Steve Tippins Ph.D.Helping doctoral students get their dissertation accepted, succeed in their careers, & change the world | Academic Career Advisor | Dissertation Chair & Founder, Beyond PhD Coaching | 35 + years of experience.

Should I Meet Other Committee Members Individually or Always Go Through the Chair?

19 Mar 2026 · 0 min

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In this brief exchange, the speakers discuss proper etiquette for interacting with academic committee members. The core recommendation is that, at the outset of a dissertation or project, a student should route all communications through the committee chair. The chair will then determine whether and when it is appropriate to meet individual members—such as a methodologist—directly. Following the chair’s guidance helps maintain clear hierarchy, avoids confusion, and keeps relationships smoother.

Should I meet with other committee members individually or always go through the chair?
At the beginning, you always go through the chair and then wait for your chair to suggest that you meet individually or say, you know, is this the way you want to do this? Or should I just— when I have a question for, let's say, the methodologist, should I go straight to them? And then let your chair define the route, and that'll keep things easier and people happier.