Transitioning to Project of Practice

Transitioning from Advisor to Project Chair

Upon admission to candidacy, the faculty guidance of the candidate will transition from the Program Director/Advisor to working directly with a Project of Practice Chair (and subsequently, a committee). The Project Chair must be a LEAD faculty member and fully approved member of the UTC Graduate Faculty.

Preparing for a Successful Project of Practice Experience

For doctoral candidates, the Project of Practice is the culminating research project for the doctoral degree. In the completion of the Project of Practice, the candidate will show evidence of competence in conceptualizing, carrying out, and reporting research. Specifically, the Project of Practice provides the opportunity to showcase the ability to identify a current measurable learning program, describe and relate that program to an extant knowledge base, and effectively evaluate the active program within the professional workplace. This project represents the final project for the degree and will include a formal presentation/defense to a committee.

Enrollment in LEAD 7899R Project of Practice

Registration instructions for LEAD 7899r Project of Practice are provided by the Program Office each semester. The number of Project of Practice credit hours is directly related to Project of Practice progress (Satisfactory Progress/No Progress). Candidates are encouraged to consult with the Project Chair prior to enrolling. A minimum of 3 Project of Practice credits (maximum of 6 credits) is required every semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) through successful final defense and acceptance of the Project of Practice by the Graduate School (link: Maintaining Continuous Enrollment). A minimum of 12 total Project of Practice credit hours is required for the degree. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment will result in program dismissal. Any questions regarding your specific project of practice timeline or the appropriate number of credit hours should be directed to the Project Chair.

Memorandum of Understanding: Project of Practice

During the first semester of LEAD 7899r Project of Practice enrollment, each candidate will receive and file a Memorandum of Understanding: Project of Practice. This document outlines some of the specific responsibilities, policies, and procedures of the Project of Practice process in the LEAD program. Every candidate must certify that s/he understands the responsibility for knowing and adhering to policies and procedures of the Project of Practice process. Any questions may be directed to the Program Director.