| Step | Task | Notes and Resources |
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| Step 1 | Update your committee with the Graduate School if it has changed | - Check committee membership.
- If your dissertation committee has changed, submit a Request for Change in Doctoral Committee Form to the Graduate School. Email the Graduate Coordinator to use the DocuSign version of the form.
- Resolving committee changes before your proposal is not required, but must be completed at least 30 days before you defend.
- More information is provided about committee changes elsewhere in the handbook.
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| Step 2 | Meet with your supervisor | - Discuss your plan and timeline to propose, and your supervisor's requirements in preparation for your proposal.
- Include one slide on professional development, drawing from your earlier professional goals and the IDP you completed as part of the qualifying exam. Discuss challenges you have faced and overcome, what steps you have taken to achieve your professional goals, and your current plans as a result. Have your supervisor review this slide in advance of your proposal.
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| Step 3 | Schedule your proposal | - All committee members should be present, but exceptions are given in the event of scheduling emergencies. Required participation is N-1.
- Members may participate virtually or in person.
- If you are in the process of changing your committee, your new committee members should attend your proposal, even if you have not formally updated your committee with the Graduate School.
- Make use of services such as Doodle or When 2 Meet
- It is your responsibility to communicate the schedule of your proposal to your committee members.
- Use the BME Room Reservation system to reserve your space. If proposing in person, reserve the space at least 30 minutes in advance for set up time.
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| Step 4 | Submit a program of work form and report your proposal date to the Graduate Coordinator | |
| Step 5 | Submit your written proposal to your committee at least two weeks in advance of your oral presentation | - Late submissions should be used sparingly, such as in emergency situations, and require approval of your full committee.
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| Step 6 | Prepare the Dissertation Proposal Form | - The form is available in DocuSign and must be launched by the Graduate Coordinator. Wait to complete your part of the form until the day of your exam to avoid the 'invitation to sign' email getting lost in your committee members' inboxes.
- To request to use the DocuSign form, email the Graduate Coordinator and include a list of your committee members.
- If you are holding your proposal in person and wish to use a physical document instead, download it here.
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| Step 7 | Learning outcomes forms - no action necessary by you on this step | - The Graduate Coordinator will circulate learning outcomes forms to your committee on the day of your proposal.
- If needed, the paper version of the form is available here.
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| Step 8 | Save a copy of your signed proposal form for your records | - When the form is fully signed, you will receive an email notification with a link to download the completed form. Save a copy for your records.
- The Graduate Coordinator receives the same download link and will automatically place a copy of the signed form in your student file.
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