PhD students in the School of Human & Organization Development belong to Fielding Graduate University’s international learning community. Small group and personal relationships are sustained by a robust electronic network and periodic face-to-face meetings. Utilizing these resources, students can remain in their communities and pursue their professional careers while simultaneously undertaking advanced doctoral studies.

Electronic Network
HOD students use Fielding’s dedicated electronic network (FELIX) to communicate among themselves and with the wider Fielding community. The network encompasses e-mail, research databases, online seminars, and other innovative learning tools. Students have access to Fielding’s comprehensive online library of journals, books, dissertations, and other resources.

New Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation (NSO) is a five-day event that introduces students to the HOD learning model, faculty, and fellow students.

Clusters
Regional cluster meetings take place on a regular basis. While attendance is optional, clusters give students an opportunity for meaningful, face-to-face interaction with faculty, peers, and alumni. Virtual clusters serve students who are unable to
attend a regional group.

Online and Regional Seminars
These regularly scheduled events range from intensive three-day workshops to multi-week seminars. They cover subjects such as human development, organizational studies, and
research methods.

Research and Practice Sessions
Research and Practice Sessions occur in the fall and spring and focus on the development of doctoral level skills that integrate scholarly research with professional practice. During these four-day sessions, students register for specialized
tracks of the Scholar-Practitioner Inquiry foundational area, as well as workshops on dissertation development, scholarly writing, professional practice, and advanced research
methodologies.

National Sessions
Twice a year, the HOD community gathers for week-long national sessions designed to support student progress in the doctoral program, help students develop scholarly skills, and
strengthen the HOD learning community. At these sessions, students and faculty attend workshops, work together on dissertation committees, and participate in a variety of
learning activities.