Final Exam
The final exam represents the culminating milestone in the PhD process. Because most of the details of the final exam are determined by the graduate school, students are encouraged to review the information provided by the graduate school concerning the final exam. In particular, the graduate school has guidelines concerning the timing of the exam, the outcomes of the exam, and the people involved in the exam (i.e., the reading committee).
- Dissertation Style Guide: http://www.grad.washington.edu/stsv/stylman/00stylman.htm
- Dissertation FAQ: http://www.grad.washington.edu/stsv/FAQ-style.htm
- Scheduling the final exam: http://www.grad.washington.edu/stsv/how_to_doctoral_supervisory_comm.htm
Below are answers to questions that are not addressed by information made available by the graduate school, in some cases because the answer to the question represents a final exam policy specific to the department.
Q: Do I have to give a presentation during the defense?
A: Yes. While some departments do not require students to give a formal presentation of their work as part of the final exam, the faculty in technical communication believe in the importance of being able to describe the work orally as well as in writing (in the dissertation). The student should prepare a presentation of 20 to 30 minutes.
A: Yes. While some departments do not require students to give a formal presentation of their work as part of the final exam, the faculty in technical communication believe in the importance of being able to describe the work orally as well as in writing (in the dissertation). The student should prepare a presentation of 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: Can I get help in scheduling the event?
A: Yes, students are encouraged to work with the departmental graduate program assistant (GPA) to get help scheduling the event.
Q: Does the department permit me to have two people designated as my committee chair?
A: Yes, you can designate more than one faculty member as your committee chair. If you choose this route, it is your responsibility to keep both committee chairs informed as to your progress.