Editor's Note: This announcement was originally published on March 11, 2020. An update was made on March 19, 2020.
Dear Colleagues,
With growing concerns over the COVID-19 virus, the Office of Graduate Studies is encouraging departments to conduct all oral examinations remotely. These examinations include thesis and dissertation final oral exams, comprehensive oral exams (if required by your program), and non-thesis final projects.
We recommend that oral exams be conducted using Zoom, phone, or other digital format. Video connection is not required. However, keep in mind the following:
- All members of the examining committee are expected to participate as usual. The Graduate College requires at least three members for thesis committees and at least four members for dissertation committees.
- Video may not be available. Consider using audio as a backup in the event video is unavailable. In fact, plan for audio only.
Students should distribute their PowerPoint presentation, performance video, and other relevant work prior to the meeting. It may be necessary for students to “present” their work without a video connection. - All regular deadlines and milestone dates remain in place.
Many graduate students have applied to graduate this semester, so the alternatives are meant to help students achieve that goal while upholding the academic requirements of the Graduate College. I appreciate your support and flexibility.
Best regards,
Timothy Carr, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Graduate Education