Guidance, support sessions, workshops conducted by leaders, academic guidance, career advice and bespoke resources offer a range of services to students.
Phoenix, December 11, 2023(BUSINESS WIRE)–The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies is pleased to highlight its commitment to supporting doctoral students through its newly expanded pilot mentoring initiative, the Graduate Mentoring Program, as part of a robust suite of support services offered to students in practitioner doctoral programs. Operating through a scholar-practitioner-leader model, the College places students at the center of the doctoral education ecosystem with experts, resources, and tools to help prepare them to be leaders in their organization, industry, and community.
“The University of Phoenix School of Doctoral Studies focuses on integrating students into the community of practice so that they can more effectively achieve their career goals,” says Heinrich Ehlers, Ph.D., vice dean of the School of Doctoral Studies. “Practitioner doctoral studies provide a career-relevant education that enhances the knowledge and experience of adult learners working in their chosen careers. We believe that every student should have comprehensive support that strengthens their individual growth and professional network, and our college leaders collaborate with students and faculty to make this happen.” more effectively.”
The School of Doctoral Studies Alumni Mentoring Program is designed to connect current doctoral students with alumni of the School. Students may have questions and concerns as they progress through their doctoral program, and mentors draw on their own experience to help provide additional support and help mentees work toward educational and career goals. Mentorship is expected to last approximately six (6) months, but mentors and mentees have the option to extend beyond this time frame. To launch the expanded pilot program, more than 230 alumni have already volunteered.
“The mentor-mentee relationships created in our program between doctoral graduates and students provide our mentors with the opportunity to share relevant and valuable resources and suggest potential networking opportunities. They aid in the development and growth of our students while serving as a bridge to connect knowledge” and leadership practice to help foster a new generation of leadership. In organizations,” says John Ramirez, MBA, dean of operations at the college, who designed and leads the graduate mentoring program. “We have an active and engaged alumni community, and our graduate mentors serve as advocates, coaches, teachers, mentors, role models, valued friends, and benevolent authorities.” , cheerful critics, and career enthusiasts.”
Carla M. Harris was enrolled in the Doctor of Education and Post-Master’s Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction program at the college and was excited to enroll in the mentoring program as soon as she learned of its availability. Her teacher provided her with a timely connection she desperately needed. “Adjusting to my family, work, and graduate studies was not easy,” she says. “Having the right mentor changed the course of my life.”
Harris holds weekly meetings with her teacher to set goals and discuss her progress in achieving those goals. “Setting goals each week kept me accountable. My teacher would send me inspirational quotes every Sunday that would take me through the week. The time and ideas my teacher gave me are so valuable.” An added bonus is discovering mutual respect between her and her mentor: “Mentor and mentee can learn from each other, build networks, and grow as professionals.”
Pamela Darbyshire, DHA, RN, a nurse for 40 years and retired Air Force Nurse Corps officer, earned her doctorate in health administration with the college in 2021, and now volunteers as a mentor to three doctoral students. “If someone is thinking about becoming a mentor, I encourage them to learn about the mentee’s background: where they come from, what previous education they have had, what types of experiences they have had in their educational endeavors, and what their experiences are?” I felt inadequate. Then let them know you understand. It is important for trainees to feel that they are not alone. We can learn from each other, and we can grow in the mentoring relationship.”
College leadership also organizes a series of sessions in several support areas. Mansoura Kabrichi, Ph.D., chair of the Center for Instructional Technology and Instruction Research (CEITR), leads a research methodology group each year that provides a forum and community for students to hone their research skills. The group provides students with access to a range of high-quality methods resources, webinars, office hours, discussion forums, and short educational videos to help them with their research methods. Kimberly Underwood, Ph.D., president of the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research (CWDIR), leads a seven-member faculty formal writing support team that begins with participants engaging in Socratic dialogue to generate the critical thinking and behaviors needed to successfully progress through each stage of the doctoral journey . Sessions are designed to move students through increasingly complex levels and provide intensive explorations of topics and active writing exercises.
There are informal areas of support that arise based on students’ needs. Underwood also leads the informal Coffee Chat program that provides a safe and supportive space for students to talk about challenges outside of the classroom, where students drive the agenda and community spaces are created for greater engagement and communication. Lilia Santiago, Ph.D., associate dean of the Educational Leadership Program, leads a support group for doctoral students in the education program, titled “Education Essentials,” to create community and address challenges and opportunities specific to students’ experience working in education. Cathy Lally, Ph.D., MHI, RN, associate dean of the program, Doctor of Health Administration, leads an ongoing support session for students in the program, where faculty and students come together to collaborate.
Faculty in the School of Doctoral Studies bring academic credentials and industry experience to the students they serve, with an average of 27.7 years of professional experience and 12.2 years of teaching experience at the University of Phoenix. The college’s faculty professional experience includes that of CEOs, presidents, consultants, executive directors, and principals.
The University of Phoenix serves a diverse student body and recognizes that 79.8% of its students are working adults seeking to advance their careers through education. The college has a higher percentage of working adults, with 96% of them working while enrolled. In addition to the Doctoral Education Ecosystem®, doctoral students have access to the same 24/7 support channels as students across the colleges and programs offered by the University of Phoenix. The university’s chatbot, Phoebe®, along with the Life Resource Center and Virtual Student Union, provide assistance, resources, and ongoing engagement opportunities that meet students’ diverse needs and schedules.
Upon completion of their academic journey, students can join the university’s strong alumni network of over one million members. The Alumni Network hosts in-person and virtual events throughout the year to support professional development, networking, and community engagement.
Through these support methods, the University of Phoenix School of Doctoral Studies redefines online education for the practicing doctoral model, offering a comprehensive support network that enables working adult professionals to confidently pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
Learn more here about the ways the University of Phoenix supports its students.
About the College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix Faculty of Doctoral Studies Focuses on today’s challenging business and regulatory needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around a scholar-practitioner-leader model that places students at the center of the doctoral education ecosystem with experts, resources, and tools to help prepare them to be leaders in their organization, industry, and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.
About the University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults advance their careers and develop their skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skill-specific curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and commitment to Career for Life® services help students more effectively pursue their professional and personal ambitions while finding balance in their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
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Contacts
Media Contact:
Charla Hopper
University of Phoenix
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu
As the demands of the professional world continue to rise, the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies is committed to providing the necessary support and guidance for working adult doctoral students. In an effort to expand their mentoring pilot program, the college has developed a comprehensive support system to ensure that students have the resources and assistance they need to succeed. The enhancement of the mentoring program and the overall support system not only demonstrates the college’s dedication to their students, but also reflects their understanding of the unique challenges faced by working adults pursuing advanced degrees. With these initiatives in place, the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies is working to create a more accessible and accommodating environment for adult learners.