In addition to completing coursework (see Curriculum), the following activities and milestones are expected of GSLIS candidates for the Ph.D. / Library and Information Science (LIS):
Teaching 
Experience in planning and implementing learning activities is valuable for those who plan to join faculty or to give presentations or workshops at conferences and other settings. Working with one or more full-time, emeritus, or proportional faculty members for two semesters (not necessarily consecutive), the student undertakes to gain experience in various phases of teaching. Work completed as part of the SSW671 (Learning and Teaching) may fulfill part of this requirement. The Coordinator of Doctoral Studies oversees the teaching experience and negotiates activities and expectations with the faculty member and the student. Teaching activities could include (but are not limited to):
- Assisting a faculty member in preparation of part of a course
- Assisting in developing a new course
- Leading a part of a course, under supervision
- Taking responsibility for a full course, under supervision. This activity is subject to the same process of selection, review, and remuneration as pertain to adjunct faculty.
At the end of each semester of teaching activity, the student prepares a self-reflective report on the experience for his or her portfolio, as well as including materials generated by the activity.
Ideally, each student works with several different faculty members in teaching experiences. For some types of teaching experience, the committee on doctoral studies seeks input from a broader cross-section of the GSLIS faculty (for example, inviting one or two additional faculty members to attend and comment on a classroom session).
Research and Scholarship
Experience in doing research will help to prepare the student for completing a dissertation and for lifelong activity in research and scholarship. As a result of required and elective courses and other program-related activities, doctoral students accrue papers of publishable quality in their portfolios. The Coordinator of Doctoral Studies, along with advisors and faculty, works with students to encourage them to submit such papers to peer-reviewed journals or peer-reviewed conference proceedings. To this end, students are expected to engage in the following activities:
- Work with a faculty member as a research assistant, carrying forward an existing funded or unfunded research project or preparing a proposal for funding. This activity could involve work on the same or different projects in two semesters (not necessarily consecutive). The Coordinator of Doctoral Studies oversees the research experience and negotiates activities and expectations with the faculty member and the student.
- While taking the first two required courses, identify a researchable problem and then carry through with the research over several semesters, resulting in a paper of publishable quality. This experience helps to prepare students for working on their dissertations. In connection with this activity, and prior to comprehensive examinations, each student will present his or her research in a colloquium format.
At the end of each semester of research activity, the student prepares a brief self-reflective report on the experience for his or her portfolio, as well as including materials generated by the activity.
Service
Leading scholars and practitioners are expected to engage with their professional communities. Starting as soon as the first semester of coursework, the student plans and conducts at least two significant service activities. The Coordinator will work with each student to set targets for service activities. Significant service activities include (but are not limited to):
- Organizing a colloquium open to the School and/or College
- Planning an event under the auspices of a local or national professional association
- Representing GSLIS in a local or national forum
- Chairing a significant committee for or holding a significant office in a local, national, or international professional organization
At the end of each service activity, the student prepares a self-reflective report on the experience for his or her portfolio, as well as including materials generated by the activity.
Portfolios
Each student maintains an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) which provides evidence of the student’s mastery of areas of study and practice. The Doctoral Studies Program Manager coordinates the e-portfolio function. Material which might be placed in the e-portfolio must include (but is not limited to):
- Curriculum vitae and application statement
- Plan for program of study
- Self-reflective reports on teaching, research, and service experiences
- Evidence of teaching, research, and service experiences (e.g., course materials, handouts, research reports, program flyers, videotaped presentations, and so on)
- Articulation of a teaching philosophy (if appropriate to the student’s career plans)
- Annual review documents
- Papers prepared as part of courses or independent study, including commented manuscripts returned by faculty, publications, and publishable papers
- Concept paper, dissertation proposal, and final dissertation.
Annual Review
Each student meets with the Committee on Doctoral Studies annually for a review of progress (in-person meetings are preferable, but other arrangements can be made if necessary). The Committee invites the participation of the advisor and any faculty members involved in the student’s coursework, research, service, or teaching experiences in that year. Prior to the review, the student prepares a written self evaluation for his or her e-portfolio, and this is joined by a brief post-review report reflecting on areas for improvement and plans for the coming academic year.
Comprehensive Examinations
At the end of their coursework, students engage in qualifying examinations. The assessment includes a series of written examinations that must be passed in order to achieve candidacy for the Ph.D. To finalize their candidacy, each student must present their dissertation proposal to the Committee on Doctoral Studies and obtain approval to proceed with their dissertation.
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