We Survived- so Can You:: A Guide to Writing a Successful Dissertation

By Dr. Martha H. Stanislas and Dr. Dennis R. Clodi

As a former doctorate student, this guide was written to encourage and support students who are thinking about pursing a Doctorate or PhD or who is currently on the journey of achieving their goal and earning their title of Doctor. It is the intention of this guide to prepare you for writing your dissertation. I have offered you suggestions and recommendations that will make the process manageable, enjoyable, and not so overwhelming. It is important to note this journey will challenge you and test your determination; I am here to say to you do not give up but to keep pressing forward. Take a breather when needed and get back to work. Create sentences of inspiration; write your dreams out so they may serve as a reminder of why you are on this journey. The journey may be long and hard, but it too will have an end. At that time you will can sit back with a smile, shed a tear, and laugh as you have realized that your determination has pulled you through. Good luck and I wish you success as your complete your goal of becoming a doctor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481756358

Book preview

© 2013 by Dr. Martha H. Stanislas and Dr. Dennis R. Clodi. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/03/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5636-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-5635-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013909507

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Outline

Dedication and Acknowledgment

Intention

Section 1 - Intention Is Everything

Knowing Yourself and Your Support System

Success and Failure

Survival

Section 2 - Research

Allow Vulnerabilities to Show

Form Relationships (Enrollment Counselor, Academic Counselor, and Financial Aid Counselor)

Checklist for Section 2

Section 3 - Year 1

Understanding and Finding Your Focus

Mentor/Dissertation Chair Selection

Committee Member Selection

Collecting Information

Not Selecting Past Instructors to Serve as Mentor/Dissertation Chair and Committee Members

Outline of Chapters for Proposal

Checklist for Section 3

Section 4 - Year 2

Staying on Course

Finding an Editor

Editing of Chapters

Proposal Completed: Submit to Committee Members

Ready for Quality Review Methods and Institutional Review Board Submission

Checklist for Section 4

Section 5 - Year 3

Keep Your Feet on the Ground

Checklist for Section 5

Section 6 - Put It Out Into the Universe

Preparing for Oral Defense

Preparing for Oral Defense Conference Call

Request Available Date for Oral Defense

Response From Dean’s Office

Finalizing the Oral Defense

Checklist for Section 6

Section 7 - It Was Worth the Journey Reflection

Section 8 - Final Thoughts

Dedication

and

Acknowledgment

I am proud and honored to dedicate this dissertation to my biggest supporter my parents Marina Placide and Matthew Stanislas. Your encouragement of me attaining my doctorate degree is irreplaceable. I hope that I made you proud of this huge accomplishment. I want to thank for your prayers, words of encouragement, and most important your enthusiasm as I embarked and completed this journey. Your vigor made it worthwhile. I