The student and the dissertation committee can determine the modality of the proposal hearing (in person, hybrid or remote) and indicate this in the Letter to Request a Proposal Hearing to the Director.
In-person and hybrid hearings are held in Heller-Brown Rm 147 (room capacity 12)* Please contact Rosella Carrelli to reserve the room as soon as you confirm your proposal hearing date and time with your committee.
*If more space for guests is needed we can request another room.
At least three weeks before proposal hearing date
Write a letter requesting your proposal hearing to Lisa Lynch, PhD Program Director. Please send the letter as an attachment via email to lmlynchbrandeis.edu) and Nancy Leonard (nleonard@brandeis.edu). Use the template as referenced in the Dissertation Standards and Procedures, Appendix 4. Please be sure to modify the heading and first line of the document to specify proposal.
In this same email you should send your proposal abstract, approved by your Chair. The abstract should be 350– 500 words, if possible. Up to 1½ pages is acceptable. Use this model for your abstract (Dissertation Standards and Procedures, Appendix 3).
A minimum of two weeks before proposal hearing
Provide an electronic copy of your proposal to the members of your committee and the PhD Program Office two weeks prior to the hearing. This is a minimum expectation. Proposal hearings may not proceed if the proposal is not submitted at least two weeks in advance.
Inform Rosella Carrelli if you do not wish to have your proposal added to the online (password protected) Proposal Library.
Day of hearing
The signed Action on Dissertation Proposal form will be given to the student prior to your hearing. At the end of your hearing your Committee will make one of these recommendations: 1) approved; 2) action deferred pending minor revisions and Chair approval; 3) rejected. Your Chair will complete and sign the form and electronically return it to Rosella Carrelli.
Proposal hearings and dissertation defenses are academic events. If you are having an in-person hearing please do not provide refreshments for the committee and guests during your hearing. Food can be shared after the hearing has concluded.