Dissertation research is directed and advised by a Doctoral Committee.
For the final oral defence the Doctoral Committee will be supplemented by an independent External Examiner. As an expert in the field of research associated with that of the doctoral candidate, the External Examiner will evaluate the dissertation and will be present (either in person or by teleconference) at the defence.
Please note that the student’s dissertation and Approval to Submit Form must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate studies at least 4 weeks and 2 days prior to the scheduled or tentative defence date. Additionally, the External Examiner’s report must be received 9 days prior to the scheduled defence. A maximum of a 2-day extension can be granted if the External Examiner cannot submit the report to meet the 9-day deadline. If the report is not received by Graduate Studies at least 7 days prior to the defence, the defence must be rescheduled.
PhD Dissertation Submission and Defence Timeline Tracker:
For your planning purposes, we have provided a timeline tracker form for PhD Dissertation and Submission and Defence Timelines (updated May 2026). If you require accessibility accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies at adminfgs@uwindsor.ca.
Please note that the timeline form is for personal use only and should not be returned to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.