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The formation of a doctoral dissertation support group can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and offer valuable material and strategic resources for those pursuing an advanced degree. Doctoral programs are designed for students to collaboratively create a professional product--a dissertation--making use of their dissertation committees ' expertise and advice. In the spirit of collaborative/collegial work, a dissertation support group can offer systematic assistance to fellow graduate students (beyond their supervising committees ' input) by aiding them in remaining mentally focused and physically on task. This article describes the structure and activities of a successful dissertation support group organized by doctoral students in the Educational Leadership Department at Western Michigan University. It is recommended that graduate students in similar circumstances recreate the Western Michigan University Model in their local context and advance a discussion to enhance the graduation of doctoral students in greater numbers from their chosen programs of studies. Contains a list of 10 "Articles of Understanding " for members in the dissertation support group. (LSR) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document