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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.

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