UF Graduate Student Handbook - Graduate School - University of ...

Doctoral Degree: For Ph.D. and Ed.D., the supervisory committee for a candidate for the doctoral
degree shall consist of no fewer than four members selected from the Graduate Faculty. At least
two members, including the chair, will be from the major academic unit, and at least one member
will be drawn from a different educational discipline with no ties to the home academic unit to
serve as the external member. One regular member can be from the home or any other academic
unit.
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D). For students pursuing this non-thesis program, the supervisory
committee, as determined by the academic unit, does not need to be entered into GIMS. If a
minor is elected, the name of the minor representative must be entered into GIMS.
Doctor of Plant Medicine (D.P.M.) For students pursuing this non-thesis program, the
supervisory committee, as determined by the academic unit, does not need to be entered into
GIMS. If a minor is elected, the name of the minor representative must be entered into GIMS.
If a minor is chosen for any degree, the supervisory committee will include at least one person
selected from the Graduate Faculty from outside the discipline of the major for the purpose of
representing the student’s minor. In the event that the student elects more than one minor, each
minor area must be represented on the supervisory committee. For the Ed.D. or Ph.D. programs,
this person may also be the external committee member.
A co-chair from the same department may be appointed to serve during the planned absence of
the supervisory committee chair. Co-chairs from outside the department may not substitute for
the chair.
Responsibilities of the Supervisory Committee
The general duties of all supervisory committees include informing the student of all regulations
governing the degree sought, checking the qualifications of the student, and planning and
approving a program of study. ANY CHANGE TO THE COMMITTEE MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO
THE FINAL EXAMINATION AND BEFORE THE MIDPOINT DEADLINE OF THE GRADUATING TERM.
Although it is the duty of the supervisory committee to inform the student of all regulations
governing the degree sought, this does not absolve the student from the responsibility of being
informed concerning these regulations.
Master’s Degree
Thesis: In addition to the general responsibilities and those listed below for all master’s
committees, the supervisory committee for a thesis program must approve a thesis topic and the
plans for carrying out the research. The committee must meet when the thesis is at least 50%
completed to review procedures, progress, and expected results and to make suggestions for the
completion of the study.
The final exam must be attended by the entire supervisory committee in compliance with
Graduate Council policies. Only the supervisory committee members may sign the signature
pages for the thesis. Unanimous approval is required.
Non-thesis: a final comprehensive exam is required for all non-thesis degree programs. The exam
is administered by the program in a variety of formats, and may include a capstone course.
Students should consult with the program to determine how this Graduate Council requirement is
fulfilled.
UF GS Handbook 14-15 September 26, 2014 30