University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work
Abstract
This article describes the development of a social work doctoral student organization to enhance
student experiences at a Midwestern school of social work. Doctoral student organizations are
consistent with research that emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in doctoral
program completion. Social supports are especially important among increasingly diverse social
work doctoral students whose needs likely differ from those of their more homogenous
predecessors. The authors describe the process of creating a student organization; identify the
association’s mission and activities; offer a reflective assessment, and provide recommendations
for students interested in developing these organizations at their own institutions. We suggest
that doctoral student organizations are feasible, affordable, and may enhance communication,
mentoring, and the sense of community among doctoral social work students