Lanesskog, DeirdrePaceley, Megan S.Kang, Sung-wanLux, Emily2019-11-052019-11-052015https://hdl.handle.net/10657/5242This article describes the development of a social work doctoral student organization to enhance student experiences at a Midwestern school of social work. Doctoral student organizations are consistent with research that emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in doctoral program completion. Social supports are especially important among increasingly diverse social work doctoral students whose needs likely differ from those of their more homogenous predecessors. The authors describe the process of creating a student organization; identify the association’s mission and activities; offer a reflective assessment, and provide recommendations for students interested in developing these organizations at their own institutions. We suggest that doctoral student organizations are feasible, affordable, and may enhance communication, mentoring, and the sense of community among doctoral social work students.en-USDoctor StudentsDoctoral ProgramAttritionRetentionStudent DiversityDoctoral Program EnvironmentDeirdre LanesskogMegan S. PaceleySung-wan KangEmily LuxPerspectives on Social WorkDoctor StudentsDoctoral programsAttritionRetentionStudent DiversityDoctoral Program EnvironmentPerspectives on Social WorkArticle