The Importance of Transition Programs for Doctoral Student Wellness

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the experiences of 12 self-identified well doctoral students at a mid-sized university in the western U.S. Many of the participants' challenges to wellness occurred during the transition to their role as doctoral students as they learned new expectations, academic processes and procedures, and developed relationships with peers and faculty members. Data collection included two individual interviews and the submission of two journal entries. The findings revealed three main themes related to the transition process: (1) transitioning to the academic environment, (2) understanding academic requirements, and (3) stress. Implications for research and practice for administrators, doctoral faculty, and doctoral students are discussed.

Graduate Student Orientation:

“…Rarely addressed in GSOP is the adjustment of supporters. In Witkowsky's (2012) research study, most of the respondents had significant others and children. Specific programming to help families and supporters to connect not only with information about their graduate students but also with one another stood out to the researchers as a novel idea.…”

“…Orientation professionals could aid in addressing the gaps in practices identified in this study and share resources from student affairs divisions to build a more robust wellness and socially focused orientation for incoming graduate students. For example, as Dilks (2021) and Witkowsky (2012) have pointed out, graduate students have specific needs, such as acculturation into the identity of their profession and that of a specialized academic or professional practitioner. They also have support needs that extend across socioemotional experiences, such as social support, time management, and mental health.…”

“…Providing navigational information on the physical campus infrastructure, such as academic and student support services, is often relayed to students through presentations and campus tours (Miller & Viajar, 2001). Witkowsky (2012) explored 12 white-identified doctoral students' constructed experiences of wellness at a large western university, which included students' own perceptions of how they were impacted by external factors. The responses characterized the environment as its own culture, requiring a great deal of information and skill, such as time management and knowledge of procedures.…”

Implications of Private Equity Acquisition of Otolaryngology Physician Practices

“…In recent years, a number of notable acquisitions in otolaryngology practices have occurred nationwide . Otolaryngology is potentially attractive to private equity firms for multiple reasons.…”