As a mature student returning to academia after 24 years with a professional career as a registered social worker, I have found the joint PhD program to be welcoming for students with diverse backgrounds and experience. I have been able to focus my research to my interest both professionally, personally, and academically. The support I have received from my supervisor, professors and colleagues from all three universities has been invaluable. 

The Joint PhD program in Educational Studies offers a unique opportunity to study at three Ontario universities. This collaboration enriches the student experience. Throughout my doctoral journey, I benefited from the support of diverse perspectives from faculty and classmates from the University of Windsor, Brock, and Lakehead. The program combines flexibility and academic rigour, as you transform into an educational researcher.

My continuing experience within the Joint PhD in Educational Studies Program rests on the pillars of inspiring academic human capital, valuable experiential learning opportunities, and truly transferable research skills. It has been my pleasure to learn from faculty members, guest speakers, and advisors. It has been my joy to expand my learning by visiting another university campus and contributing to the advanced learning. It has been my benefit to find diverse ways in which to direct my studies. The program provides both the structure and the liberty to begin integrating educational theory into the personal interests of the individual student. 

The Joint Ph.D. program provides me with a growing sense of intellectual self-worth by engaging in scholarly research and activities. The program is challenging and requires much independence, perseverance, and sacrifice, and yet, I have connected with dedicated and knowledgeable educators, researchers, and scholars of three universities whose collective interests are their students' intellectual and scholarly growth.

Starting the Joint PhD program in Educational Studies at the University of Windsor is the best decision I have ever made in my life. Each coursework in the program has provided me with essential knowledge, theories, and skills that pave my way for my dissertation. After nearly two years in the program, I have grown from a novice international graduate student to a confident emerging scholar in terms of mental strength, academic achievements, research skill enhancement, and professional skill development. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to study with/from my supervisor, professors, and friends.

I am a Ph.D. Candidate in the Joint Ph.D. in Educational Studies Program and my journey so far in this program has been incredibly fulfilling. The Joint Ph.D. in Educational Studies Program provides me with valuable opportunities for academic growth and personal reflection. To be reflected and included in the various dimensions of this program strengthens my heart with every step I take towards my scholarly expedition.

The Joint PhD in Educational Studies program provided me the opportunity to delve deeper into scholarly research that was both professionally and personally meaningful. As a student in the program I had access to a broad range of expertise from faculty members across three universities, making it an exemplary learning experience.

My experience in the Joint PhD program has been an excellent blend between studying at a small, close knit university where many students and scholars share my research interests and connecting with a broad and diverse group of colleagues and professors through the partner universities. This has brought both breadth and depth to my doctoral experience.

The diversity in this program allows graduate students from different cultural backgrounds to explore their experiences and perspectives together in a caring, respectful, and supporting learning environment. Professors provide learning opportunities that are rich, meaningful, and geared towards the research interests of graduate students.