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The Graduate School at the University of Missouri–Columbia (Mizzou)

Resources for PhD Completion

Mentoring and Retention

Retention support and intervention services are provided for doctoral students who earn probationary status, fall below a 3.0 GPA, or receive Incomplete grades during the first or second semester of graduate studies. They receive e-mail asking them to make an appointment, and Norma Jackson talks with them about difficulties they may be experiencing, brainstorms about strategies for dealing with challenges and suggests resources available on campus.

For more information about retention services, contact Norma Jackson, coordinator of student recruitment and activities: or 573- 882-3292

Financial Support

Fellowship Block Grants: A fellowship block grant provides a combination of support from the Graduate School and the department for doctoral students over several years (e.g., Ridgel, Hoffman). Research indicates that students with departmental support in combination with central support are better integrated into the departmental climate and culture. Also see our Web page on MU graduate fellowships.

If you have questions about fellowship block grants, contact Dr. George Justice, associate dean, or 573-884-4178

Supplemental Graduate Fellowships: This program provides funding to supplement a .50 departmental teaching or research assistantship for new students. Factors considered in selecting departments to receive funding include recruiting, retention, and completion and placement. The 2007 deadline has passed.

If you have questions about supplemental graduate fellowships, contact Dr. George Justice, associate dean, or 573-884-4178.

Program Environment

DGS Summit and DGS Networks: The Graduate School provides a Director of Graduate Studies Summit each fall and an ongoing Directors of Graduate Studies network to provide information on graduate education and opportunities for interaction on essential issues. DGS Network programs are scheduled monthly and are accessible to DGSs and graduate contacts.

If you have questions about the DGS summit or networks, contact Dr. George Justice, associate dean, or 573-884-4178.

Dissertation Workshops: The Graduate School will help to organize dissertation writing workshops in four broad interdisciplinary areas: life sciences, physical sciences and mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. Workshop meetings are facilitated by faculty members. Dissertation workshops commenced winter semester 2008.

If you have questions about dissertation workshops, contact

  • Dr. George Justice, interim dean, , 573-884-4178
    • contact for workshops for humanities and social sciences

Career Services

The Graduate School offers career-related workshops and individual consultation on resumes, CVs and cover letters. A comprehensive Blackboard organization, with tutorials, worksheets, and resume/CV examples is also available. For additional information go to the Career Services page or contact Dr. Robin Walker, coordinator of professional development at walkerrob@missouri.edu or 573-882-8629.