These examinations are not open to non-faculty without permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. The student passes the exam if a majority of the committee so votes. Otherwise, the student fails the final exam. For students failing the final exam, the Graduate Studies Office allows one re-examination. If the candidate's program requires a thesis, copies in substantially final form shall be in the hands of the examining committee at least two weeks before the date scheduled for the oral examination.
Oral examinations are to be held at least two weeks prior to the date of graduation.
If any member questions whether or not the substance or form of the thesis or dissertation is adequate, the committee as a whole decides if the thesis is sufficiently prepared for an oral examination. The major advisor is responsible for reporting a grade to the Registrar for all prior thesis registrations of the candidate when the thesis has been approved by the examining committee. Failure to do so may delay graduation. If the required documents are not submitted within one year, the Dean of Graduate Studies may declare the defense void and require that it be repeated. If the candidate's program requires no thesis, the department or college is responsible for having a written examination on the degree program prepared and administered.