Director of Graduate Studies in TCR completes the paperwork for all graduate students in the Technical Communication and Rhetoric program, including course schedule requests, annual reports, and the doctoral degree plan. In addition, the associate director advises students in the early stages of their doctoral program.
During your first year of study, you will be assigned an advisory committee consisting of two graduate faculty members in technical communication and rhetoric. This committee will help you navigate the choices early in your doctoral studies, possibly helping you decide on a minor course of study, research methods courses, courses in technical communication and rhetoric, and even dissertation projects.
Your advisory committee will also conduct your first-year review and subsequent annual reviews of your academic progress until you have selected a dissertation committee. You will meet with your advisory committee at least once a year, and it is recommended that you meet with individual members of your advisory committee more frequently.
By the end of your second year you will be required to select a dissertation committee of three faculty members. This committee may consist of some or all of your advisory committee, or it may comprise an entirely new group.
The dissertation committee will assume the duties of the advisory committee, including an annual review of your academic progress. It will also compose and grade your qualifying examination, advise you regarding your dissertation, and conduct your final defense.
The chair and other members should have expertise in the area of your dissertation research, including subject matter knowledge and knowledge of the methodology you will use. They should, in addition, be the persons who will be credible in recommending you for employment. Single-gender committees may suggest to potential employers that you have difficulty working with colleagues of the other gender.
Last Updated by Joyce Locke Carter, September 18, 2008