Graduate Degree: Survival Guide
The "Survivor's Guide" was largely prepared by Dr. Marc Porter, Graduate Coordinator for the Department of Human Communication Studies from 1990 through Summer 1992. Revisions in this useful document have been made since 1992 by Dr. Collier (Graduate Coordinator 1992-Spring 2000) and Dr. Guzley (Graduate Coordinator Fall 2000-current) in order to update certain details about program offerings, department personnel, and so on. However, more than 85% of the "Survivor's Guide" still reflect Dr. Porter's original effort.
As Dr. Collier previously noted, in Dr. Porter's "Preface" to the original printing of this Guide, he stated that its purpose was to provide common answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by graduate students in our program. He also advised students to pay particular attention to information regarding advancement in the program's degree options, as well as information about "forming of a Graduate Advisory Committee, development of a Master's Degree Program Plan, and thesis/project, and/or comprehensive examination." This is excellent and even essential advice. Follow it.
In addition to his practical advice, Dr. Porter also attempted to inspire his readers with an enthusiasm for pursuing their graduate study, not only in achieving some narrowly focused professional goal but also in seeking a broader "serious mastery of the subject"--"a passion for the contemplative and a desire for enlightenment." I agree this broader vision is important, in addition to the focus and practical details which are a necessary and inescapable part of graduate study.
Your graduate school experience will be enhanced to the extent you can achieve balance between your studies and personal life. Commitment to timely completion of the demands associated with each course and your graduate degree is important. In addition, the process of completing your graduate degree is more enjoyable and rewarding with the adoption of a mature perspective.
—Ruth Guzley, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator