Today Magazine Spring 2021 | Page 15

offer a highly personal experience with support not typically found in doctoral programs .
“ These programs are called ‘ executive accelerated ’ programs because we treat our students as executives , as colleagues , as scholars , with support from day one ,” said Professor Bandlow .
For example , the program features :
• Dissertation completion by the time the coursework is completed . During the first course , each newly enrolled doctoral student is assigned a dissertation advisor . The advisor guides the student through a series of dissertation advisement courses throughout the program , keeping them on schedule as they draft it .
• An online format for flexibility , but with three in-person residencies throughout the program so that professors and students form strong personal connections . Two of the residencies take place on GMercyU ’ s main campus in Gwynedd Valley , with all details ( including meals ) arranged for students . “ Students come from all over the country and other nations , from universities , K-12 schools , nonprofits , and educational agencies ,” said Dr . Bandlow .
• One of the residencies is a weeklong trip to Dublin , Ireland to attend a conference and a class . “ Educational leaders need to have that understanding of what ’ s going on in the rest of the world . And , sharing an international experience is also very powerful , where the bonds between students are strengthened and lifelong friendships and connections are formed ,” said Dr . Bandlow . All details are arranged for students , and all fees are included as part of their tuition . Sometimes , students even bring their family members .
• Textbook fees are included in tuition . The books also are purchased for and shipped to students , to spare them from the task . “ We want our students not to worry about details like these so they can focus on their coursework ,” Dr . Bandlow explained .
Doctoral Program Coordinator Kelly Doyle serves as the textbook manager , event coordinator , travel agent , and more . “ Our students love her because she is their main contact with the program and she exudes a personal commitment to each and every one ,” said Dr . Bandlow .
GMercyU ’ s student-centered approach has exceptional results . The EdD program ’ s year-to-year retention rate is 93 % with a graduation rate of 76 % in just three years , nearly double the national average of 41 % in 10 years , according to a 2010 study done by the Council of Graduate Schools . The program ’ s success inspired Dr . Bandlow to consider adding a new program .
“ It led us to think , what about all those people who are ABD [ All But Dissertation ]? Wouldn ’ t it be great to give them an opportunity to finish the degree ?” said Dr . Bandlow .
And so , in 2016 , GMercyU launched the popular ABD option to solve that problem . This year , GMercyU announced an ABD option in Teaching and Learning , for students from all disciplines , not just those in education . It began this month .
“ Opening up our option for the ABD to complete their doctoral program and earn the degree is a huge , unique offering . Now , instead of being limited to just those ABD in education , we can for the first time accept students who are ABD in any academic discipline ,” said Dr . Bandlow . “ There are countless people in this category who , up until now , have had no good option for degree completion .”
This new ABD option , which takes about 18 months to complete , is focused on the coursework needed to complete the dissertation . It is especially useful for instructors at community colleges and universities who have expertise in their discipline but need support completing their dissertation to earn a doctorate , which can lead to promotion and other career advancement opportunities .
Reflecting on the past year , Bandlow has missed seeing students in person due to COVID-19 but has been thankful for Zoom , which at least allows classes to virtually “ see ” each other . His students have become an unofficial support group for each other as they ’ ve navigated the professional challenges of the pandemic .
“ My last in-person event was in January 2020 , for a hooding ceremony for students who had earned their doctorate that term . Every single student gave me a hug after the ceremony and it was just so heart-warming . And I miss that . I miss my colleagues , I love the people I work with ,” Dr . Bandlow said .
Learn more about Raymond Bandlow , PhD , here .
GMercyU ’ s Doctoral Degrees
• EdD in Educational Leadership , with the choice of three areas of interest : Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts , Leadership in Higher Education or Leadership in Special Education
• EdD in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
• ABD in Education , with the choice of four areas of interest : Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts , Leadership in Higher Education , Leadership in Special Education , or Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
• ABD ( for any field other than education ) in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education
Today , there are more than 200 students enrolled in the doctoral program led by a staff of four full-time faculty members and supported by many excellent dissertation advisors and other education professionals .
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