Research Partner Profile

Howard University—(Featured Profile)

Principal Investigator
Orlando L. Taylor
Dean, Graduate School
Tel (202) 806-6800
otaylor@howard.edu

Co-Principal Investigator and Project Director
Chontrese M. Doswell
Assistant Dean for Retention, Mentoring, and Support Programs
Tel (202)-806-6800
cdoswell@Howard.edu

Participating Programs (8)
Biology
Chemistry
Communication and Culture
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Electrical Engineering
History
Mathematics
Physics

Abstract
In addition to the interventions summarized below, Howard proposes to develop a web-based resource on institutional project results and enhance web-based information for graduate students. In addition, Howard will host forums featuring noted attrition scholars and convene our faculty and graduate students to a Doctoral Completion Summit designed to discuss the problems associated with attrition and explore possible solutions.

Proposed Interventions

• Post completion data on Graduate School Web site and provide at pre-admission campus visits
• Use completion findings in recruitment activities
• Provide mini-grants to departments to improve departmental faculty mentoring
• Use graduate student completion and attrition data (but not time-to-degree data) in the determination of monetary allocations to departments
• Catalog research opportunities and facilitate matching students with research programs appropriate to their interests
• Provide requirements to students in written form (hard copy or electronic)
• All entering doctoral students will meet with an advisor within the student’s first semester in residence to discuss
• Provide informal gatherings of faculty & graduate students at nearby off-campus site