We are proud to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the AIS Doctoral Student College, which was officially approved by the AIS Council at ICIS 2019 in Munich, Germany. This milestone is particularly significant for us as the Doctoral Student College is one of only four colleges approved by AIS. Over the past five years, we have continued to uphold the original mission of providing a platform for graduate students and early career scholars in information systems to engage in meaningful discourse, develop crucial mentor relationships, and access career coaching through AIS-sponsored panels and discussions at major conferences like ICIS and AMCIS.
As we mark our 5th anniversary in 2024, we share how these foundational ideas have shaped our journey. The College has grown into a vibrant community, offering not just a forum for discussion but a gateway for doctoral students and early career scholars to engage with the global AIS community. To discover the key milestones and achievements from our first five years, we invite you to explore our Five Years of AIS Doctoral Student College report.
Vision statement
Our vision is to be a trusted and inclusive global community where every doctoral student and early career scholar feels welcomed, empowered, and supported. We aspire to be the launching pad for their academic and professional success by providing seamless access to networks, mentorship, knowledge, and opportunities. Through our commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, we aim to empower the next generation of scholars to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of information systems research, education, and practice on a global scale.
Mission statement
The AIS Doctoral Student College serves as the gateway for connecting doctoral students and early career scholars to the global AIS community. We provide a platform with resources and opportunities that foster engagement, collaboration, and professional growth, all within a “from doctoral students for doctoral students” organization. By providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and career guidance, we support doctoral students and early career scholars in their personal and professional development as they advance their research, teaching, and community involvement. Our mission is to empower them, promote knowledge exchange, and help them build lasting connections within the global information systems community.
“Five-in-Five” plan for 2025-2029
Looking ahead, our “Five-in-Five” plan for 2025-2029 outlines a strategic roadmap to guide the College’s operations and strengthen our support for doctoral students and early career scholars in information systems worldwide. The plan focuses on five key objectives, as follows:
1. Organize Doctoral Student Corners at Major AIS Conferences
Maintain the Doctoral Student Corners as the heart of our activities and a key channel for communicating our mission and vision. Continue to develop and expand the Corners at major AIS conferences (ECIS, PACIS, AMCIS, ICIS) to create a supportive and engaging environment where doctoral students can meet, exchange ideas, and build connections.
2. Expand and Diversify the International Faculty-Student Mentorship Program
Expand the mentorship program by introducing various mentorship opportunities that strengthen connections between students and (junior/senior) faculty, catering to the diverse needs of doctoral students at different stages of their academic journey.
3. Strengthen the Regional Program and Reach
Strengthen the regional program to ensure doctoral students worldwide can actively engage with the AIS community, regardless of their geographic location. Create regional volunteer opportunities and collaborate with AIS Chapters to foster local involvement and support regional connections.
4. Maintain a Platform with Resources for Doctoral Students’ Research and Teaching Readiness
Continue to offer resources, tools, and guidance that doctoral students need to excel in research and teaching, ensuring they are well-prepared for academic and professional success.
5. Establish Sustainable Funding for Travel Grants and Student Scholarships
Establish and sustain funding sources to provide travel grants and scholarships, enabling doctoral students to access essential academic and professional growth opportunities.
We recognize that we can only achieve these goals with the support of the larger information systems community. We would, therefore, like to invite you to Contact Us to discuss potential areas for collaboration or to identify other ways to get involved with the College.
Executive Committee
AIS Doctoral Student College