Chapter IV
Join the Collegium
Joining the Dissertation Collegium means entering a sustained mentoring relationship and a scholarly community organized around serious doctoral work. Members receive ongoing access to the Collegium’s curriculum, mentors, peers, and community throughout the dissertation process and beyond defense. The immediate aim of membership is the completion and defense of a rigorous dissertation; the longer relationship supports publication, further research, and professional advancement.
Terms of Engagement
Membership is offered for a one-time fee of $3,500, rather than a recurring subscription. Dues cover admission to the Collegium’s full mentoring program — including its curriculum, weekly group Office Hours, twice-monthly individual sessions, analysis workshops, and online community — together with continuing affiliation beyond defense and graduation.
Membership Dues
$3,500
The full cost of admission to the Dissertation Collegium and continuing affiliation with its scholarly community.
Installment Arrangements
Members may remit dues in full or elect one of the installment arrangements below. Each arrangement includes a modest installment fee of approximately 2.5% per month reflected in the total amount shown.
Those who wish to proceed will receive a formal Membership Proposal setting forth the terms of membership and the selected payment arrangement. Upon signature, members will be directed to the payment portal to remit their initial dues.
Installment arrangements are billed automatically each month. Members may begin participating in the Collegium immediately after the initial payment has been received. Once dues have been remitted in full, membership is fully vested and no further dues are required.
Membership Process
The membership process ordinarily begins when a prospective member schedules an Office Hour. Prospective members upload a current dissertation draft for advance review and receive a detailed feedback memorandum and Membership Prospectus before meeting with Dr. Ryan. The session is devoted to discussing the work, addressing questions arising from the written feedback, and determining whether the Collegium is a suitable fit.
Prospective members are also encouraged to attend a Doctoral Colloquium to experience the Collegium’s curriculum, mentoring approach, and scholarly community before proceeding.