When Is It Okay?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Rich Douglas, Apr 16, 2014.

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  1. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    During the doctoral process, when is it okay to use the title? After a successful defense? Some other point? Just wondering what the conscience of the board might be.
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I could be persuaded to change my position, but my first impulse is to say after a successful defense, when one's committee members are saying, "Congratulations, Dr. So-and-so!" If it's good enough for them, it should be good enough for anyone.
     
  3. Tireman 44444

    Tireman 44444 Well-Known Member

    According to my dissertation chair at UNISA, one is not allowed to use the title until you receive the diploma from them. That is either by walking across the stage or by the mail service. Now, this is from UNISA. He ( my chair) is in the history department. I am assuming that is university wide.
     
  4. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    It is okay to use the title of doctor when one is a graduate i.e. when the degree is conferred, either in notice by letter or by ceremony (which ever comes first). Prior to that, a person's status is that of a graduand (which is someone who is about to graduate). A graduand has meet the substantive criteria for fulfillment of a degree, but is still waiting for conferral. If a person really wants to get technical, they can change their work-title from PhD Candidate to PhD Graduand. However, that might confuse people because most people have never even heard of the term graduand.
     
  5. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    After one receives official notification from the school - sometimes the awards ceremony can be several months after the official notification.
     
  6. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    When the person gets official notification of graduation.
     
  7. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    According Nova Southeastern University's Doctorate Professors, as soon as you completed all the requirements and dissertation committee accepts your dissertation.
     
  8. Helpful2013

    Helpful2013 Active Member

    I was told I was technically a "doctor designatus" until the academic senate conferred the degree, which in my case was on graduation day. I wasn't bothered in the least, just glad to be done, but to my mind, anyone wanting to use the title after the defense is justified in doing so.
     
  9. mattbrent

    mattbrent Well-Known Member

    If Dr. Pepper and Dr. Dre can use Dr. without an academic credential... :shrug:

    -Matt
     
  10. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    The late Warrior Warrior [sic] had his name legally changed to such in order to avoid a potential lawsuit for taking his wrestling moniker to another organization. Maybe he's on to something! How about you have your first name legally changed to Doctor and your middle name to Matt, then you can drop your University of the Cumberlands program.
     
  11. mattbrent

    mattbrent Well-Known Member

    If only that would help me towards promotion! :Eyecrazy:

    -Matt
     
  12. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I checked with Dr. J. and Dr. Seuss. They agree. :smile:
     

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