Annual Reflection/Review

This end of year conversation/reflection is an opportunity for graduate students to reflect on how the academic year went—specific achievements, struggles, goals, and what support or professional development are wanted and needed. This conversation is intended to be generative and assist students in preparing for their next steps in the program.

Each student should come to the session having considered the following questions. Fourth year students should complete and submit the “Self-Assessment of Dissertation Progress and Goals” below.

1. As you look back on this year, what are some of your specific successes? 

2. What did you struggle with? What kinds of support did you receive? What kinds of support do you need?

3. What are your goals for the next academic year and beyond for your course work, your research, and your professional development?

4. Optional question: Have you been able to attend to your general wellbeing and self-care? Are there specific resources you need help locating? Is there any aspect that you’d like to collaboratively brainstorm a solution for? 

5. What questions do you have at this point in the program?

The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) will come to the conversation with knowledge of the students’ transcript to date—grades, informal faculty input, and the DGS’s own observations about the students’ work across the program.  The DGS can share this information as it makes sense during the conversation. 

The Self-Assessment of Dissertation Progress and Goals is intended to provide students in their fourth year with an opportunity to reflect on your progress to date, create a granular plan for success, and discuss any support needs that you’ve identified. Please review this self-assessment with your dissertation director and then send it to the DGS prior to your scheduled meeting.

Student Name:

Email Address:

SUID#:

Please briefly summarize:

1. As you look back on this year, what are some of your specific successes including developments related to your dissertation?

2. What did you struggle with? What kinds of support did you receive? Did you identify challenges, barriers, or areas requiring additional support related to settling on your dissertation topic, collecting dissertation data, and/or finalizing completion of your dissertation?

3. What are your specific dissertation goals and actions planned for the upcoming academic year for meeting major milestones?

4. Optional question: Have you been able to attend to your general wellbeing and self-care? Are there specific resources you need help locating? Is there any aspect that you’d like to collaboratively brainstorm a solution for? 

5. When is your anticipated date of dissertation completion?

6. What questions do you have at this point in the program?

Note: Progress on individual dissertation goals should be outlined for specific time frames and be as concrete and measurable as possible. For example, instead of saying “Fall term: writing,” specify “July-September: draft of the first chapter” or “Fall term: interviews with specific population / fieldwork in specific location or topic.)” Avoid vague descriptions and focus on clear, actionable milestones. If you are not yet working on your dissertation, indicate what steps will be taken to get work underway in the coming year.