Dissertation Defense Overview

The Home-Stretch
Doctoral students’ final oral examinations are open to all members of the University community and the public unless attendance is restricted by the Graduate Studies Committee. Scheduled oral examinations are published here. You must provide your Dissertation committee with your completed Dissertation no later than four weeks before your Dissertation Defense.
Scheduling the Defense
You and your supervisor, in negotiation with the dissertation committee members, should determine a time and date for the defense. Each member of your committee must receive a copy of your dissertation at least four weeks prior to your dissertation defense date. You must schedule the dissertation defense with the Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the defense date by completing the Request for Final Oral Examination form. All members of your committee must sign your request form indicating their intent to be present at your final oral. Your graduate adviser must also sign this form to indicate you have been approved to defend.
It is expected that all members of the committee attend the defense, either in person or via teleconference.
2 weeks prior to the Dissertation Defense |
Scheduling the Defense |
Print the following in order to complete the Request for Dissertation Oral Defense Form: |
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1) Your dissertation committee membership page and title page |
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2) A copy of your dissertation abstract page |
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3) A copy of your dissertation table of contents and lists of figures and tables |
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4) A Statement on Research with Human Participants form with IRB materials |
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5) A Statement of Research in Restricted Regions form with IOC materials |
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6) Your Copyright Tutorial grade report from Canvas showing 100% |
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7) Register for a Format Check |
*Please note that items 1-4 will also be uploaded upon completion of your Dissertation to the Thesis & Dissertation Submission System.
Committee Changes
Any changes to your dissertation committee must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Changes should be approved at least 30 days prior to the date of the oral examination so that all new members have ample time to become familiar with your dissertation.