Defense Outcome

The Committee Chair will choose the outcome of the defense from one of the four options listed below. For guidance on minor and major revisions, please refer to the information provided. Students must deposit their dissertations within specific timeframes according to the outcome of their defense.

Dissertations that are approved as presented or that require only minor revisions may be nominated for distinction.

Approved as Presented: No revisions required. Students must deposit within five (5) weeks after the defense.

Approved Pending Minor Revisions: Minor additions and edits to the text, formatting and organizational changes, the addition of references to existing text, and additions/corrections to the preface. Minor revisions should be completed to the Chair's satisfaction. Students must deposit within five (5) weeks after the defense.

Approved Pending Major Revisions: Inclusion of additional data, the inclusion of additional data analysis, substantial additions to the text (e.g., the addition of subject matter to the introduction or discussion), or rewriting of whole sections. Major revisions must be resubmitted for approval by the Chair and two members of the examining committee. Students must deposit within eight (8) weeks after the defense.

Fail: The committee believes that the dissertation is not acceptable and will provide a detailed written description of the reservations about the examined dissertation and make further recommendations.