EDD800 Student Orientation (0 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Ed.D. program
Ed.D. student orientation is held during the first term of the student’s program. The course introduces new students to the Ed.D. faculty, staff, and academic community and provides essential information about Saint Mary’s and Catholic Lasallian heritage, program expectations, requirements, and pathways. Students will become familiar with the program structure, course sequencing, academic calendar, registration processes, and key institutional policies and procedures.

Orientation also connects students to critical academic supports, including departmental processes, advising, library services, and the writing center. Students will be introduced to online learning, the learning management system (LMS), and other digital tools used throughout the program. Through interactive sessions, students will begin to develop a shared sense of professional identity as scholar-practitioners and establish relationships with peers, faculty, and advisors that will support their success in the program.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the structure, requirements, and expectations of the Ed.D. program, including degree options, milestones, and timelines.

2. Navigate key institutional systems and resources, including the LMS, the library, the writing center, registrar, student central, and advising processes.

3. Interpret and apply relevant academic policies, procedures, and professional expectations related to doctoral study. 

4. Develop an initial professional identity as a scholar-practitioner in leadership, articulating personal goals for learning and growth in the program.

5. Build collaborative relationships with peers, faculty, and staff that support academic and professional success.