• review department specific guidelines regarding dissertation committee make up
• seek out a dissertation advisor who can be a compatible ally and an on-task advisor
• initiate dialogue with individuals who might serve on the committee

Overall, dissertation committee members will:

• represent a range of expertise related to a writer's interests and methodological choices
• advise a student throughout the process
• comment on written materials from proposal stage through conclusion of dissertation work

Keep in mind this caveat from a number of resources: shaping your committee need not be driven only by the idea of amassing content experts; rather, consider shaping a committee that includes faculty who will support you in a variety of different ways

Step 1: Negotiate what you want/need/expect from your advisor
Step 2: Work with your dissertation committee chair to set up your committee
Step 3: Plan an on-going feedback gathering process
Step 4: Take seriously your role as a proactive dissertation advisee.