Dissertation Buddies Program

Graduate students working on dissertation projects are welcome and encouraged to use our individual consultation service to discuss their writing process or get feedback on drafts. You also may want to consider our new Dissertation Buddies program, which allows you to work up to once weekly with the same consultant who can also act as an accountability partner and someone with whom you can discuss the “soft skills” of dissertation writing such as time management, focus, goal setting, overcoming obstacles, working with your advisor, and so on. Your dissertation buddy will be a fellow dissertation writer who has received special training in productivity strategies, but the program is designed to be one of mutual support for forward progress. In addition to your weekly appointment with your dissertation buddy, you are welcome to schedule additional appointments (up to 3 per week) with other consultants to work on drafts.

It is totally up to you. The program is designed for a weekly appointment, but if you prefer every other week or even monthly, we can set that up. You can withdraw from the appointment at any time by just emailing writing@buffalo.edu. You can also send us an email if you feel that your buddy is not the best match, and we can facilitate a switch. If you decide to leave the Dissertation Buddies program, you will always have access to the support of consultation services when you need them.

A variety of our PhD consultants are working on their dissertations and have expressed interest in the Dissertation Buddies program. The consultants who are available for this program are indicated on our Consultant’s page. Perhaps you have already formed a good partnership with a particular consultant and would like to choose them to be your buddy. Or you might request a particular consultant based upon their biographical description. You may want to select multiple possible consultants or leave it open because you and the consultant will need to have compatible schedules.

This program is different from our regular consultation service in that it

is regular and ongoing, so the consultant will gain a familiarity with your work that may help with the feedback process.
has a broader scope. In addition to getting feedback on your writing, you can discuss other aspects of dissertation writing such as how you are managing your time, achieving focus, working with your advisor, dealing with writing anxiety, and so on.
serves as a form of accountability. You and your partner can share specific goals for the next meeting and then report back.
is mutually beneficial. The consultant, who is also writing their dissertation, will benefit from having someone to talk with about the dissertation journey, and you will be their accountability partner!

Because this is a new program, we will really appreciate your feedback at the end of the academic year.
You can reach out to writing@buffalo.edu with any questions or concerns.

Dissertation Buddies Program

How do I sign up?

What is the commitment?

What is the matching process like?

How is this different than regular appointments with a consultant?

Anything else I should know?

Center for Excellence in Writing