ABSTRACT
Each community has identifiable customs: dress, food, and language. Academic communities establish rules which, when learned by those who are new to the context create a more positive experience and the potential for an extended relationship. As a doctoral student, you will want to learn the language that prevails in your doctoral program. Knowing the difference, for example, between a doctoral dissertation and a dissertation proposal, will facilitate your participation in conversations with your classmates and your professors. As you learn the technical language, you are also learning many important customs and practices.
