DSC Handbook_Draft_V9.5_Sep 9

WRITING & RESEARCHEXCELLENCE HANDBOOKDoctoral Support CenterTexas Tech University, College of Education

WRITING & RESEARCH Table of ContentsEXCELLENCE HANDBOOK I.  About Doctoral Support Center a.  Message from Dean – Dr. Lesley about DSC b.  Mission and Vision c.  Objectives II.  DSC Philosophy III.  Services a.  Dissertation services b.  Coursework services c.  Professional activities services d.  Secondary service e.  Nota bene IV.  Hours of staff availability III.  Request and submission process IV.  Policies V.  Accessibility VI.  Frequently asked questions VII.  Out Staff

Message from Dr. Mellinee LesleyWelcome to the Doctoral Support Center for Writing and ResearchExcellence (DSC)! As you browse this handbook, I hope you will beexcited about the myriad of services available to doctoral studentsprovided by the DSC. Services are offered online and face to face tomeet the needs of all doctoral students in the College of Education.Primarily, the writing coaches provide comprehensive support withwriting and research tasks culminating in the dissertation. The DSCalso offers a host of enrichment activities that include a monthlyBrown Bag Lecture Series, writing and data rallies, writing retreats,newsletters, and writing groups. The comprehensive nature of theseservices provides a safety net for doctoral students who often feeloverwhelmed and isolated in their pursuit of a doctoral degree. Iencourage you to take advantage of these services early and oftenthroughout your doctoral program. The DSC was created for yoursuccess!

ABOUT DOCTORAL SUPPORT CENTER

About the Doctoral Support Center for Vision StatementWriting & Research Excellence It is the vision of the DSC to support doctoral students on their quest toward academic excellence and successful completion ofThe Doctoral Support Center for Writing & Research Excellence quality dissertations. This vision complements the College of(DSC) was created in the fall of 2014 as an innovative solution to Education’s goal of producing the measurably best educators in theaddress the burgeoning demands of academic writing support for United States by providing assistance and services that maximizedoctoral students in the College of Education at Texas Tech student success.University (TTU-COE). This support is offered online and face-to-face Missionto meet the needs of all doctoral students. The DSC offers Our mission is to provide exceptional and comprehensive supportcomprehensive support with academic writing tasks leading up to services that improve doctoral students’ research and writingthe dissertation that include assignments for coursework, proposals competencies, thereby enhancing their academic experiences.for human research protection, dissertation proposals, and Objectivesdissertations. The DSC also provides motivational support for •  Provide the highest quality of support services to TTU-COEstudents through activities such as writing workshops and rallies.Essentially, the DSC provides “wrap-around” support for students doctoral studentsfrom start to finish in their doctoral programs. The primary goal of •  Become a visible and tangible center dedicated to enhancingthe DSC is to assist students in the successful attainment of theirdoctoral degree. TTU-COE doctoral student experiences •  Be recognized by students and faculty as a center for academic excellence •  Emerge as the model support center at Texas Tech University with regional and national recognition •  Lead the way in research related to the doctoral support model, presenting at conferences and publishing in appropriate journals 5  

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our Philosophy DSC staff members will refrain from: •  Doing the work for a doctoral student or imposing ideas upon aDSC staff members adhere to the following principles:•  Promote collaborative learning, in which both doctoral students doctoral student. •  Proofreading and editing papers for mechanical and and the DSC staff members work together to maximize understanding. grammatical errors without using track changes or providing a•  Assist students with any writing projects related to academic and written explanation or having a discussion with the doctoral professional goals, except those for which assistance is student. prohibited by their program. •  Predicting a doctoral student’s grade or the potential outcome of•  Offer honest and practical encouragement and constructive a defense or publication submission, etc. criticism.•  Use the resources of the center to supplement their consulting sessions.•  Direct doctoral students to additional resources as needed.•  To the best of our ability, meet the specific needs the doctoral student has made known. 7  

SERVICES

Services The primary service offered by the DSC is to read and provide written feedback on eligible student work submitted through theDSC Service Areas Blackboard interface. The DSC does not limit the number of submissions or draft iterations that students may submit for Dissertation Services feedback. Students are urged to plan ahead and give the DSC Coursework Services plenty of time to address their concerns. Documents are generally Professional Activities Services assigned to DSC staff members on a first-in-first-out basis, with Secondary Services turnaround times that fluctuate, depending on the number and type of submissions in the queue. During peak submission times, Nota Bene such as when Graduate School deadlines approach, longer turnaround times may be expected. All doctoral students in the TTU-COE are encouraged to use the DSC resources early, often, and entirely throughout their doctoral program. The DSC adheres to the APA guidelines for ethical and legal standards in publishing. The DSC staff members assume an instructional role with regard to student work submitted for review. All intellectual property rights remain solely with the student. The student retains complete responsibility for complying with the Student Code of Conduct as it pertains to academic integrity. 9  

Option 1 Dissertation Services Professional Activities Services•  Developing sound research methods •  Understanding specifications for calls for applicants,•  Preparing proposal defense presentation materials manuscripts, or proposals (e.g., grants, research proposals, &•  Completing & navigating IRB processes fellowships, etc.)•  Assisting with statistical analysis•  Developing ideas & drafting content for dissertation chapters •  Understanding audience, purpose, & context of materials to•  Developing writing & editing skills meet the intended needs of the reader(s)•  Documenting & citing sources in APA style•  Preparing dissertation defense materials •  Preparing job search materials (e.g., teaching philosophy•  Formatting drafts to meet Graduate School requirements statements, CVs, biographical statements, interview presentations, etc.) Coursework Services •  Preparing academic & professional conference materials•  Developing ideas & draft content for course assignments •  Preparing proposals for grants, research, & manuscripts•  Developing writing & editing skills •  Preparing full manuscripts for scholarly & professional•  Documenting & citing sources in APA style•  Formatting drafts for APA style publication•  Preparing course presentation materials •  Understanding editorial reviewer comments & requested revisions actions 10  

Secondary Services The DSC adheres to the APA guidelines for ethical and legal standards in publishing.The DSC staff also provides doctoral students with support activities The DSC staff members assume an instructional role with regard tothat cultivate rigorous research and writing communities: student work submitted for review. All intellectual property rights•  Research and writing workshops and tutorials remain solely with the student.•  Research and writing rallies and retreats The student retains complete responsibility for complying with the•  Supporting writing groups and research network forums Student Code of Conduct as it pertains to academic integrity. Nota BeneNot all work is eligible for submission, based upon the assignmentparameters and the professor’s expectations and instructions. Forthese reasons, the DSC does not provide support for the following:•  Completing any aspect of coursework exams or qualifying exams (unless prior approval has been expressed by the doctoral student’s Instructor/Chair)•  Extensively editing drafts 11  

Services Option 2DSC Service Areas •  Developing sound research methods •  Preparing proposal defense presentation materials Dissertation Services •  Completing & navigating IRB processes Coursework Services •  Assisting with statistical analysis Professional Activities Services •  Developing ideas & drafting content for dissertation chapters Secondary Services •  Developing writing & editing skills •  Documenting & citing sources in APA style Nota Bene •  Preparing dissertation defense materials •  Formatting drafts to meet Graduate School requirements 12  

Services •  Developing ideas & draft content for course assignments •  Developing writing & editing skillsDSC Service Areas •  Documenting & citing sources in APA style •  Formatting drafts for APA style Dissertation Services •  Preparing course presentation materials Coursework Services Professional Activities Services 13   Secondary Services Nota Bene

Services •  Understanding specifications for calls for applicants, manuscripts, or proposals (e.g., grants, research proposals, &DSC Service Areas fellowships, etc.) Dissertation Services •  Understanding audience, purpose, & context of materials to Coursework Services meet the intended needs of the reader(s) Professional Activities Services Secondary Services •  Preparing job search materials (e.g., teaching philosophy statements, CVs, biographical statements, interview Nota Bene presentations, etc.) •  Preparing academic & professional conference materials •  Preparing proposals for grants, research, & manuscripts •  Preparing full manuscripts for scholarly & professional publication •  Understanding editorial reviewer comments & requested revisions actions 14  

Services The DSC staff also provides doctoral students with support activities that cultivate rigorous research and writing communities:DSC Service Areas •  Research and writing workshops and tutorials •  Research and writing rallies and retreats Dissertation Services •  Supporting writing groups and research network forums Coursework Services Professional Activities Services 15   Secondary Services Nota Bene

Services Not all work is eligible for submission, based upon the assignment parameters and the professor’s expectations and instructions. ForDSC Service Areas these reasons, the DSC does not provide support for the following: •  Completing any aspect of coursework exams or qualifying exams Dissertation Services Coursework Services (unless prior approval has been expressed by the doctoral Professional Activities Services student’s Instructor/Chair) Secondary Services •  Extensively editing drafts Nota Bene 16  

HOURS OF STAFF AVAILABILITY

Hours of Staff Availability Other than during these brief periods at the end of each semester, the DSC staff members are available for student consultations andThe administrative offices for the College of Education, including to review drafts during all regularly scheduled workdays.the Doctoral Support Center for Writing & Research Excellence, are Appointments may be scheduled outside of normal working hoursopen and operational from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday upon request.through Friday and are normally closed on Saturdays, Sundays, andannually established university holidays.However, the DSC staff will reserve two days at the end of eachsemester period for departmental planning, during which time thenormal review of student work will be suspended. These days willbe announced via email to doctoral students, and announcementswill be posted on Blackboard.Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Doctoral Support Center for Writing & Research Excellence Lubbock, TX 79404-1071 Fax: 806-742-2179 Email: [email protected] 18  

REQUEST & SUBMISSION PROCESS

Request and Submission Process Draft Review Process The following steps outline the typical draft review process.Doctoral students in the Texas Tech University College of Education(TTU-COE) who want feedback on their work will be asked to submittheir drafts to the designated DSC Blackboard site. Students maysubmit their work directly to Blackboard.Students may email the DSC at [email protected] for moreinformation and to request support services for other activities,such as developing project timelines and time management skills,setting goals for research and writing activities, creating a personalmotivational agenda, and discussing feedback received on previoussubmissions. The staff of the DSC interacts with students through avariety of platforms, such as email, phone, Blackboard, Skype, Lync,as well as face-to-face consultation.Submit drafts through Blackboard 20  

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4The student submits his or her The DSC will contact the A member of our staff will The student will revise thedraft to the DSC through student to confirm the draft review and comment on the draft, incorporating feedbackBlackboard. was received and to begin the draft and send feedback to the as he or she sees fit. The•  Log in to Blackboard and draft review process. student for improving the student may then submit a draft. Feedback may be revised draft or a different draft select the course provided through the Track for review, thus beginning the designated as the DSC. Changes and Comments process again.•  Choose the appropriate review features in Microsoft assignment type. Word, the Comments box in•  Follow the instructions Blackboard, email exchanges, provided on the page to or consultations. upload the file.•  Be sure to specify concerns in the Add Comments field. 21  

Feedback received reflects the recommendations and/orobservations of the DSC staff. Our suggestions should not beconsidered prescriptive, final, exhaustive, and/or comprehensive. Inaddition, the student's dissertation advisor has the finalauthoritative word. Ultimately, the student makes the final writingdecisions in consultation with his or her chair and committee.** If requested, and based on coach and student availability, students may schedule a pre-draft and/or post-draft review appointment. Appointments may be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or via a web conference. 22  

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility For additional information, please contact: Student Disability ServicesTexas Tech University provides that all educational and other 335 West Hall, MS 45007programs and activities are available to persons with disabilities in Lubbock, TX 79409the most integrated setting appropriate. Students, employees, Phone: 806-742-2405 / Fax: 806-742-4837applicants and other individuals with disabilities served by Texas Email SDS at [email protected] are not segregated, separated or treated differently. For moreinformation, please refer to TTU Operating Policy 10.08, Americanswith Disabilities Act.Any student who, because of a disability, may require specialarrangements in order to access services provided by the DSCshould contact the staff to make necessary arrangements. Studentsmust present appropriate verification from Student DisabilityServices in order to receive accommodations.Please note that DSC staff are not allowed to provideaccommodations to any student until appropriate verification fromStudent Disability Services has been provided. 24  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QEUSTIONS (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q5: How often can I submit an assignment?Q1: Who can go to the DSC for help? There are no restrictions on the number of times you may submit an assignment with a request for feedback. Please understand thatAny doctoral student within the College of Education who is a student needing assistance with his/her dissertation will receivecurrently enrolled in a course or 7000/8000 level research hours top priority.may seek research and writing assistance from the DSC. Q6: If I submit a draft for a course project or professionalQ2: When should I go to the DSC? project and then someone else submits a dissertation proposalStudents are encouraged to go to the DSC early and often or draft after me, will my draft still get reviewed and feedbackthroughout their doctoral program. provided? Yes – However, because our first priority is to help students writingQ3: Do I need a referral from my advisor in order to submit a their dissertation materials, DSC staff may have to bump up drafts in the queue for meeting deadlines related to dissertation projects.manuscript on Blackboard? In most cases, this may mean a minimal delay in returningNo – Students do not need to be referred by your advisor to obtain feedback on course projects and professional projects.research or writing assistance from the DSC. However, someassignment types may require the consent of your instructor. Q7: Can I submit my qualifying exam to the DSC for writingQ4:How long does it take to get feedback back from the DSC? assistance? It depends on your program and your dissertation chair. SomeThe turn-around time will depend on many factors, such as the qualifying exams are not eligible for writing consultations. If youlength of your draft, the research and writing stage of your draft, are unsure of whether your qualifying exam can be submitted forand the scope of the review you request. Longer drafts take longer writing assistance, email your program chair or dissertation chairthan shorter drafts. Rough drafts take longer than revised and more for permission before submitting your draft to the DSC..polished drafts. 26  

Q8: If I have a documented disability and need special Q11: Can I submit a draft for feedback that is co-authored?accommodations, do I need to submit a letter of The DSC staff can provide feedback on drafts that are co-authoredaccommodations to the DSC? by other TTU-COE students. The DSC staff do not provide feedbackYes – If the accommodations require DSC staff to perform in ways on drafts that are co-authored with TTU faculty or others outside ofother than their normal business functions, students must submit a the COE.letter of accommodations from the TTU Student Disability Services. Q12: Will DSC staff edit and correct my work?Q9: Can the DSC help me with my use of sources to avoid The DSC staff will proofread and edit papers for mechanical andplagiarism? grammatical errors by providing a written explanation, trackYes – The DSC staff can review your draft for possible weak content changes, and/or a discussion with the doctoral student. Applyingareas (relying too heavily on direct quotations, ineffective the suggested revisions is always at the discretion of the student.paraphrasing techniques, citing source content incorrectly, etc.). Q13: Can I hire a dissertation coach or editor from the DSC toQ10: What happens if a draft submitted to the DSC is found to do full content editing or statistical analyses?contain plagiarized content? No – DSC staff cannot provide work for hire to currently enrolledThe DSC staff will ask to meet with the student writer to go over TTU-COE doctoral students.content areas that need to be revised and explain why suchrevisions are necessary. Students are expected to make the 27  corrections before any additional services can be provided.

OUR STAFF

Our Staff Dissertation Specialist/ Writing CoachThe Doctoral Support Center for Writing & Research Excellence Sonya Sherrod, Ph.D.consists of four full-time team members. Bio for Dr. Sherrod [email protected] Dissertation Specialist/ Phone: 806-834-8883 Writing Coach Amber Lancaster, Ph.D., ELS Senior Editor Bio for Dr. Lancaster Lesley Shelton, M.A. [email protected] Bio for Ms. Shelton Phone: 806-834-8356 [email protected] Phone: 806-834-8145 Dissertation Specialist/ Writing Coach 29   Marcelo Schmidt, Ph.D. Bio for Dr. Schmidt [email protected] Phone: 806-834-4237

Doctoral Support Center for Writing & Research Excellence Box 41071 Lubbock, TX 79409-1071  Fax Phone: 806-742-2179 Email: [email protected] Submit Drafts through Blackboard Web Site: Doctoral Support Center for Writing & Research Excellence 30