Advanced doctoral study deploys strategies that satisfy the spirit of residence study through 1) immersing learners in advanced study and inquiry, 2) providing learners opportunities for interaction with faculty and peers, 3) providing learners with access to the educational resources of the universities and the academic community, 4) providing learners with opportunities for interchanging knowledge with the academic community, and 5) broadening educational and cultural experiences of learners.

Traditional doctoral degree programs often require students to “study in residence” by spending a specific amount of time on the university campus during their degree program. These degree programs recognize the value of immersion in advanced study, interaction of the student with faculty members and peers, access to the resources of the university, and the interchange of knowledge with the academic community. The joint graduate faculty recognizes and values each of the attributes of traditional residency. However, they have chosen to use strategies that achieve these purposes using variable time and variable location methods to enhance scholarship and engagement and satisfy the spirit of residency. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has adopted this model for all future graduate education programs at a distance. The model is discussed further as “Transforming Study in Residence Based on Value Constructs.”