Thesis Defense

Students meet at least once a year with their thesis committee (usually in conjunction with their yearly seminar) to report on progress and on any changes in research direction. After the thesis committee approves the completion of the thesis research, the student submits a written dissertation of his or her findings. Students publicly present their thesis research in an open seminar and then defend their findings and conclusions to the committee in a closed exam.

It is the responsibility of the student to see that style, format, margins, paper, binding, etc. are in accordance with University regulations. If you have questions or concerns regarding the thesis preparation, please contact the Office of the University Dean for Graduate Studies, ext. 5-4279.

Please see the manual for preparation of doctoral theses as a reference.

Registration Guidelines

The University Dean of Graduate Studies has set deadlines during the academic year by which a thesis must be registered in order to participate in graduation at the next Commencement. Please refer to the Graduate Student Academic Calendar for dates regarding registering the thesis, holding the defense, and submitting corrected copies. These dates must be adhered to; there are no exceptions. Calendars are available from Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator and are usually distributed during July/August each year. Defenses will not be scheduled after 3:30PM and the time table for defenses held in the summer is subject to change.

Procedure/Deadlines

When deciding on a date to defend, please check the Graduate Student Academic Calendar for blackout dates.

The time frame for summer defenses is different; please check the bottom of the academic calendar for dates.

As Soon As You Know You Are Going To Defend

Notify Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator of your intent to defend and the approximate date so that the appropriate paperwork can begin to be processed.

Fall and Spring

30 Business Days Before the Exam Date (not including the date itself)

The following material must be submitted to Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator with all required signatures:

  1. Appointment Form for Ph.D. final exam
  2. Permission Form to register thesis form signed by department chair or representative
  3. Department Statement of Completion of Requirements
  4. Program of Study for Doctor of Philosophy
  5. Ph.D. Diploma form
  6. Final copy of the abstract (350 words or less) and title page

20 Business Days Prior to Exam Date (not including the date itself)

Meeting with the Graduate Registrar, who will notify the student in advance of the meeting time (approx. 10 minutes). At this time, the student will register the defense copy of the thesis. No revisions may be made until the final examination by the committee is completed. The student must register the thesis in person. If circumstances do not permit registration in person, arrangements must be made with Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator. When you register the thesis, you will need the following:

  • One bound copy of your thesis
  • Two additional copies of the title page and abstract

Summer

35 Business Days Before the Exam Date (not including the date itself)

The following material must be submitted to Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator with all required signatures:

  1. Appointment Form for Ph.D. final exam
  2. Permission Form to register thesis form signed by department chair or representative
  3. Department Statement of Completion of Requirements
  4. Program of Study for Doctor of Philosophy
  5. Ph.D. Diploma form
  6. Final copy of the abstract (350 words or less) and title page

25 Business Days Prior to Exam Date (not including the date itself)

Meeting with the Graduate Registrar, who will notify the student in advance of the meeting time (approx. 10 minutes). At this time, the student will register the defense copy of the thesis. No revisions may be made until the final examination by the committee is completed. The student must register the thesis in person. If circumstances do not permit registration in person, arrangements must be made with Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator. When you register the thesis, you will need the following:

  • One bound copy of your thesis
  • Two additional copies of the title page and abstract

Upon the Registrar's review of the thesis, the student will deliver the thesis and additional paperwork from the Registrar to the Office of the University Dean, 2-316 Carol Simon/Dewey Hall, River Campus. The student will receive notification from the University Dean’s Office confirming scheduling of defense and the appointed chair.

After Thesis Registration

Students have to complete ProQuest form on the UR ProQuest. Completing the ProQuest form is required for a student to fulfill degree requirements and be included on the Ph.D. degree list.

It is strongly recommended that a student begin working on their ProQuest form before their defense to familiarize themselves with the site and learn what they have to do to complete the form. The form can be started, continued and/or amended.

Do not upload your abstract or pdf of your dissertation on the ProQuest site until after your defense when you have completed all final corrections and revisions.

At the Defense

Each student will receive a packet of information regarding completing final requirements. Please be sure to follow all directions.

After the Defense

After successful completion of both the public and closed exams and after making any required corrections to the thesis, the student must complete a ProQuest form on-line. The student will include their final abstract (350 words or less) and attach a pdf of their final corrected and approved dissertation to the UR ProQuest site.

Students must then contact GEPA (273-1620) to schedule a time to turn in the final paperwork to the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education. This meeting must take place no later than the registration deadline on the academic calendar or 30 days after the defense, whichever comes first. At this meeting, you will need to submit the following:

  • Change of Status Form to terminate student status (obtain this form from your graduate coordinator)
  • 506 Form to terminate stipend (obtain this form from your graduate coordinator)

Students must notify Ania Dworzanski, the Graduate Program Coordinator at least five business days prior to the exact day they are meeting with the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education so that all the necessary forms can be prepared.

Failure to attend an exit interview with the Dean and turn in the requisite items to GEPA will result in the student having to register and pay any required fees for the next semester.

Apply Now

For more information and details on how to apply please visit the Office for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.