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{Home > Graduate : Graduate Handbook: Ph.D.: Scheduling the Preliminary Examinations }

Scheduling the Preliminary Examinations

Plan for the exams as you complete your coursework. You are expected to take your exams within the year following completion of your coursework and no later than the fourth year after beginning the program.* Barring unusual circumstances (e.g., illness, pregnancy, adoption or birth of a child) students who do not complete the written examinations in the three terms immediately following the completion of their coursework will be dropped from the program.

You should notify you advisor, other committee members who are writing questions, and the Programs Administrator in writing (by paper or email) at least one month prior to the first day of an exam period. All questions are sent to the Programs Administrator at least five business days before the beginning of the exam. You must make arrangements with the Program Administrator for electronic or paper delivery of the exam questions at a time of mutual convenience. Upon receipt of each question you are responsible for returning your completed exam within 24 hours to the Programs Administrator (usually by email.)

Preliminary written exams are given during pre-set windows.  These are during the 6th through 8th weeks of fall and spring semesters, and the first two weeks in August for the summer window. You should schedule the preliminary oral exam when you schedule your writtens, allowing two weeks for the reading of each exam and one week for processing the paperwork with the Graduate School. Assuming successful completion of the writtens, the oral exam will be scheduled during the 10th through 12th week of the semester, or the second week of the fall semester for the summer writtens. For example, if you finish your written exams at the end of week 7, you may schedule your oral in week 11 at the earliest. (See Appendix for forms.)

* Students who entered the program prior to Fall 2008 may follow the process in place at the time they entered or they may adopt the new method.