Online doctoral students seeking additional support throughout their entire Adler University journey — including the often-intimidating dissertation process — have a new interactive online resource: the Ph.D. Student Center.

Launched on Jan. 27, the Center offers a space for online Ph.D. students to connect with peers, learn about the dissertation process, and find resources to help them with their research.

Dr. Thomison

“The doctoral journey is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Shannon Thomison, Ph.D., adjunct faculty and dissertation chair of the Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program.

“Just as athletes train for competitions, doctoral students must do the same,” added Dr. Thomison, who also serves as the doctoral academic advisor for the Online Campus with the Department of Student Experience and Academic Advising (DSEAA). “We recognize that our doctoral students and adult learners need to feel supported, prepared, and cared for. This Center will provide students with 24-hour access to what they need to succeed on this journey.”

The Center includes:

• Your Ph.D. Classroom: a space to learn about the dissertation journey and understand the key milestones along the way.
• Adler Coffee Shop: get to know the other students going through the dissertation process and share new research, interesting articles, and any personal or professional achievements.
• Research Lab: learn about the different types of research and the resources Adler University provides that can help with students’ research.
• Career Center: view information about professional organizations to join and the types of careers students can apply for in their specialty.
• Library and Writing Center: View information on the tools, resources, and workshop sessions offered to help students along their journey.
• Wellness Spa: This space provides resources and strategies to practice mindfulness and movement throughout the day.

All online doctoral students will see the Center on their Canvas Dashboard after logging into Canvas. To get started and meet your peers, check out the Meet and Greet Discussion Board in the Adler Coffee Shop to introduce yourself.

The creation of the Center is the result of ongoing discussions and meetings between online doctoral students, faculty, and program directors to help improve the student experience.

The Center is open and available for the Online Campus’ doctoral students throughout their entire dissertation experience.

“We wanted this space to feel similar to a traditional on-ground campus student center,” Dr. Thomison said. “And this just the start. As we find more resources, it will evolve.”

“This space was designed with community in mind,” said Dr. Thomison. “It allows us to develop relationships, show support, develop wellness habits, and assist students outside of their traditional courses and advising sessions.”

Students with questions about the Center, email Dr. Thomison.