Summer 2008 Progress and Plans

This semester, I am still at work on Milestone Group One at Capella University toward completion of a Ph.D. in Training and Performance Improvement. To successfully complete these milestones, I must achieve the following goals, according to the School of Education Dissertation Milestones Guidebook:

1.       Dissertation Committee Approved

2.       Learner-researcher and Mentor Complete CITI Training

3.       Mentor Approved Proposal

Milestone Progress

·         Milestone One: My dissertation committee is complete. It is composed of Michael McGivern, Ph.D, Jamie Barron, Ph.D., and Charlotte Redden, Ph.D.

·         Milestone Two: My CITI Training was completed in May 2007; the completion certification is on file.

·         Milestone Three: My pre-proposal is nearing completion. I expect to have it in Dr. Mike’s hands during the week of July 28. After his approval of the pre-proposal, I will dig into Chapter Two of the dissertation, the literature review. I have found approximately 50 sources that should be of value to me. My intent is to have this milestone complete by the end of this quarter.

Barriers to Completion of the Milestones

The primary barriers I see that could impede my progress in my dissertation are:

·         Full-time tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University, teaching five courses this fall (including two new preps)

·         Family responsibilities as a parent of four, ages 8-19

However, I have always worked best when juggling multiple responsibilities, and I believe that with the support of my spouse and some trusted colleagues at GSU, I will achieve my goal of completing all three milestones during Summer Quarter. I have a great cheering squad.

Photo Credit: “Trip in a look,” originally uploaded by Nicola Beccu