Students develop a dissertation proposal under the guidance of the committee chairperson. Below are the procedures for defending the proposal:

The student writes a two-page abstract, which is signed by the committee members.

The student delivers the signed abstract to the Academic Affairs office (160 FH) for electronic distribution to the faculty.

The Academic Affairs office provides the student with instructions and a password for submitting the abstract.

A defense date is set not less than ten business days from the distribution of the abstract.

The student orally defends the proposal before the committee which either approves it, suggests changes, or disapproves the proposal.