University of Alberta PhD Model Katherine Moore Vice Dean Priscilla Koop Associate Dean

1. University of Alberta PhD ModelKatherine Moore Vice DeanPriscilla Koop Associate Dean • Distance? • University of Victoria • Royal Roads • Athabasca University • Flexible delivery? • U of Alberta • 42/97 students are FD • 80% are working FT/PT

2. Flexible Delivery (FD) FD = Some courses are available on line (hybrid) synchronous or asynchronous minimum of 36 course weights over the duration of the program (each course 3 credit wts) additional administrative fees if studying off campus require personal computer and internet access (Int’l students) minimum 1 semester of residency

3. Admission Process: No difference between on or off campus • Minimum GPA 3.0 • Plus other considerations of scholarly potential • Masters thesis + pub from thesis • Other publication • Awards/scholarships • Research experience • Leadership evidence • Continuing education (esp of out of school x few yrs) • Written plan congruent with discipline • Approved supervisor

4. Core courses: All students • Currently no required courses except Dissertation Seminar x 2 (N699) • Typically take 6-10 in Nrsg theory & history, research methods, substantive area • This has made it easier for FD students as they can choose their courses • Also allows courses at other sites which are not on-line at U of A (eg. Western Dean’s Agreement) • The policy of no required courses is under review

5. Exams: All students • On entry: Supervisor chosen • 12 months: core Ctm (3 faculty, 1 non faculty) • 36 months (MAX) Comprehensives (+ 2 additional Ctm members) – 2 day exam, 1 week, or 1 month; must answer 3/9 Qs related to: • Discipline; Research methods; Substantive area • Candidacy exam – oral exam on discipline and research methods (proposal) • Proposal to ethics • Data collection • Year 4 final exam (ideal) – reality – time to completion 6.5 - 7 yrs.

6. Thesis supervision: APPLIES TO ALL STUDENTS • Student and supervisor: agree on commitment before acceptance • 1st time supervisors require experienced co-supervisor • On-going questions about how much ‘interference’ the AD Graduate studies should run. • Thesis: paper-based or traditional • Annual report signed by student and Faculty member (required) • Recommended (but not enforced) • Student per faculty “tricky” – less than 2-7? Depends on whether 75% release (eg CRC) or full teaching load • Student fits directly into researcher’s area • Commitment is in writing, including amount of funding supervisor will provide, expected milestones

7. Challenges (all students) • Did not anticipate FT/PT working & not able to commit to FT • Student engagement in the University milieu and culture • Students needing support may have little face to face with supervisor (although e-contact & residency can be very effective) & ‘disappear’ • International students & language, e-learning, and available technology • Students miss onsite opps – workshops, teaching, RA work with supervisor, socialising, funding

8. successes • Can offer courses off campus so available world wide • Combine on/off campus in same course using E-lluminate, Skype • Allows from some flexibility in location of student • Helpful for students working • Allows International students to enrol • Faculty members enjoy the on-line course offerings

9. Final thoughts • On-line courses are appreciated by all students & faculty are skilled in delivery • U of A has an outstanding & award winning e-learning Director (Wendy Caplan) • But – e-learning is not distance delivery • Must have good AV facilities/rooms for recording on site guest speakers, ways to fully link students with University culture eg. Orientation to the U of A at the beginning of term • Ways to directly engage students

10. In conclusion • U of A is at a crossroads after recent PhD program review • Continue on same line with ‘hybrid’? • Focus only on on-site delivery? • Actively develop a fulfilling Distance program? • Can we offer two excellent programs? • Stay tuned!