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How to (Carefully) Choose a Thesis Advisory Committee

How to (Carefully) Choose a Thesis Advisory Committee . Dr. W. Dean Care Dean & Professor Health Studies and Graduate Studies Brandon University September 2011. Thesis Topic. S elect a topic that you: care deeply about; will find interesting to research and write about; and

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How to (Carefully) Choose a Thesis Advisory Committee

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  1. How to (Carefully) Choose a Thesis Advisory Committee Dr. W. Dean Care Dean & Professor Health Studies and Graduate Studies Brandon University September 2011

  2. Thesis Topic Select a topic that you: • care deeply about; • will find interesting to research and write about; and • for which you can find a faculty thesis advisor who shares your interest in exploring the topic.

  3. Personal Reflection • What are your career goals? • What are your personal work and learning styles? • What are your timeframes for thesis completion? • How will these fit with potential thesis advisor and committee members?

  4. Thesis Advisor • Also called “Chair” or “Supervisor” • Talk to potential advisors by the end of your first year (second year if part time). • Once you identify a potential topic, begin conversations with faculty whose research interests mesh with your interests. • The Thesis Advisor can provide advice on elective courses that will fit your thesis topic.

  5. Choosing a Thesis Advisor • Talk with other students • Narrow down your options • Interview the “candidates” • Have you established rapport or a relationship? • What are their sabbatical plans? • Are they enthusiastic about your topic?

  6. Choosing a Thesis Advisor • What is the advisor’s research/publication track record? (ask for their CV) • How many graduate students are she/he supervising? • Do they have time for you? • Will they provide prompt feedback on drafts? • Will they challenge you to excel? • What is their style of supervision (general overview or micro manager)?

  7. Thesis Committee • Typically involves an Advisor/Supervisor, an internal member, and an external member (external to the School). • The Thesis Advisor and thesis Committee should be advocates for your success throughout the process. • Choosing the right committee will effect your thesis journey.

  8. How to Choose a Committee? • Ask your Thesis Advisor for suggestions • Speak with other students • Select committee members that your advisor can work with • Interview potential candidates • Ask questions about areas of expertise, strengths, time commitments, style of work, sabbatical plans, etc.

  9. Choosing a Thesis Committee • Are they members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies? • Ask for a copy of their CV’s • Impress upon them how you can help their careers (supporting their research; advancing the knowledge base; co-publishing/co-presenting from the thesis). • What expertise do you need on your committee?

  10. Choosing a Thesis Committee • Can you work well with them? • You want committee members who will be honest, challenging, and respectful.

  11. Establish a Plan with Committee Members • Establish a thesis plan with timelines (thesis proposal) • How often should the committee meet (face-to-face or virtually)? • What roles will members play? • How often should you communicate via email, phone, webcam, or ?? • How are multiple thesis drafts to be handled?

  12. No Cookie Cutter! Each student-advisor/committee relationship is unique. Some very successful ones are quite informal and distant; others are close and dynamic. One type of Advisor or Committee does not fit all!

  13. Questions?

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