6.4 SUPERVISION PROTOCOLS
The dissertation provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate a range of acquired research skills including the ability to work independently, to formulate a proposal and to carry it through to fruition in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is the STUDENT’S work, not the supervisor’s. The supervisor advises, guides, critiques and encourages, but does not manage the work. That is the role of the doctoral student. It is important to remember that the responsibility for the research and writing of the dissertation is the student’s.
6.4.1 SUPERVISOR’S ROLE (ALSO KNOWN AS THE FIRST READER)
The onus of responsibility in the supervision of the development of the prospectus and the dissertation falls to the dissertation supervisor (first reader). The dissertation supervisor provides authoritative oversight to the research process and is the chairman of the dissertation committee.
Supervisors:
- Give advice about the nature of the dissertation (viability of the study, clarification of seminar policies and protocols)
- Assist in developing the dissertation title
- Discuss a general strategy for the design of the research
- Discuss avenues for literature search and review
- Suggest helpful literature and other sources
- Oversee the planning of the prospectus and dissertation
- Set and maintain the standard of work expected
- Offer input for improvements to draft chapters
- Discuss possible research methods
- Advise on dealing with outside agencies
- Warn of major problems
- Give feedback on argument, analyses, quality and progress
- Encourage, support, and acknowledge progress
Supervisors DO NOT:
- Act as proof-reader of the student’s work including the correction of spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.
- Come up with a detailed topic or proposal (although individual supervisors may encourage particular areas)
- Make decisions for the student
- Tell the student what to write
- Accept any draft for detailed comment less than two working weeks before the deadline
6.4.2 SECOND READER’S ROLE
Second readers function in a consultant role. While they receive copies (and third readers when assigned) of the prospectus as it is developed, they are not required to comment on those copies to the student. Rather, all input from the second reader is channeled through the supervisor to the student unless otherwise agreed upon by the supervisor.
With the permission of the dissertation supervisor (first reader), the role of the second reader may be expanded to an ongoing consulting role with the student during the development of the prospectus and dissertation. When this occurs, the dissertation supervisor must be informed of these consultations and of any changes made to the prospectus or dissertation as a result of these consultations.
In general, then, doctoral students should not ask second readers or external readers to read draft editions of individual chapters or the dissertation without the prior approval of the dissertation supervisor. Second readers and external readers are only to be consulted on the defense-ready version of the completed prospectus and/or completed dissertation unless arrangements are made with the supervisor.
6.4.3 PHONE CALLS AND MEETINGS
Students are to make phone appointments in the discussion of dissertation material, rather than making impromptu phone calls or writing lengthy e-mails with numerous imbedded questions. Prior to scheduled phone appointments, students should e-mail the dissertation supervisor with a list of the primary questions to be discussed, attaching an electronic copy of the chapter(s)/section(s) of the dissertation under discussion. The more context information that is provided, the more accurate the response will be.
Quick e-mailed questions are appropriate from time to time. However, if numerous questions need to be discussed, a phone appointment should be scheduled instead.
Impromptu phone calls are discouraged, as the dissertation supervisor may not be able to devote full attention to the questions if other classroom commitments or appointments are in progress at the time of the call or immediately pending.
Students are responsible for keeping dissertation supervisors frequently informed of progress made in the research and writing of the dissertation.