Step 1: Identify and Confirm Committee Members
With your supervisor’s guidance, identify 5–6 potential committee members. This must include at least one member external to the ECE Graduate Studies Committee (ECE GSC). Full rules regarding the composition of your committee can be found HERE. Share a brief (1–2 page) research summary and your coursework list with each member. Secure verbal or written agreement from each person to serve on your committee. Step 2: Submit Committee Details
Email your Track PhD Coordinator with the following: Your full name, EID, and academic track Tentative dissertation title Full list of committee members and their roles CV of the external member
Step 3: Await Committee Approval
Your proposed committee will be reviewed by the ECE GSC on a no-objection basis. Do not proceed to evaluations until you have received official approval from your Track PhD Coordinator.
Part 2: Complete Individual Candidacy EvaluationsStep 4: Conduct Evaluation Meetings
Schedule individual 30-minute meetings with each non-supervisory committee member. A formal presentation is not required, but you may use slides or figures to provide context. Committee members may share specific expectations or evaluation criteria in advance. Step 5: Obtain Formal Sign-Offs
Each committee member must confirm your readiness for candidacy and agreement to serve by signing the ECE Candidacy Form [HERE]. Step 6: Submit Final Application for Candidacy
Once all sign-offs are complete, wait for email instructions from the Graduate Advising Team. You’ll then have 2 weeks to submit your candidacy application online. Your application will go through multiple levels of review, with final approval granted by the Graduate School Dean. Note on Late-Semester Candidacy:
If your candidacy is approved after the 12th class day (or 4th class day in summer), you may still enroll in Dissertation hours that same semester—provided you're already registered for Research Problems. Contact Graduate Advising to confirm eligibility. |