Surviving or Thriving: How Neoliberal Norms Influence Doctoral Student Comprehensive Exam Experiences

• In Event: Doctoral Student Persistence and Academic Employment

Abstract

Using collaborative autoethnographic (CAE) methods, we—three doctoral students—detail our journey persevering through one of the most challenging hurdles of a doctoral program, the comprehensive exams. As an act of conscious resistance to the isolated and competitive neoliberal higher education (HE) environment, we cultivate supportive relationships throughout the exam process. Our journal entry data revealed two dominant themes: (1) managing logistical challenges of personal and doctoral student life and (2) addressing mental health needs. Through the lens of a pedagogy of care (Motta & Bennett, 2018), we also analyze our communications in our group Google Chat which demonstrate how centering care influenced our exam experiences. Implications for current and future doctoral students as well as doctoral programs are shared.

Authors

• Kimberly Sterin, Drexel University
  Presenting Author

• Katrina Struloeff, University of Pennsylvania
  Presenting Author

• Christopher J. Fornaro, Drexel University
  Non-Presenting Author