Ask for commitment from your dissertation committee

Once you have created an excellent dissertation so as to be submitted to the dissertation committee, it is absolutely essential for you to establish a healthy relationship with your dissertation reviewers. After ascertaining what the dissertation committee wants and who you want to be your chair, it is time to make it official by asking the faculty member and setting expectations. You can always choose to set up a meeting with your potential chair to discuss your topic and the process of the dissertation.

Here’s a pictorial representation of a few key items to remember while contacting your potential chair:

In your meeting with your potential chair, you will want to discuss the content of your dissertation. Some of this may have been covered in an initial interview, but be ready to discuss in more depth your topic of interest, why it is important in the context of the broader research literature, and how it fits with the faculty member’s research.  In addition to discussing the topic, it is important to discuss the process of dissertation development. You should establish a clear, but flexible, dissertation work plan with expectations about communication, responsibilities and timelines with your chair. Once you and your chair have discussed topic, process and committee membership, it is time to invite the other faculty members to be part of your committee.

Note that some faculty members, due to timing, other responsibilities, or lack of fit (with topic or student personality) may decline your request to be your chair or on your committee. Do not take it personally. Be glad that this was established early in the process before significant time and investment occurred. Work with your chair or advisor to find appropriate replacements and don’t be discouraged. I am sure this post of mine would have definitely helped you grab excellent amount of information.