Doctoral Journey Colloquium brings together students, faculty and facilitates networking and support opportunities

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies hosted an in-person Doctoral Journey Colloquium May 5 - 6 on the university campus in Phoenix, Arizona, in an event supporting doctoral students’ studies and networking, as part of the College’s integrated approach for doctoral student success.

“Our doctoral students have many commitments in their lives, and we wanted to make this an enriching and empowering experience,” states Hinrich Eylers, Ph.D., P.E., vice provost of the College of Doctoral Studies. “We designed the agenda to create community in this time we had together, expediting connections, collaborations and networking.”

Networking receptions opened and concluded the event. There were 57 students, alumni, and faculty members in attendance, from the areas of Business/Management, Education, and Healthcare, as well as 19 staff and speakers. College administrators, staff, and faculty supported the event with interactive workshops and panels that stimulated deeper thought and provided valuable insights for students' doctoral progression.

“This unique gathering proved to be an invaluable experience for everyone involved, breaking down the barriers of isolation and promoting a sense of camaraderie among students and alumni alike,” states Shawn Todd-Boone, Ed.D., associate dean, ACCESS, Research and Residency.

The Colloquium is an essential component of the College’s Doctoral ecosystem and is intended to:

• Provide additional support to our students and alumni
• Share updates, resources, and information
• Build life-long relationships between our students, alumni, and CDS
• Create networking opportunities to strengthen our Doctoral community
• Identify opportunities to improve our programs and student/alumni support systems.

Throughout the event, participants had opportunities to engage with students from across practitioner doctoral programs, phases, and experiences and network with alumni.

Tomas Solis, MBA, completed prior degrees with University of Phoenix and returned to study for his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the College of Doctoral Studies. He shared insights at the Colloquium about that decision, “When I enrolled in the doctoral program, my wife noticed the change in me. I have become more involved with the people around me, in the community.” Solis found the Colloquium to be a valued experience and expanded the sense of community. “Attending the Colloquium taught me a lot. I realize that you can make a difference no matter how academically advanced you are. I realized that I am not alone, and that support is within my reach. It’s okay to ask questions. There was a mutual sense of respect.”

Scott McCalla, DM, is a fellow at the University of Phoenix Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research, and served as a panelist at the event. “One of the ways that I continue to learn is to go to the Colloquium and attend the presentations to seewhat else I pick up. I hear unique ideas from students. I meet colleagues from other programs, hear their perspectives,” McCalla shares. “Our paths might not have crossed otherwise. There's always somebody who has information that may change how we think or how we perform. It could change the course of a business. It could change a life.”

The College is already planning the 2024 colloquium.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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