The PhD/Doctoral Colloquium rubric provides a structured framework for evaluating doctoral candidates’ participation and performance in an academic colloquium. This rubric assesses key components essential for scholarly development; including research quality; critical thinking; communication skills; and engagement with academic discourse. By using this rubric; participants gain clear expectations for their performance; ensuring a rigorous and meaningful academic experience. The rubric evaluates the clarity and originality of the research presented; emphasizing the candidate’s ability to articulate their research question; methodology; and contributions to the field. This fosters a deeper understanding of scholarly inquiry and encourages candidates to refine their work through constructive feedback. Additionally; the rubric assesses critical thinking by examining how well candidates analyze existing literature; identify gaps; and justify their research approach. This promotes intellectual growth and strengthens the candidate’s ability to engage with complex academic challenges. Communication skills are another key focus; with the rubric evaluating the effectiveness of oral and written presentations. Candidates are assessed on their ability to convey complex ideas clearly; respond to questions thoughtfully; and engage in scholarly dialogue. This enhances their capacity to disseminate research effectively within academic and professional settings. Finally; the rubric measures active participation and collegial engagement; encouraging candidates to contribute meaningfully to discussions and provide constructive feedback to peers. This cultivates a collaborative academic environment and prepares candidates for future roles as researchers and educators. Overall; the PhD/Doctoral Colloquium rubric supports candidates in developing the skills and competencies necessary for successful doctoral completion and long-term scholarly achievement.