National Dissertation Day is observed annually on April 26th. It’s a day to recognize the hard work and dedication that goes into completing a dissertation, the lengthy final research project required for a doctoral degree.
Here’s a quick rundown of National Dissertation Day:
- History: Established in 2018 by Dr. Russell Strickland, it aims to highlight the importance of perseverance in finishing a dissertation and the significant cost associated with extended completion times.
- Purpose: It serves as a motivational reminder for doctoral students to stay on track and encourages those who may be struggling to keep going. It also celebrates the achievements of those who have successfully completed their dissertations.
- Significance: Half of students enrolled in doctoral programs in the US don’t complete their degrees. National Dissertation Day brings awareness to this statistic and the value of doctoral research.
If you’re nearing the dissertation stage of your doctoral program, or know someone who is, National Dissertation Day can be a source of encouragement and inspiration!
History of National Dissertation Day
National Dissertation Day was established in 2018 by Dr. Russell Strickland, the founder of Dissertation Done. The purpose behind creating this day was to highlight the importance of perseverance and focus for doctoral students to complete their dissertations.
It serves as a yearly reminder to stay on track and finally finish this significant academic hurdle. Statistics show that only around 50% of students enrolled in doctoral programs manage to see their dissertation through to completion. This day is meant to acknowledge the challenges faced by doctoral students and celebrate the achievements of those who have successfully defended their dissertations.
National Dissertation Day Activities
National Dissertation Day, which falls on April 26th every year, is a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of doctoral students who are in the throes of writing their dissertations. It’s also a day to recognize the challenges they face and offer support.
Here are some activities you can do to observe National Dissertation Day:
- Take the pledge. If you are a doctoral student, National Dissertation Day is a perfect opportunity to recommit yourself to finishing your dissertation. There are many online resources that offer support and motivation, such as the National Dissertation Day website [National Dissertation Day ON National Dissertation Day nationaldissertationday.org]. You can also take a pledge to stay focused and on track.
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Help a doctoral student. Do you know someone who is working on their dissertation? Offer them your support by helping them with errands, childcare, or housework. You can also listen to them vent about their frustrations or brainstorm ideas with them.
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Spread the word. Let others know about National Dissertation Day and the challenges that doctoral students face. You can do this by sharing social media posts using the hashtag #NationalDissertationDay.
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Celebrate your progress. Even if you are not finished with your dissertation yet, take some time to celebrate your progress. Acknowledge how far you have come and reward yourself for your hard work.
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Host a dissertation completion party. If you have recently finished your dissertation, throw a party to celebrate your accomplishment! Invite your friends, family, and fellow doctoral students.
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Start a dissertation book club. A dissertation book club is a great way to connect with other doctoral students who are working on their dissertations. You can meet up regularly to discuss your progress, challenges, and successes.
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Get organized. One of the biggest challenges of writing a dissertation is staying organized. National Dissertation Day is a great time to develop a system for organizing your research and writing. There are many different organizational methods, so find one that works best for you.
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Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much at once. Set small, realistic goals for yourself and break down your dissertation into manageable tasks.
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Take breaks. It is important to take breaks when you are working on a dissertation. Get up and move around every hour or so, and take a day off every week.
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Reward yourself. When you reach your goals, reward yourself for your hard work. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
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