#  Dissertation Advisor Declaration 

 



 ##  

  expand\_more  

 
  

 

**The Dissertation Advisory Declaration form must be signed by March 1 of the G2 year.**   
   
The Dissertation Advisor is responsible for overseeing the student's dissertation project, providing a supportive research environment, and mentoring the student. The Dissertation Advisor is chosen by the student and is normally a faculty affiliate of SHBT. Exceptionally, non-affiliated individuals may be approved as Dissertation Advisors on a case-by-case basis. The student will begin the Dissertation Advisory Declaration Form in My.Harvard portal. Students can find instructions [here](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1mtohrxs40jq8540q9neb/AGCY1VWoS_1Vsbg-YSxK3CI?rlkey=06do5mukzqm7wq5osp5p30li8&st=4tx195pw&dl=0).

To select a dissertation advisor, the Dissertation Declaration Form (DAD form) must be completed in accordance with the following guidelines:

- Student declares dissertation advisor and describes dissertation project
- Selection of a dissertation advisor must then be approved by the director of SHBT with the DAD form and then the Director of Graduate Studies in the Office for Graduate Education
- Dissertation advisor commits to supporting and funding student
- Student and dissertation advisor are required to complete a Conflict of Interest disclosure form
- To avoid conflict of interest, the dissertation advisor cannot be the student’s appointed academic advisor. In the event that an academic advisor becomes the dissertation advisor, a new academic advisor will be found.

**Harvard co-Advisor** (New in 2021): All SHBT students who work with an outside Harvard advisor must have a Harvard co-advisor. The policy is not retroactive, i.e. it will be enforced at the time a student submits their DAD form from this point onward. Note that the role of the Harvard co-advisor is to provide administrative and legal oversight and ensure Harvard policies are adhered to. There is no financial responsibility.