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At least three committee members, including the Dissertation Supervisor, must be members of the Department of Special Education's Graduate Studies Committee (GSC). Each committee must also have at least one member whose teaching and research are principally outside the Department of Special Education. If any member of your committee is not a member of the GSC, you must provide his/her vita and letter with the application packet.
In general, members of the dissertation committee must be members of a GSC within The University. Exceptions are (1) scholars who hold non-faculty appointments as UT Research Scientists, Research Engineers, or adjunct faculty whose expertise would prove valuable for the student’s topic; and (2) scholars from off campus. A recommendation to appoint an off-campus scholar should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a letter stating that the person is willing to serve on the student’s committee and understands that the university will not reimburse for any expenses incurred. Requests for appointment of non-GSC faculty scholars should include a vita. Regarding content of the letter and how to deliver this information, see: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/ogs/forms/candidacy/app.WBX?intro_type=D.
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When your proposal is completed, schedule a proposal meeting with your Dissertation Committee, usually within the first semester of dissertation registration. After you have obtained an agreed upon time from the Dissertation Committee, schedule the use of a room in the Sánchez Building by contacting the Graduate Coordinator. Formally notify your committee members via e-mail or other written format of the scheduled date, time, and location and remind them several days before the meeting.You must schedule the dissertation defense with the Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the defense date by completing the Request for Final Oral Examination form. All members of your committee must sign your request form indicating their intent to be present at your final oral. Your graduate adviser must also sign this form to indicate you have been approved to defend.
It is expected that all members of the committee attend the defense, either in person or via teleconference. The Graduate School does not distinguish between physical attendance or electronic/virtual attendance. If one non-supervisory committee member is unable to attend the defense, there must be an explanation of the member’s absence, together with an assurance that your dissertation will be read, and if approved, signed. Committee members who are unable to attend after the agreed upon date has been established should inform the Dissertation Supervisor and student of his or her issues, concerns, and/or questions prior to the proposal meeting. These should be presented in a written format (with a copy provided to all present) and discussed at the proposal meeting.
Prior to the proposal meeting, make sure that your Dissertation Supervisor has a copy of the Dissertation Proposal Approval form, available from the Graduate Coordinator.
Provide the committee members with a copy of the proposal AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO themeeting. Any committee member who believes that the proposal is not ready for the proposal meeting may inform the Dissertation Supervisor and alter the meeting date, but not later than one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
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Under the direction of your Dissertation Supervisor, conduct the research. It will be important during this process to work closely with your supervisor and keep your committee informed of your progress.
Under Under the direction of your Dissertation Supervisor, reshape the proposal to become your dissertation. Information regarding the formatting of the dissertation required by the Graduate School can be obtained from the Dissertation Format Booklet on the website: https://utexas.app.box.com/s/9ry2es4xfi0gibanh8i5xtzxx7k2qcdi .
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The final oral examination is an oral defense of your dissertation. You must be enrolled during the semester in which you complete the final oral examination. At least three members of the Dissertation Committee must be present, including the Dissertation Supervisor. Again, the Graduate School does not distinguish between physical attendance and electronic/ virtual attendance. Begin preparation for your defense at the beginning of the semester, including the application for your graduate degree. You should submit the final dissertation draft, already reviewed by your Dissertation Supervisor, to your committee members and supervisor at least four weeks before the final defense. The OGS website (https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/theses-and-dissertations/doctoral-candidacy/oral-examinations ) provides more information about the number of committee members who MUST be present at the defense and the forms required.
You must schedule the dissertation defense with the Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the defense date by completing the Request for Final Oral Examination form. All members of your committee must sign your request form indicating their intent to be present at your final oral. Your graduate adviser must also sign this form to indicate you have been approved to defend.
It is expected that all members of the committee attend the defense, either in person or via teleconference. The Graduate School does not distinguish between physical attendance or electronic/virtual attendance. If one non-supervisory committee member is unable to attend the defense, there must be an explanation of the member’s absence, together with an assurance that your dissertation will be read, and if approved, signed. Committee members who are unable to attend after the agreed upon date has been established should inform the Dissertation Supervisor and student of his or her issues, concerns, and/or questions prior to the proposal meeting. These should be presented in a written format (with a copy provided to all present) and discussed at the proposal meeting.
Scheduling the Final Oral Exam and Forms
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