NOTE: At the time of the defense, the student must have completed the three speaking requirements. See Ph.D. Program Degree Requirements or details.
Any changes to Ph.D. committees must be made.This is accomplished by (1) getting notes from previous members that they wish to withdraw from the committee and (2) filling out change-of-committee forms that you can get in the graduate office.New members have the right to request a new proposal examination.
All committee members must have a copy of your dissertation in hand.The final defense must be made public (i.e., by giving copies to the Graduate Coordinator).A one-page abstract should also be given to the Graduate Coordinator at this time.
All committee members must have signed the Graduate School form (a pink sheet).Each member's signature is an agreement that (1) the student is ready to defend the research and (2) the member will read the dissertation prior to the defense.Members who cannot attend the defense must submit written notes explaining their absence.
At least 4 members of the 5+ member committee must be present. Non-attending members must provide written explanation for their absence and must agree to read and comment on the dissertation by the time of the defense.
**Note: Be sure to check with the Graduate School Office in Main 101 or check the Graduate School's web site forms page to get the forms necessary to Request the Final Defense. Students also have to file a Degree Candidate Card the semester they plan to graduate. (All forms can be filled out on the web, then downloaded and printed. Look in the Doctoral section of this web site for "forms".)
