A Data-Driven Approach to Improving Doctoral Completion

The Graduate School at the University of Georgia developed a comprehensive strategy for improving doctoral education and, in turn, completion rates, by approaching the problem in much the same way we approach our own research—in a data-based and systematic manner. This monograph describes the comprehensive and data-driven methods prompting action by both administration and doctoral programs at the University of Georgia (UGA). Individual chapters discuss the development of a conceptual model for approaching doctoral completion; the roles of a university’s administration in providing leadership and support; and strategies that graduate school administration and doctoral program faculty members can utilize in the areas of recruiting, admissions, advising, and in providing a supportive environment for doctoral students.

To download the complete case study, please click here (PDF).

Contents:

• Front Matter (PDF)
• Chapter 1: The Crucial Issue of Doctoral Non-completion
• Chapter 2: Description of Projects
• Chapter 3: What University Administrators Can Do to Improve Completion Rates
• Chapter 4: Attracting the Right Applicants
• Chapter 5: Attracting the Right Students
• Chapter 6: Facilitating Positive Student-Faculty Relationships
• Chapter 7: Encouraging Student Cohesiveness
• Chapter 8: Summary of Recommendations for Improving Doctoral Completion

References (PDF)

Appendix:

• Program Practices Survey (Example) (PDF)
• Program Statistical Report (PDF)
• Faculty Discussion Guide (PDF)
• Program Self-Assessment (Example) (PDF)
• Program Self-Study (PDF)