What paperwork do I need to complete?
- All documents need to be delivered to the graduate office for approval at least 8 weeks prior to the desired exam date;
- Complete Final Oral Examination Committee Nomination Form. You can complete the form and submit it electronically, along with the other documents.
Final Oral Examination Committee Nomination Form
- Submit your CV with publications;
- Submit your thesis abstract;
- Submit the CV of the external examiner.
When can I defend my PhD dissertation?
- When all course work and comprehensive exam are successfully completed;
- When everyone on your committee agrees it is done;
- When you have successfully defended it at the divisional exam (if appropriate).
Who should be at the FOE and what is his/her role?
- Supervisor: voting examiner;
- Up to 2 supervisory committee members: voting examiners;
- Internal Examiner: voting examiner (required by GDPHS but not SGS); usually a divisional faculty member; arms-length from the project; does not write a critique. Please consult Division Head prior to appointing the Internal Examiner;
- External Examiner: voting examiner; must prepare an appraisal; arms-length from the student, supervisor and project; external to the University of Toronto; expert in the field; and
- Chair: non-voting examiner; appointed by SGS.
What if someone cannot attend the defence?
- The quorum is 4. However, SGS recommends including at least 5 voting members to ensure the exam proceeds as scheduled;
- One voting member can participate via audio-conference;
- As of July 1, 2012, there must be at least two arms-length voting members who have not been closely involved in the supervision of the thesis;
What is the appraisal and when do I get to see it?
- The appraisal is prepared by the External Examiner and must be submitted to the GDPHS two weeks prior to the examination. The student, supervisor and committee are given a copy for information. The candidate may not communicate with the External Examiner until the examination is underway.