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Doctoral personal study plan DPSP is an important tool both for doctoral students and their supervising professors. It ensures that all parties share an understanding of agreed matters and that studies progress according to schedule. The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) also recommends creating and updating study plans to avoid interaction problems.

Every doctoral student must have a DPSP, confirmed by their supervising professor, in Aalto’s information system, as stated in the Doctoral degree regulations. New students receive instructions via email on submitting their DPSP to the MyStudies platform at the beginning of their studies. Supervising professors confirm DPSP in the Student Success Hub.

We recommend that doctoral students and supervising professors discuss the current points of the DPSP at least biannually, for instance in January and August. Doctoral researchers employed by Aalto can also do this in biannual MyDialogue discussions. Also take note of possible DPSP related midterm review or advisory board practices at your School.

With enhanced follow-up of DPSP, we are preparing for a renewal of the system for the planning and follow-up of doctoral studies and research. In the future, the MyStudies (students) and Student Success Hub (supervising professors) interfaces will better serve their users. 

What can a doctoral student do right away?

Check that 

• you have an up-to-date DPSP in under Task 6 (at CHEM, the Task number depends on the phase of the studies of the student)
• you have marked the Task 6 as completed, and
• your supervising professor has confirmed your DPSP in the Notes section and attached the confirmed version of your DPSP.

If this is not the case, refer to the instructions and follow them. 

If you need support with practical or technical questions, participate in the monthly online Sisu and THOPS clinics arranged by Doctoral Education Services.

Make sure to discuss the current aspects of your DPSP with your supervising professor annually/biannually.

What can the supervising professor do?

Make sure to discuss the DPSPs of your new doctoral students, and confirm them in the Student Success Hub when the student requests it.

Make sure to discuss with your doctoral students the current points of their DPSPs annually/biannually. This will ensure that you will always have up-to-date plans by your doctoral students in the Student Success Hub.

When you receive a request from your doctoral student to confirm their DPPS in the system, refer to the supervising professor's instructions if necessary.

If you need assistance, contact your doctoral programme's Doctoral Education Services.

Technical considerations

When reviewing DPSP, it is important to note that the doctoral student submits the DPSP document to MyStudies under Task 6 (at CHEM, the Task number depends on the phase of the studies of the student) and marks Task 6 as completed. This Completed status is made by the student themselves, and does not imply that the supervising professor's confirmation is not required. However, this mark is important for follow-up purposes.

DPSP is confirmed in MyStudies/Student Success Hub, not in Sisu. The doctoral student should NOT request approval for their credit plan in Sisu before the end phase of their studies. See more information on the doctoral student's technical Sisu instructions.