Foundations of the The ACJS Doctoral Summit

• In Event: The ACJS Doctoral Summit–A Unique Approach to Professional Development

Abstract

Only half of doctoral students finish their degrees, resulting in negative consequences for students, institutions, and society at large. Indeed, attrition results in considerable financial and emotional burdens for students, institutions lose out on their investment, and society misses out on strategies for social change. Departmental and institutional strategies exist to support PhD students, yet opportunities for improvement in student retention persist. This presentation outlines the origins, evolution, and goals of ACJS Doctoral Student Summit (DSS), a unique model of professional development aimed at supporting doctoral students in degree completion, developing positive academic identities, and building strong academic communities. The potential benefits of this approach to the field of Criminal Justice and other disciplines will be discussed.

Authors

• Heather Pfeifer, University of Baltimore

• Deeanna Button, Stockton University

• Courtney Porter, Marymount University

• Jared Dmello, Adelaide University