After completing their thesis/dissertation and obtaining approval from the Advisory Committee (FORM G11), students should have their work externally evaluated, and based on the outcome of the evaluation, a defense session will be scheduled.

The College Vice Dean for Graduate Studies sends the manuscript to the External Evaluator (FORM G13). The evaluator is given three weeks to review the thesis/dissertation and suggest any necessary modifications. Once the External Evaluator validates the work, the College Vice Dean for Graduate Studies sets a date for the thesis/dissertation defense.

As per Article 51 of the Unified Laws, the Program Coordinator can suggest the voting members of the Thesis/Dissertation Examination Committee to the College Vice Dean for Graduate Studies. This committee should have at least four members, including the following:

• A non-voting chair
• Three voting members, including the Major Advisor and an External Evaluator from a different university.

Please note that for any proposed external members, their CVs must be approved by the College Vice Dean for Graduate Studies, and that it is crucial to consult with the main advisor before inviting any individual to be part of the Thesis/Dissertation Advisory Committee.