Initial Academic Residency (IAR)

Students may choose to attend one of two Initial Academic Residencies (IARs) in either July or January.  The July residency takes place for seven days, face-to-face at our main academic center in Cincinnati. The IAR is followed by an online three-day, mid-semester residency (professional development practica). The January IAR takes place over three weekends; the first weekend face-to-face at our main academic center in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by two weekends online.

Each IAR is guided by knowledgeable faculty and staff experienced in the process of group interaction. They seek to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and affirmation and to encourage overall participation in discussions of the history, philosophy, and expectations of the Ed.D. program. As the IAR experience unfolds, the student will develop new ideas about how to meet his or her learning needs. The students will be well on the way toward building a network of contacts with members of the university to include the dean, faculty, University staff and other students.

As a new Ed.D. student, you will begin your program with an Initial Academic Residency (IAR) in either January or July.  During both the July seven (7)-day IAR and the three January weekend experiences you will:

• Be introduced to the Ed.D. program’s mission and goals.
• Engage in core and foundational learning.
• Build mutually respectful and beneficial relationships with your learning cohort, faculty, and staff.

The Ed.D. academic residencies include the following learning activities:

• A required sequence of seminars that are completed through online teaching.
• Lectures and follow-up discussions hosted by leading scholars.
• Panel discussions that address important intellectual, professional, and social issues.
• Professional/creative activities that bring together theory and practice.