Academic Programs - Doctoral Program in Educational Theory and Practice (ETAP)
Roles of Interim Advisor and Major Professor
During the first year of study, the student is expected to become familiar with the faculty in order to determine which faculty members would best support the student’s professional goals and research interests. During this time, an Interim Advisor will be assigned to approve coursework and answer questions. Typically, near the end of the first year of study, a full-time student will ask a member of the Graduate Faculty to serve as the Major Professor for the remainder of the doctoral program. For part-time students, this decision may come later. For all students, a decision about the Major Professor should be made before the end of the fourth semester of study or the completion of 18 credit hours of coursework, whichever comes first. Although students could choose an Interim Advisor to be a Major Professor, this decision is not expected. Faculty members who serve in the role of Interim Advisor expect to be replaced.
After a member of the Graduate Faculty member agrees to serve as a Major Professor, he or she will guide the student in the creation of the Advisory Committee. The Major Professor may be from outside the program, department, or college, but should have substantial academic expertise in the student’s areas of interest and research. The Major Professor heads the Advisory Committee and must approve all coursework.
Composition and Role of the Advisory Committee
All doctoral students must have an Advisory Committee composed of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty of the University of Georgia (the Major Professor and two additional member of the Graduate Faculty). Additional members who may be added to the Advisory Committee do not have to be on the Graduate Faculty. It is the recommendation of the ETAP Committee that at least of the committee members be from the emphasis area of the doctoral students.
Students should plan on meeting with their Advisory Committee shortly after the committee is formed to discuss professional interests and goals, review prior coursework, plan remaining coursework, establish a time frame for degree completion, and explore research interests. Subsequent meetings should be planned, as needed, each semester of study.
In addition to being involved in the initial planning and final approval of the student’s program of study, the Advisory Committee arranges the written and oral comprehensive examinations, approves the subject and substance of the dissertation research, and conducts the oral defense of the student’s dissertation.
Changes in Advisory Committee membership may occur during a student’s program for a variety of reasons. Either the student or a faculty member may initiate changes in Advisory Committee membership. Caution and prudence should be used when making Advisory Committee changes and all changes must be made with the objective of helping the student complete his or her doctorate. Conversations with the Department Head and/or Graduate Coordinator should take place prior to initiating any change since a new Advisory Committee form will have to be created and signed by the Graduate Coordinator.
