New Student Orientation (NSO) in Santa Barbara, CA is the only in-person session required for students in the PhD in Human and Organizational Systems or Human Development programs.
Students are encouraged to attend other face-to-face meetings, such as regional cluster meetings, National Sessions, and Research and Practice Sessions when they can, but it is not a requirement.
Most students attend at least one session per year, and cluster meetings whenever possible because they find the collaboration, support, and face-to-face interaction with the faculty helps them move through the program more rapidly.
The average student spends 20 hours per week on their doctoral studies in order to progress through the program in a satisfactory and timely manner.