FAQ
Photo of Leanne Leanne C. Powner Practical strategies. Real results.

Pro Bono Dissertation Coaching

Access to support should not be available only to those who can pay for it. I strongly believe this, and that’s why I make a certain amount of services available on a pro bono (free to the client) basis each semester. Pro bono clients receive the same help and support as paying clients; I don’t differentiate. In Fall 2020, two pro bono seats are available for one-on-one coaching, and two more for Problem Solver mini-sessions; you can see more information on the format here. In addition, one faculty academic coaching seat (60 min weekly) is available for a faculty member struggling to adapt to the new reality of our work life. To apply for pro bono assistance, you should send an email during my regular start-of-term recruitment cycle (usually the month before the term starts), describing your situation and how you think the services I offer would help you finish; grad students should attach your prospectus or theory chapter.

Because my pro bono slots are limited, I am selective in who I offer them to. Good candidates are in a high-pressure situation: they are up against a deadline set by their department or institution or funder or employer, and they must complete soon. Good candidates can also connect how my services will help them reach that completion goal based on the specific problems they’re confronting. Pro bono sessions, especially the one-on-ones, go to students who desperately need (rather than just want) customized attention.

FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, 24 AUGUST, 11:59 PM US central time

Successful applicants will be notified within the next 48-72 hours. Fall coaching starts the week of August 31.

Policies

1. Pro bono full-term services are only available to students in the social sciences, broadly defined, with an approved prospectus or proposal. Political science and international relations students have priority.

2. Social science students who are at the prospectus stage may apply for the pro bono problem solver packages.

3. Applications are only accepted during the standard term recruitment periods: August (for fall starting September), December (for winter starting January) and April (for summer starting May). Check this page each term for specific deadlines.

4. Students at non-US universities are welcome to apply, on the understanding that a) I am only familiar with norms of US dissertations, b) I can only review documents in English, and c) a written prospectus or proposal is required. If your program does not require a prospectus or proposal, I will accept an email from your supervisor stating that you have an approved research plan. (This can be provided after notification of acceptance, if you have a theory chapter to attach to your application.)




Last updated on Monday, 10-Aug-2020 06:59:50 PDT