Doctoral Support Center & Doctoral Programming Blog

Planning Ahead for April

This is such a busy time in our program as students are immersed in their core courses, begin work with their thematic groups, or prepare for their final dissertation defenses. It is important for each of us to practice sound time management. Getting on your faculty members' calendars early is essential. Please note that many of the Rossier School's faculty members and staff will be away for a week in April at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) annual meeting from April 13 to April 17. If you will want to meet with faculty or staff members near that time for paper or chapter feedback, IRB assistance, dissertation defenses, or even for signatures on important forms, I recommend that you plan ahead by making appointments soon.

And remember, we are always happy to hear from you about your experiences in the program and ways in which we can make the Ed.D. program work for you. I hope that you find time to visit us in our Waite Phillips Hall 402/404 suite.

Cohort of 2009-March 2011 Updates

Hello, I hope your dissertation writing is going well! The following are some important items you should be aware of for the month of March:

Summer Registration: Registration for the Summer 2011 began on March 1st, 2011. If you have not received a copy of your summer registration memo please contact me immediately. Students will be registering for their final two concentration courses and EDUC 790: Research. Please be aware that all students pursuing an independent dissertation need to complete a Permit to Enroll form for EDUC 790 before they receive d-clearance for the course. Please note that once you register for the summer semester your tuition will be due during the billing cycle following your registration. Book lists for the summer semester will be sent to you by Friday, April 1st, 2011.

Summer 2011 Financial Aid: Students can begin applying for financial aid for the summer 2011 semester. Please visit the following website for complete details on how to apply for financial aid:http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/graduates2/summer.html

The Summer Loan Request Form is now available on the Financial Aid website: http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/private/docs/1112/SLRF201112.pdf If you have any questions about the financial aid process, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (213)740-1111 or via e-mail at fao@usc.edu

Fall 2011 Registration: In the fall 2011 semester you will enroll in EDUC 794a: Dissertation. Please be aware that you must complete your dissertation proposal defense, qualifying exam, in order to receive d-clearance for EDUC 794a. The permit to enroll for EDUC 794a is part of the Report on the Qualifying Exam form.

Dissertation Proposal Workshop: The Ed.D. Program Office will be hosting a Dissertation Proposal workshop on Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 from 4:00-6:00pm in VKC 156. At this event, Dr. Linda Fischer will be discussing Chapters 1-3, Kevin Collins will be going over the IRB process, and Dr. Jade Winn will be going over services that are relevant to you as you prepare for your qualifying exam. We strongly encourage you to attend this event as you prepare for your proposal defense. You do not need to RSVP for this event.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Fight On!

While Kevin is Away: IRB Questions

If you need IRB help while Kevin Collins is away, please contact the IRB office (213) 821-5272 or email Kristin Craun at kristija@usc.edu

I-star Training - Wednesday, October 20th 10-12 pm at New Credit Union Building (CUB)

IRB iStar training at UPC Wednesday October 20^th from 10-12 at CUB 329

Any questions, please email: istar@usc.edu

Pre-Proposal Methodology Presentation Today at 3:00 pm

This Wednesday, October 6 (3:00 - 4:00 PM) in MRF 204, Kevin Collins is presenting a workshop on Pre-Proposal Methodology. The program will be repeated Saturday, October 9 (10:00 - 11:00 AM) in SOS B49.

The purpose of this workshop is to provide an overview of the quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in the Social Sciences to examine educational problems. During the course of this workshop, we will survey and address the various methodological options commonly used by doctoral students in education. Thus, by providing an overview of each research tradition, the primary goal of this workshop is to help doctoral students to begin to conceptualize the research methodology that is commonly used in doctoral level education studies. Therefore, the quantitative research methodologies that will be further explored and discussed include but are not limited to: descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis techniques, multiple regression, path analysis, factor analysis, and analysis of covariance.

The qualitative research methodologies we will discuss include: case study analysis, content analysis, phenomenology, grounded theory, historical research, action research, ethnographic research, participant observations, interviewing and focus groups. Attention will also be given to the blending of the qualitative and quantitative traditions which is otherwise known as mixed methods approach. Based upon interest and if time permits, we will also introduce concept mapping as a means to organize and further clarify one’s conceptual framework and/or findings from your future research study.

Wednesday, October 6 in MRF 204 (3:00 - 4:00 PM) - LiveCast Link
Saturday, October 9 in SOS B49 (10:00 - 11:00 AM)

You can view recorded webcasts of the above presentations and take part in them yourself by doing the following:

1. Go to the blackboard website at https://blackboard.usc.edu
2. Select User Login:

• Username - enter your USC email username.
• Password - enter your USC email password.
• Once you login, under the section "Course List" select "20061_rsoe_dsc_ns00002: RSOE Doctoral Support Center (DSC)"

3. Click on the left menu button reading "Online Resources"

• note the DSC username and password (you'll need it to get to the programs)
• click the link for the DSC Online catalog
• enter the username and password
• enter "DSC Presentation Webcasts"
• click the link for the presentation you're interested in watching.

All the handouts for the presentations are available via Blackboard in the "Course Documents" section under "Presentations and Handouts."

If you have any questions or just need some support, join the Backboard discussion of the presentations in the "Presentations and Workshops" part of the "Discussion" section.

RSVP to the Doctoral Support Center -

Upcoming Pre-Proposal Methodology Presentation - Wednesday, October 8, 2010 at 3:00 pm

This Wednesday, October 6 (3:00 - 4:00 PM) in MRF 204, Kevin Collins is presenting a workshop on Pre-Proposal Methodology. The program will be repeated Saturday, October 9 (10:00 - 11:00 AM) in SOS B49.

The purpose of this workshop is to provide an overview of the quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in the Social Sciences to examine educational problems. During the course of this workshop, we will survey and address the various methodological options commonly used by doctoral students in education. Thus, by providing an overview of each research tradition, the primary goal of this workshop is to help doctoral students to begin to conceptualize the research methodology that is commonly used in doctoral level education studies. Therefore, the quantitative research methodologies that will be further explored and discussed include but are not limited to: descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis techniques, multiple regression, path analysis, factor analysis, and analysis of covariance.

The qualitative research methodologies we will discuss include: case study analysis, content analysis, phenomenology, grounded theory, historical research, action research, ethnographic research, participant observations, interviewing and focus groups. Attention will also be given to the blending of the qualitative and quantitative traditions which is otherwise known as mixed methods approach. Based upon interest and if time permits, we will also introduce concept mapping as a means to organize and further clarify one’s conceptual framework and/or findings from your future research study.

Wednesday, October 6 in MRF 204 (3:00 - 4:00 PM) - LiveCast Link
Saturday, October 9 in SOS B49 (10:00 - 11:00 AM)

You can view recorded webcasts of the above presentations and take part in them yourself by doing the following:

1. Go to the blackboard website at https://blackboard.usc.edu
2. Select User Login:

• Username - enter your USC email username.
• Password - enter your USC email password.
• Once you login, under the section "Course List" select "20061_rsoe_dsc_ns00002: RSOE Doctoral Support Center (DSC)"

3. Click on the left menu button reading "Online Resources"

• note the DSC username and password (you'll need it to get to the programs)
• click the link for the DSC Online catalog
• enter the username and password
• enter "DSC Presentation Webcasts"
• click the link for the presentation you're interested in watching.

All the handouts for the presentations are available via Blackboard in the "Course Documents" section under "Presentations and Handouts."

If you have any questions or just need some support, join the Backboard discussion of the presentations in the "Presentations and Workshops" part of the "Discussion" section.

RSVP to the Doctoral Support Center -

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New Rossier IRB Website

Did you know that the Rossier School of Education has a new website for those students seeking IRB approval. Check it out as it is a clearinghouse for all the information you will need to get IRB approval.

 

http://rossier.usc.edu/dsc/dsc-irb.html

 

However, it is still necessary to meet with Kevin Collins, IRB Advisor prior to submission. Therefore, please allow time to meet with him prior to submitting your application. He can be reached at: 213-740-4267 or kevin.collins@usc.edu in order to schedule an appointment or answer any questions you may have about the process.

Announcing: DSC Fall Presentation Line-up

Brush up on your research skills as you learn and refresh your research writing.  Here's the DSC Fall presentation line-up:

Critical Reading Analysis (Dr. Gokce Gokalp)
Wednesday, August 25 (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Saturday, August 28 (10:00 - 11:00 AM)

Library Resources (Dr. Jade Winn)
Saturday, August 28 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Wednesday, September 1 (3:00-4:00 PM)

Academic Writing (Dr. Gokce Gokalp)
Wednesday, September 22 (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Saturday, September 25 (10:00 - 11:00 AM)

APA (Dr. Jade Winn)
Saturday, September 25 (11:00AM - 12:00 PM)
Wednesday, September 29 (3:00PM - 4:00 PM)

Pre-Proposal Methodology (Kevin Collins)
Wednesday, October 6 (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Saturday, October 9 (10:00 - 11:00 AM)

Post-Proposal Methodology (Dr. Ilda Jimenez y West)
Wednesday, October 20 (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
Saturday, October 23 (10:00 - 11:00 AM)

Introduction to SPSS (Dr. Jade Winn)
Wednesday, November 10 (3:00 - 4:00 PM)

RSVP: rsoedsc@usc.edu
Live Webcast: The Wednesday session of each presentation will be available livecast and via Blackboard.

Locations will be announced when finalized.  The most current information is available here.

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Photo Attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36011007@N04/4018891440/

Got IRB?

Coming Soon! A Weekly IRB Workshop offered by Kevin Collins, the DSC IRB advisor.

• Time: Tuesdays 3:00  - 4:20 pm
• Room: WPH 202
• Dates: Tuesday, July 13th through Tuesday, August 10th

The weekly IRB workshop is designed for those students who

• have questions about the IRB process
• have questions about what the IRB does
• need help obtaining an i-star account
• need help completing their CITI training (human subjects)
• need help determining the level of review for their study
• are confused about a particular question(s) or other issues that may be more general in nature.

While each person's study is unique this is excellent opportunity to learn about the process in general which in the end would provide enough insight to complete most of the application.

For more information, contact Kevin Collins.

IRB Presentation - Thursday, March 11 - 10:30 am - 11:30 am

If you have any additional questions about the IRB process, please contact:

Kevin Collins, IRB Advisor for Rossier School of Education at: (213)740-4267 or via email at: kevin.collins@usc.edu