Evaluation of Examination Performance
Both the written and oral components of the examination will be assessed in determining the student’s performance. It is acknowledged that the student may have received considerable assistance from research mentors/advisors with the written part of the exam because of the program’s emphasis on having students submit proposals for funding to support their research. Thus, relatively more emphasis will be placed on the oral portion of the examination as this is more likely to reflect the student’s independent performance. The examination outcome/result is based on the committee majority vote and will be one of the following: 1) pass with no contingencies, 2) pass with contingencies (e.g. additional coursework, assignments, etc. required), or 3) fail. Students who fail the examination can petition the Executive Committee for permission to retake the exam.
The Chair of the Examination Committee is responsible for communicating in writing the outcome of the examination to the Executive Committee and to the student’s Research Mentor. Communication with the Research Mentor should also include any feedback (concerns, suggestions, etc.) about the research presented by the student that could potentially be useful in improving the student’s dissertation.