Social Work Dissertation Committee Chairs' Perceptions of Their Role. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirick, Rebecca G.; Davis, Ashley; Wladkowski, Stephanie P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work education. Volume 56:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 169
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Social work education -- Periodicals; Social work education -- United States -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/10437797.2019.1642273
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-7797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This descriptive study used a mixed-methods approach to explore social work dissertation committee chairs' ( N = 150) conceptualizations of their role including their understanding of successful relationships, perceptions, and experiences with the scope of the role. Most chairs had no formal training and learned through their own experiences as students and committee members. The majority believed the chair role included academic support but disagreed on whether the role should include psychosocial support (e.g., self-care, physical, mental health) and family support (e.g., pregnancy, parenting, family issues). Qualitative data provided further details and examples of how chairs learned or prepared for their role, conceptualized their role, and defined successful and challenging relationships and the scope of their role. Implications for social work education including strengthening training for chairs and supports for chairs and students are discussed.