Well, things were moving along great until just a week ago. I had submitted all of my applications, transcripts and been offered status in the DTech in Business Administration program. I wired my first years tuition, received my student number and everything. I submitted my dissertation proposal a few weeks ago and it received positive reviews with only a few suggestions for the organizaton of the proposal itself. Then last week the first inkling of troubles started. Apparently, someone in the university administration was concerned that I wasn't going to be on campus enough. It sounded like they wanted me to visit four times when I was originally told I would only need to visit to defend my dissertation. Today I received an email that everything could be done with just two visits but that the first one had to be by the end of May. Apparently, they don't realize non-academics can't just drop everything and travel halfway around the world for week with 30 days notice. So it appears I may have to drop out for a year or try to transfer to another school. Not good.
That's pretty horrible. Was the person who said that your only visit need be your dissertation defense the same or different from the person who later said you had to visit "only twice" and that without reasonable notice? Also, when they said you only had to visit to defend your dissertation, did they do so in writing? I'd been strongly considering Durban based on the fact that so far things had seemed to go well for you. Are there any universities in South Africa where things do not go awry for distance doctoral candidates? -=Steve=-
I suspect that DIT is making it up as they go along. They don't have much experience with doctoral level programs. How many students have graduated with a DTech in Business from DIT (or from Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon)? Any? The Technikons didn't offer degrees of any sort until 1995 (when the first bachelor's degrees were introduced).
Chris, sorry to hear about your troubles. Hopefully you will find another avenue. Keep us posted. Regards,
Greetings Chris, I would like to know how did you about geting into DTech? I went to Thier website and most they dont offer Doctarates. I interested to know what area have u applied? I hope u are not in South Africa and that u are appling as DL student? Migara
Decision made Well, after much angst the administration at Durban allowed me admission without an in-person visit. I do not know if that is a decision affecting everyone or just me since I was admitted prior to the date the decision was made. I am glad to get past it anyway. On a more positive note, my dissertation proposal passed the Commerce Faculty research committee with excellent reviews. Not to brag, though, as I got the draft done early enough to be reviewed by several members of the committee and I made changes per their suggestions. Now it goes to the technikon wide committee for further review. Lesson learned, get the proposal drafted as soon as possible. For those who care, I had some talks with the Port Elisabeth Technikon during my search for a fall back if the DIT registration fell through. They seemed interested in disussing the possibilities of a distance registration for their DBA. They will become the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2005 when they merge with the UPE. This may be an option for others. On to my dissertation planning.