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Exploring Effective Support Practices For Doctoral Students' Degree Completion, Edlyn V. Peña, Ilda Jimenez Y West, Gokce Gokalp, Linda Fischer, Jarrett Gupton Jan 2010

Exploring Effective Support Practices For Doctoral Students' Degree Completion, Edlyn V. Peña, Ilda Jimenez Y West, Gokce Gokalp, Linda Fischer, Jarrett Gupton

Edlyn V. Peña

The increase in time-to degree and attrition rates of students in doctoral programs highlight the importance of identifying challenges students face and developing support services to address them. This study explored the barriers and challenges Ed.D. students face while pursuing their degree along with the effectiveness of a doctoral support center (DSC) in assisting doctoral candidates. A survey administered to 103 students inquired into participants' experiences with their program, dissertation chair, and the DSC. In addition, nine student volunteers participated in focus groups and responded to questions related to the DSC, the program, and the advisor. Time management and relationship …