Handbooks

Doctor of Philosophy in
Nursing Science Handbook

Academic Advising

General Information

In the doctoral program, students are assigned an advisor based on mutual research interests. Based on knowledge of faculty research and the potential doctoral student's personal statement, the Associate Dean for Nursing Science Studies makes the initial link between applicant and potential advisor. The prospective faculty advisor interviews the applicant. At this time, the suitability of the applicant for doctoral studies and their match with an advisor's area of scholarship is determined. At the time of the interview, the doctoral applicant and faculty interviewer will develop a tentative program plan in the CORE Database and complete the Teaching Requirement Documentation Form (PDF) (Word) as appropriate. In most cases, the faculty interviewer continues as the major research advisor and dissertation chair.

Qualifications of the Faculty Advisor

•  Faculty advisor must be a member of the UIC College of Nursing and the Graduate College .

•  Faculty advisor must have a program of research, as exemplified by extramural funding, and/or a sustained record of peer reviewed publications, or a national recognition in a specified area of scholarship.

Role of the Faculty Advisor

The faculty advisor provides a vital link between the student and the doctoral program. The faculty advisor plays an important role in orienting the student to the doctoral program, providing appropriate guidance regarding course selection and sequence, providing mentorship in completing the doctoral program curriculum, and planning an appropriate career trajectory. Specifically, the faculty advisor will:

•  Interpret doctoral program requirements and policies.

•  Assist the student in developing goals for doctoral study and future career planning.

•  Assist the student in proper course selection and sequencing.

•  The faculty advisor should be aware of course content and prerequisites.

•  Elective and specialty courses should support the student's future research plans.

•  The program plan in the CORE Database should be reviewed every semester to determine if modifications are required.

•  Assist the student with registration procedures as needed.

Monitor the student's academic progress through discussions with the student, other doctoral faculty members, and reviewing grades. At the end of the spring semester, the faculty advisor and the student complete the Annual Program Progress Report (Word) and submit the form to the Associate Dean for Nursing Science Studies. The student's progress is reviewed with the Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee.

•  Verify that all coursework has been completed prior to completing the preliminary examination.

•  Assist the student in completing the preliminary examination process.

1. Assist the student in identifying members of the preliminary examination committee.
2. Develop the preliminary examination in conjunction with the committee members.
3. Discuss with the student the specific expectations regarding content and timely completion of the examination.
4. In conjunction with the preliminary examination committee, evaluate the preliminary examination.
5. Notify the student of the preliminary examination results.

•  Serve as the student's dissertation chair if appropriate (see section on completing the dissertation process).

Changing Advisors

If a change in advisor is necessary, the student and faculty advisor should first discuss this matter. A change in the faculty advisor may be warranted if the student markedly changes his/her research interests through the course of doctoral study. A formal, written request indicating the desire to change advisors as well as the reason for the change should be submitted to the Associate Dean for Nursing Science Studies ( See College Web site for the Change of Advisor form). The student and/or the faculty advisor are encouraged to seek the advice of the Associate Dean for Nursing Science Studies prior to initiating these procedures.

Student Advisement Responsibilities

The student bears substantial responsibility to assure that advisement occurs in a timely and appropriate manner. The student is responsible for:

1. Communicating regularly with his/her faculty advisor regarding progress, plans, goals and any problems that are current or anticipated.
2. Initiating and maintaining contact with the faculty advisor.
3. Being aware of College of Nursing policies and requirements.
4. Following the curriculum plan as agreed upon with the faculty advisor. If problems occur during registration necessitating changes to the plan, the student should consult the faculty advisor for any course substitutions.
5. Reporting any problems that might delay the completion of coursework, preliminary examination, or dissertation progress.
6. Requesting and completing all appropriate approval documents pursuant to the completion of the doctoral degree.
7. Participating in the selection of committee members for the preliminary examination and dissertation.

Annual Progress Reviews

The annual progress reviews are an integral component of the student's doctoral studies. The annual review is used to determine the student's appropriate and timely progress through the doctoral program. The review, because both student and advisor complete it, can also preempt problems with completion of the doctoral program. The annual progress review form is available at the Forms page. Filling out the form should be initiated by the student and taken to the faculty advisor for discussion and completion during registration advisement for Summer/Fall semesters. Once both faculty advisor and student agree upon progression information, the faculty advisor submits the form to the Associate Dean for Nursing Science Studies. The student's progress is reviewed with the Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee.