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Please refer to the COVID-19 resources page in the BME graduate handbook for temporary changes to some policies and practices.  All final oral exams in summer 2020 must be held virtually.

Students complete their dissertation defense (or final oral exam) typically at the end of their fifth year. The Graduate School provides critical information regarding deadlines, paperwork, and scheduling. Students file to graduate in their final semester. The Graduate School typically hosts workshops that are helpful and recommended.

List of Forms at the Graduate School website

DocuSign versions of the Request for Final Oral Form and the Report of Dissertation Committee form are available to you. To use the DocuSign versions of the required forms, please send a request to the Graduate Coordinator and include a list of your committee members and their email addresses.

Dissertation Defense Step-by-Step

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1. Has your committee membership changed since you advanced to candidacy? 
   1. Check your committee membership here. If it is correct, skip to number 2. If it is not correct, learn how to change your committee membership below. 
   2. If so, you need to submit a request to the Graduate School to formally change your committee membership at least 30 days prior to your final oral exam. If you are within 30 days, additional permissions and a petition may be required. 
2. Review the Graduate School website. 
   1. The Graduate School has critical information regarding deadlines, paperwork, and scheduling. Try to review this at least one semester before your defense.
3. Meet with your supervisor. 
   1. Discuss your plan to defend and any important requirements/expectations for your defense.
4. File to graduate. 
   1. At the beginning of your final semester, you must file to graduate to let the Graduate School know you will finish your degree. The application for graduation is typically available on the first class day of the semester. 
5. Schedule your defense. Contact your committee members to let them know when you hope to defend and ask them for their availability.
   
   1. When you've determined a date, you must submit a Request for Final Oral form to the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance of the date of your defense. When you submit the Request for Final Oral form to the Graduate School, you should include one copy each of the dissertation abstract, title page, doctoral committee membership page, a table of contents, and lists of tables and figures for a format check.
   2. The Request for Final Oral form is the official mechanism for scheduling your defense with the Graduate School. Scheduling changes may take place as needed prior to submitting the form. If you need to change the date or time of your defense after the form is submitted, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.
   3. You may use the BME Room Reservation system to reserve space for your defense. You are encouraged to reserve the room 30 minutes to one hour prior to your defense start time.
6. Send your dissertation to your committee. 
   1. Once your supervisor approves, send your dissertation to the rest of your committee at least 4 weeks prior to your final oral exam. 
7. Contact the Graduate Coordinator. 
   1. Send the date, time, and location of the defense, the title of your dissertation, and an abstract. This will be distributed to the department, the BME Graduate Studies Committee, and letter writers from your application to the program. If you do not wish for your letter writers to be notified, please express objection in writing to the Graduate Coordinator.
8. Prepare your presentation. Most students will use PowerPoint or a similar program to present. Discuss format and style with your supervisor.
9. Prepare paperwork. A number of documents must be prepared for and signed at your defense.
   
   1. Print a Learning Outcomes form for each committee member.
   2. Print the Report of Dissertation Committee Form. This form will be emailed to you approximately one week prior to your defense.
10. Confirm with your committee. 
    1. Be sure to confirm your committee's attendance and send a reminder at least a few days in advance.Committee participation is set by the Graduate School at N-1. The Graduate School does not distinguish between virtual and in-person participation. Your supervisor may participate virtually.

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