Dissertation & Thesis Coaching
Graduate Support offers free one-on-one coaching from our graduate consultants to UNM graduate and professional students working on theses and dissertations. These individual consultations can be in person or remote—just let us know what you prefer. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at the Zimmerman Library Basement Graduate Commons or email us at ctlgs@unm.edu.
Thesis and dissertation students often experience issues and disruptions during the writing process. From writer’s block to time and project management to uneven faculty mentorship, the thesis and dissertation process is fraught with unknowns, uncertainty, and anxiety. Dissertation and thesis coaching is designed to help students make sense of the process, talk through issues they may be experiencing, and develop strategies for completing their work. Some of the areas our consultants can help with include:
- Time and project management
- Goal-setting and accountability
- Communication with committee members
- Sustaining motivation
- Increasing productivity
- Feedback on work
Coaching involves ongoing sessions of individualized support—our consultants are trained to work with you to understand what you are experiencing, develop a plan for success, and help you move forward with your thesis or dissertation.
Coaching should not replace the guidance of your committee or faculty chair. However, it provides tailored support in a low-stakes environment that centers you, the student.
Resources for Dissertations & Theses
Roberts, C.M. (2010) The dissertation journey: A practical and comprehensive guide to planning, writing, and defending your dissertation (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Single, P.B. (2009). Demystifying dissertation writing: A streamlined process from choice of topic to final text. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing, LLC.
Sword, H. (2017). Air & light & time & space: How successful academics write. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Library Guide to Citation Manuals
UNM Digital Repository of Theses and Dissertations
The Thesis Whisperer | Just like the horse whisperer – but with more pages
