Program Assessment

I think the greatest strength that this LDT program has to offer are the staff and faculty. It’s hard to describe that first day of class, beginning with the co-leading professors of doctoral seminar and ending with the warmth (and snacks!) provided by Dr. Hill in Foundations. I remember coming home still processing how different the experience was compared to my first day of pharmacy school. I understand now looking back that I was led to take a very gentle first step into the world of uncertainty, guided by two amazing veterans of the field. The experience really helped me understand that this was a collaborative, supportive network that I was welcomed into and given access to. I am fortunate to be a part of program that regards the students as respected members of the field from day 1.

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Out of all the classes taken last year, I especially enjoyed 8990 because of its structure. The class was facilitated in a way that truly embraced each of our diverse backgrounds and experiences. We spent each week sharing a different aspect of our research, learning to articulate our thoughts and supporting each other by providing thoughtful feedback and encouragements. I also loved the sessions when faculty members shared their journeys with us and really appreciated their willingness to answer all our questions. It really set the stage for what to expect in the spring with visits from senior students as well.

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This central thread of support and encouragement of scholarly growth continued in Conceptual Framework with Dr. Stefaniak. I remember being worried because I didn't know the first thing about framing my research, and I wasn't sure if one semester would be enough time for me to finish anything. Dr. Stefaniak was incredibly patient and supportive as she explained that this is a work in progress that I will refine throughout my program. I felt free to explore the literature, piece together concepts and relationships, and revise my ideas as many times as necessary.

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Suggestions and Ideas

I would like to suggest a small change that I feel would make a big difference in improving the overall experience of the program, which is to involve us, the students, a little more in the process of making decisions that ultimately impact us and our futures. It was disconcerting to find out that 8990, a student-centered course that has been refined for years with us in mind, was abruptly cancelled last minute. The timing of the announcement had me scrambling to find a course that would keep me at full-time and fit my schedule that wasn't already full. Then another last minute announcement was made in the fall, this time telling us to change the course to 1 credit hour. I had originally planned out my cognates and electives to fit 8990 in the spring, then 8990 in the fall, and now I find myself unsure as to what would be the best way to plan my next year(s) with regards to timing and balance between LDT, methods, and cognate courses. I fully understand that the faculty and staff did their absolute best regarding changes necessitated by COVID-19; my suggestion is that the program consider increasing transparency by communicating with us what major decisions are in the works so that we can prepare on our end as well.

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My second suggestion is for our program to celebrate our graduates by sharing the good news with all the students. A few of us discussed how we weren't aware that some of our senior students had successfully defended and graduated recently and how we had missed an opportunity to send timely love and support to our peers. It would be great, as long as the students in question are fine with it, to have announcements made of successful milestones achieved by the students of our program so we can all support one another and be encouraged ourselves in the process.