Nomination of Committee requirements for M.S. Students
Nomination of Committee requirements for M.S. Students
The Thesis Committee serves as the examining committee that advises the student in their research activity as appropriate and evaluates the student’s overall progress on their dissertation.
When do I need to submit my Nomination of Committee form?
The Nomination of Thesis or Dissertation Committee form should be submitted to megrad@umd.edu for a preliminary review prior to the student’s proposal.
Ultimately, students are required to submit their committee form for final approval 6 weeks prior to the dissertation defense. Student who are requesting for a Special Member to serve on their committee should submit the form at least 8 weeks prior to the dissertation defense. There is no guarantee that nominations for Special Members will be approved in time for a defense.
Composition: A Thesis Committee must consist of at least 3 Members of the Graduate Faculty, with a minimum composition of 3 Full or Associate Members, at least 2 of whom must be Full Members.
Additional Members: Additional members, including those who are not Full or Associate Members of the Graduate Faculty, may be appointed to the Thesis Committee with the permission of the Graduate Studies Office. Such appointments may be motivated by the multidisciplinary nature of the student’s scholarship or required in special circumstances.
Special Members: Appointment of members to the Thesis Committee who are not currently members of the Graduate Faculty, for example, scientists from outside of the University, requires submission of the individual’s CV to the Graduate Studies Office at megrad@umd.edu at least 8 weeks prior to the date of the thesis defense.
Nominations: The members of the Thesis Committee must be nominated at least 6 weeks prior to the thesis defense by submission of the Nomination of Thesis or Dissertation Committee form. This form must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office at megrad@umd.edu after the advisor has signed off for approval.
Chair: The advisor typically serves as the student’s Thesis Committee Chair.
Subsequent changes in a Thesis Committee may be made with the approval of the advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School.