School of Education
DEPARTMENTSDissertation Defense or Presentation Information
After the dissertation methodology has been approved, the candidate's challenge is to remain focused on the completion of the dissertation. Developing a timeline and review process with the chair is a critical activity.
Most committee chairs want to receive drafts of the chapters as the student moves through the process. This is so that they can discuss any concerns that may have developed. Multiple revisions are not an exception. When the committee chair approves the final draft it is ready for the other dissertation committee members to review.
Provide Reviewers with Dissertation Copies
When the committee chair approves the final draft of the dissertation, the doctoral candidate should deliver copies to the reviewers. The amount of time the committee members will require to review should be negotiated by the student early in the process. Doctoral candidates should expect a minimum of two weeks.
Obtain Reviewers' Feedback and Signatures
The doctoral candidate will need to follow up with the committee members for their feedback. If they want the doctoral candidate to make revisions prior to the defense or presentation, they will clarify their requests. Each committee member is expected to provide suggestions to improve the dissertation If the dissertation is not ready for defense or presentation, the faculty is expected not to sign off. The reviewers also may sign the Dissertation Reviewers? Report indicating that the dissertation is ready for defense or presentation with minor revisions. They also may sign that it is ready for defense or presentation.
Complete the Final Dissertation Defense or Presentation
The general format of the final oral examination involves a brief presentation of the dissertation (20 to 30 minutes). It is then followed by examination and defense or presentation. A maximum of two hours is scheduled. The committee votes to pass or fail. More than one negative vote in a three-person committee is a failure. When a student passes, it is not uncommon for the committee to specify minor changes that the candidate is expected to make. They will discuss these changes with the committee chair and expect that the candidate will make these changes. The committee chair is expected to ensure that the committee?s concerns are addressed.
