Committee Creation

This piece originally appeared in the July-August 2023 edition of SSWR DSC’s Monthly Monitor, available here.

So you’ve finished coursework, passed your comprehensive exams, and you’re on your way to becoming a full-fledged candidate. What now?

An important task that arises as you enter the dissertation phase of your program is the creation of your committee. This group of faculty and mentors will be integral as you navigate the highs and lows of writing your dissertation. They will serve as your primary support through conceptualizing, proposing, writing, and defending your dissertation. Creating your committee is a decision that can be anxiety-provoking, and perhaps one that our advisers or mentors don’t often talk about–other than the importance. 

Here are some things to keep in mind to help alleviate some of the unknowns and stress associated with forming your own dissertation committees:

DRAFTING ACADEMIC PLANS

A draft of an academic plan can be helpful, particularly in defining the scope and feasibility of your research agenda and funding sources to support your research until the last mile. Consider the ‘big picture’ of your research and writing, including the deadlines of your program. Having this plan can help facilitate a discussion of your requirements with the potential committee chair and committee members on managing expectations and deciding on meeting content and frequency. Making your intentions known to your potential committee chair or mentor may help initiate a dialogue on the alignment of their advice with your career goals. 

CHOOSE FACULTY THAT HAVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER.

This was shared by a mentor recently and is something I had not previously considered. It can make the dissertation process even more challenging if faculty members don’t have positive working relationships with one another. One way to assess this is to speak with peers at your institution: colleagues who are currently in or have been through the dissertation process. You could also consider speaking with the faculty member directly and asking about working relationships. Your advisor is another resource who can help you think through how to form the best committee possible.

CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS AND WANTS

Think about your goals in the program and beyond. Choosing experts related to your chosen methods, content, or even your future track (academia vs. industry) will be incredibly useful. You may also consider past experiences you have had working with faculty,–how they gave feedback, how responsive they were, and your ability to communicate with them. Committee members often may not overlap with your subject matter, but can offer expertise in methods, crafting articles, grant-writing, etc. 

IT’S OKAY IF SOMEONE SAYS NO

While it can feel defeating in the moment,in the long run, it is better  to know if a faculty member doesn’t have the capacity to participate on your committee. You can also consider if a faculty member may have the ability to be on your committee vs. chairing it, which may entail a different set of responsibilities and time commitments. It may help to plan for a few backup faculty members in case your first or second choices decline. 

READ YOUR INSTITUTION’S PROCEDURES ON THE DISSERTATION PROCESS CLOSELY

Schools vary in their rules and practices on committee formation. For example, some institutions allow for an outside committee member—someone from another department or institution–to serve on a PhD student’s committee. This is helpful to know upfront as you strategize and consider potential choices and what they may bring in terms of strengths and challenges.  

CONSIDER CHAIR (MENTOR) RESPONSIBILITIES

Advancing to candidacy can be a daunting experience for many; however, your mentor plays a very important role in supporting you in making that decision. As you navigate identifying your committee, it can be helpful to think of committee chairs and members in terms of the perceived support and guidance you foresee receiving, whether they inspire you in ways that not only help you meet the requirements of your degree and research goals but can also help you become a colleague, a peer, or a collaborator after you graduate. 

While your committee will be integral in your dissertation phase, remember to also lean on other sources of support and knowledge as needed–peers, other faculty you have made connections with, and your support system beyond school. Your skills, experience, and knowledge have brought you to this point and will continue to carry you forward!