Table 1.

Summary of potential factors influencing PhD student success.

	Positive Influences	Negative Influences
Student-Advisor Relationship	Student can influence the relationship with positive proactive behaviors Mutual trust and clear communication between student and advisor Student has clear communication of goals Advisor encouraging independence but offering support and opportunities for development University provides structured training of advisors Advisor provides clear expectations	Programmatic lack of emphasis on advising and mentoring Incompatible personalities
Mentorship	Providing students exposure to and guiding teaching, research, service and office politics Advise on mental health resources Modeling of professional behaviors	Added responsibilities without support
Dissertation Process	Alternate models such as lock-step program, joint dissertations, mentors from multiple disciplines Choose a topic at start of program Assignments as early work for dissertation Student schedules time for research and writing with set deadlines Opportunities to develop independence and critical thinking skills	Isolation can impact completion Students not understanding the dissertation process or what questions to ask Ineffective communication between student and advisor leading to ambiguity and delays