UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PHD MODEL KATHERINE MOORE VICE

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PHD MODEL KATHERINE MOORE VICE DEAN PRISCILLA KOOP ASSOCIATE DEAN Distance? University of Victoria Royal Roads Athabasca University Flexible delivery? U of Alberta 42/97 students are FD 80% are working FT/PT

FLEXIBLE DELIVERY (FD) FD = Some courses are available on line (hybrid) synchronous or asynchronous minimum of 36 course weights over the duration of the program (each course 3 credit wts) additional administrative fees if studying off campus require personal computer and internet access (Int’l students) minimum 1 semester of residency

ADMISSION PROCESS: NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ON OR OFF CAMPUS Minimum GPA 3. 0 Plus other considerations of scholarly potential Masters thesis + pub from thesis Other publication Awards/scholarships Research experience Leadership evidence Continuing education (esp of out of school x few yrs) Written plan congruent with discipline Approved supervisor

CORE COURSES: ALL STUDENTS Currently no required courses except Dissertation Seminar x 2 (N 699) Typically take 6 -10 in Nrsg theory & history, research methods, substantive area This has made it easier for FD students as they can choose their courses Also allows courses at other sites which are not on-line at U of A (eg. Western Dean’s Agreement) The policy of no required courses is under review

EXAMS: ALL STUDENTS On entry: Supervisor chosen 12 months: core Ctm (3 faculty, 1 non faculty) 36 months (MAX) Comprehensives (+ 2 additional Ctm members) – 2 day exam, 1 week, or 1 month; must answer 3/9 Qs related to: Discipline; Research methods; Substantive area Candidacy exam – oral exam on discipline and research methods (proposal) Proposal to ethics Data collection Year 4 final exam (ideal) – reality – time to completion 6. 5 - 7 yrs.

THESIS SUPERVISION: APPLIES TO ALL STUDENTS Student and supervisor: agree on commitment before acceptance 1 st time supervisors require experienced co-supervisor On-going questions about how much ‘interference’ the AD Graduate studies should run. Thesis: paper-based or traditional Annual report signed by student and Faculty member (required) Recommended (but not enforced) Student per faculty “tricky” – less than 2 -7? Depends on whether 75% release (eg CRC) or full teaching load Student fits directly into researcher’s area Commitment is in writing, including amount of funding supervisor will provide, expected milestones

CHALLENGES (ALL STUDENTS) Did not anticipate FT/PT working & not able to commit to FT Student engagement in the University milieu and culture Students needing support may have little face to face with supervisor (although e-contact & residency can be very effective) & ‘disappear’ International students & language, e-learning, and available technology Students miss onsite opps – workshops, teaching, RA work with supervisor, socialising, funding

SUCCESSES Can offer courses off campus so available world wide Combine on/off campus in same course using E-lluminate, Skype Allows from some flexibility in location of student Helpful for students working Allows International students to enrol Faculty members enjoy the on-line course offerings

FINAL THOUGHTS On-line courses are appreciated by all students & faculty are skilled in delivery U of A has an outstanding & award winning e-learning Director (Wendy Caplan) But – e-learning is not distance delivery Must have good AV facilities/rooms for recording on site guest speakers, ways to fully link students with University culture eg. Orientation to the U of A at the beginning of term Ways to directly engage students

IN CONCLUSION U of A is at a crossroads after recent Ph. D program review Continue on same line with ‘hybrid’? Focus only on on-site delivery? Actively develop a fulfilling Distance program? Can we offer two excellent programs? Stay tuned!