1. In cooperation with institutional representatives, we design and then manage a research program that builds the knowledge base supporting the profession, is compatible with the mission of the institution and the graduate school, and capitalizes on the expertise of the faculty.

2. In cooperation with institutional representatives, we develop and then manage policies and procedures that will facilitate students’ orderly and timely progression through the dissertation process.

3. In much the same way as a writing center in a university campus supports faculty members’ writing assignments for undergraduate students, we support dissertation supervisors from topic selection through the Oral Defense of the dissertation, and beyond.

4. Through a series of short, to-the-point, mentoring activities, we provide students with easy-to-take micro steps which are designed to facilitate not only timely progress and high level success, but growing confidence, as well.

5. We monitor external agencies on a regular basis to stay current with any changes in expectations that pertain to student research, then, in cooperation with institutional representatives, we make any adjustments in the dissertation system that are deemed to be appropriate.