PhD Students: Student Advisement - Supervisory Committee

Steps in the Selection and Appointment of the Supervisory Committee

Students read Graduate School Memorandum No. 13, as well as Considerations for Selecting a Supervisory Committee Chair and Members.

During the first year of the doctoral program, students are encouraged to discuss with their faculty advisor any potential members of the faculty who may be appropriate to guide the student's dissertation research.

Students then interview graduate faculty with compatible inquiry interests and methodologies to consider who might be an appropriate chair of the Supervisory Committee. The prospective chairperson is selected first.

The student and prospective chairperson identify likely candidates for the rest of the committee. The student and selected chair should consider the ability of selected members to work together as well as required expertise.

The student interviews potential Supervisory Committee members and confirms their willingness to serve as a member of the Supervisory Committee.

The student submits a written letter of request for the appointment of his/her Supervisory Committee to the Associate Dean for Academic Services. If members from the community are selected, a justification on the letter of request and curriculum vitae should be included. An electronic letter sent by e-mail attachment is acceptable.

The student submits a completed Use of Human and Animal Subjects for UW Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations form to Academic Services. This form is required whether or not the student's research will require an IRB review. Students who are unsure about whether or not their research will require IRB approval should consult these guildelines.

If this form is not submitted, final approval of the committee is delayed until the form is received.

The Associate Dean for Academic Services is the School of Nursing Graduate Program Coordinator. The Associate Dean reviews the letter of request and forwards it, via an Academic Services staff member, to the Graduate School for appointment and approval of the individual committee members.

The student establishes a schedule of regular appointments with the supervisory chair in order to enhance progression according to the student's identified time frame for completion.