The Graduate Council approved a new policy on Remote Dissertation or Thesis Defense in a Public Health Emergency. Read the full policy here.
President Loh has suspended on-campus instruction from March 16 until April 10. Please follow the guidance below for dissertation/thesis defenses scheduled from now until the end of the semester:
- If campus is open and on-campus instruction continues (until March 13 and after April 13): Dissertation/thesis defenses must occur on campus. Permission can be requested for the student, chair, and/or dean’s representative to participate remotely if they are unable to return to campus.
- If campus is open and on-campus instruction has been suspended (March 16 to April 10): Dissertation/thesis defenses may occur on campus using social distancing and permission can be requested for the student, chair, and/or dean’s representative to participate remotely if they are unable to return to campus. If the student and advisor agree, permission can be requested to hold the defense remotely, but provision must be made for participation of the campus community in the public presentation portion of the defense.
- If campus is closed (not currently planned): Dissertation/thesis defenses must occur remotely. Provision must be made for participation of the campus community in the public presentation portion of the defense.
To request permission for remote participation by student, chair, or dean’s representative, or to request permission for a remote defense, please complete the form at go.umd.edu/gs-rrd.