The research nature of doctoral degrees requires a student to work closely with a director(s) of research who oversees the graduate student’s research project and dissertation. A director of research is often the student’s adviser and is normally a member of the Graduate Faculty. It is the student’s responsibility to find a faculty member who agrees to serve as their director of research. Students are encouraged to establish this relationship early, and departments may have expectations about when this occurs. Doctoral students in Stage III must have a director of research in order to be in good standing.