Saybrook Dissertation Services

Saybrook doctoral dissertation candidates must present a dissertation demonstrating the planning, conduct, and results of original research and scholarly creativity. The dissertation itself should be an evident product of the candidate’s growth and attainment of the ability to identify significant problems contributing to an area of scholarly or scientific interest aligned with the student’s academic degree program. Policies apply across the University yet allow for customization by program and department.  

Dissertation Timeline and Process Policy & Procedures 

The Dissertation Timeline and Process Policy and Procedures outlines the university processes (i.e., timeline and curriculum) that support and prepare students to complete the dissertation successfully. This policy first highlights the academic coursework dependencies that prepare students for the dissertation. Next, it overviews the qualifying and dissertation phases, including dissertation milestones. Finally, the policy outlines the relationship between the dissertation and degree conferral.  Procedures for documenting the student’s dissertation committee and milestones are linked within this policy document, as are diagrams of the dissertation timeline and the dissertation process and milestones. 

Dissertation Faculty Policy & Procedures 

The Dissertation Faculty Policy and Procedures establishes details on expectations, roles and responsibilities, and expectations of dissertation committee members. This policy also includes the following:   

• Criteria for Dissertation Faculty 

• Student Responsibilities 

• Requirements by Department 

• Process for Forming Dissertation Committee  

• Roles and Responsibilities for Dissertation Chairs and Faculty 

• Committee Members: Methodologist and Reader 

• Supporting Dissertation Faculty 

• Communication, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution 

• Changing Committee Members