5.4.5 Responsibilities and Qualifications of the Dissertation Committee

(Approved May 5, 1995) (Amended January 29, 2020) (Amended November 18, 2020)

The dissertation committee is responsible for supervising candidates’ completion of their degree, including completion of course study, preparation and grading of the written qualifying examination, dissertation research, and production of the dissertation document. The dissertation committee is also responsible for administering and determining the results of the final dissertation defense.

Qualifications and specific responsibilities of dissertation committee members are as follows:

Chair:

1. Responsible for research quality and progress. Nominates student to the Academic Council for degree award.
2. Full-Time Faculty in the Degree Granting Dept.
3. An earned doctorate.
4. Experience in thesis advising.
5. May also serve as Supervisor.

Supervisor:

1. Supervise the student's program of study in accordance with the requirements of the major academic unit and Academic Council.
2. A doctorate in the his/her field of specialty.
3. Experience in thesis advising.
4. Activity and productivity in research, as evidenced by recent publications of his or her research in recognized journals, or a broad reputation as a productive researcher in his or her field of specialty. Other evidence may be considered which is pertinent to demonstrating research activity or productivity.
5. May also serve as Chair.
6. The supervisor role may be shared by one or more individuals, but only one supervisor may also serve as chair.

Members:

1. Five or more members are required, counting the Chair and Supervisor(s).
2. At least four members must be full-time NPS employees.
3. At least four members must hold an earned Doctorate.
4. At least one member must be from outside the academic unit granting the degree. This member must be NPS faculty.
5. One or more members of the committee may be from another university or appropriate institution.
6. The committee may contain no more than two members who have not earned the doctorate.