for me, especially keeping to a running schedule. Before the winter, I scheduled four days of running and three days of cross-training. This winter crushed my motivation, and I took the winter off from running and am experiencing the consequences of my decision. Now, my runs are more difficult, my diet is not as healthy, and my discipline to schedule running has dwindled. Even though I took time off from running, I could have returned to it more smoothly if I had included some running in my schedule. In other words, time off didn’t have to result in inactivity.
Likewise, taking a quarter off from your doctorate can be difficult to return to if you don’t have a plan to stay in academic shape. Before your quarter off, you were in the ebb and flow of research, writing, and thinking about your academic field. To avoid some of the difficulties from returning from a quarter off, stay engaged with your academics.
Here are a few suggestions for your quarter off:
1. Reflect on your development of the doctoral competencies
2. Revisit research topics for possible dissertation ideas
3. Read the literature in your field; for instance, seminal scholars, journals, and articles
4. Write 10-15 minutes daily
5. Look at a dissertation on iGuide with the dissertation locator
6. Ask yourslef what you will do differently next quarter that will contribute to you becoming doctoral
What will your quarter off look like?
To some it comes easy. Or so it appears.
I get frustrated that I’m not running as fast as I THINK I should be running. There are probably lots of reasons for this. Nonetheless, it bugs me that I’m not. READ MORE
I think it is safe to say that everyone is feeling the current economic crunch, in one way or another. Many learners ask what is entailed with taking time off from their programs as they face job changes, moves, or other factors that must take precedence over their doctoral program. READ MORE
When you’re in the midst of a job search, it’s easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed at times. This is particularly true in our current economic climate, which seems to bring news every day of more jobs lost and rising unemployment rates. It’s tempting for a job seeker to waive a white flag, crawl into bed, and pull up the covers! This is not a time to isolate yourself, however, but to reach out to friends, family, and your community. If you’ve recently lost your job, I encourage you to review the tips in So you’ve lost your job. Now what?, a document developed by the Career Center to assist learners and alumni affected by the economic downturn. In addition, job search clubs and other networking groups can provide support, helpful tips, and encouragement. READ MORE
