Configuring a dissertation committee and selecting a dissertation advisor or chair requires a great deal of forethought and preparation. These individuals represent a stronghold of resources that are necessary to graduate students’ success. Not only must students consider the complexities of disciplinary expertise, but also must consider leadership capability as well as various dimensions of personality before actually inviting a faculty member to serve on the committee. Yet, many students do not have the knowledge and experience necessary to make informed choices that solidify their opportunities for assembling the best team for this critical role.

The duties and obligations of committee service are highly nuanced. Is your current advisor astutely aware of the vast spectrum of his or her responsibilities to you, and are you receiving the kind of support, mentorship, and guidance that figure centrally into dissertation completion and graduation? If you are, and if your progress is sustained by the direct involvement of your dissertation chair, you are among the fortunate. If not, then you are contending with a host of issues that may well compromise your future success in completing your degree. You can hope (and even pray) for the best and struggle on – or you may reconfigure your committee. Either option carries with it a decided risk. How are you negotiating these decisions?