Ph.D. Dissertation Final Defense Guidelines

In concert with the University Policy on procedures for the dissertation defense, the IUSSW doctoral program supports a policy characterized by openness, respect, and academic integrity. Recognizing the value of parameters to facilitate such principles, the following guidelines are suggested:

1. Once the dissertation is completed, the Ph.D. candidate should submit an unbound copy to each committee member, allowing a sufficient amount of time for it to be read – minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. Likewise, faculty members should review the dissertation in a timely manner.
2. The committee chair will communicate directly (either orally or in writing) with each committee member in deciding whether the dissertation is ready for defense.
3. Thirty days (30) prior to the scheduled defense, the candidate must submit a one-page announcement of the final hearing to the Graduate School. The announcement must contain an informative, 150 word (or more) summary of the dissertation including a brief statement of the principal results and conclusions. The announcement must be signed by the committee chair.
4. To allow for arrangements to be made for appropriate space for the defense, the Ph.D. candidate will inform his/her chair in advance regarding the number and nature of the guests expected to attend. Ideally, this should be done by the time the announcement identifying the date and location of the defense goes to the Graduate School. The candidate should also inform his/her chair about any equipment needs.
5. Notification of the final Oral Defense will be given to the members of the IUSSW community by the chair at least one week before the date of the defense. The announcement will include the title and author of the dissertation, the date and location of the defense and the names of the committee members.
6. For the most part, attendance at the defense is geared toward members of the academic community. It is requested that faculty members notify the chair if they plan to attend so that space can be arranged. According to University policy, graduate students may attend and would normally act as observers, not participants.
7. The oral defense should be scheduled at a day and time that is conducive to attendance by members of the academic Community. Normally, a one and a half two hour time block will be sufficient.