ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the factors that support candidates to complete their PhD in a timely manner. Graduate Schools should also be providing mandatory induction for new candidates, to ensure they are welcomed to the University and become aware of important first steps during their doctorate, and sources of support. At the University of Otago, only minimal training is required, but the University does offer an extensive programme of support, including workshops on recruiting candidates, administrative processes, providing quality supervision, giving effective feedback, progress reporting and preparing candidates for the examination. Peers were valued for their ability to promote social wellbeing, with a sense of social solidarity developing through sharing the emotional experiences of doing a doctorate. Good supervision is of course essential to successful completions and the importance of peers and the intellectual and emotional support they provide should not be underestimated.
