ABSTRACT
A doctoral researcher’s relationships with their supervisor(s), advisor(s), and/or committee member(s) are almost always a defining characteristic of their doctoral experience. Working positively with these academic staff can be one of the most transformative parts of your doctorate, yet supervision practices vary greatly and not all faculty are adept at operating effectively via distance. This chapter supports distance doctoral students to understand the nature and purpose of supervision and—crucially—to recognise that they can play an active role in helping shape the kinds of supervisory relationships, practices, and routines that will help them flourish. A range of approaches are acknowledged, giving readers a window into the range of ways distance supervision can be conducted across different contexts, disciplines, and personalities, and tools are highlighted that can help distance doctoral students and their supervisors align their expectations and negotiate productive ways of working. The affordances offered by remote modes of supervision are acknowledged, and practical tips are offered for establishing and maintaining positive ways of working via a range of distance modes and communication media. Quotes from the authors’ international study of distance doctoral students’ experiences illustrate and enrich the chapter’s messages.
