With easy-to-use low-cost video conferencing options becoming more available (Skype, iChat, Google Video Chat, etc.) there is a complementary increase in the number of examinations that make use of these options and section 1.10.1 of the General Graduate Regulations allows for this. However, when taken to excess the use of this flexibility can affect  the integrity of the examination process to the point where the validity of the degree can be called into question.

As a result, the Dean of Graduate Studies has developed criteria for the minimum physical attendance at a Master's examination. These criteria ensure that students, and their theses, will receive a fair and rigorous examination to the standards that academia in general and SFU in particular require. These criteria require that:

• the chair be present
• the senior supervisor be present
• the candidate be present
• the examiner be present except in cases where the examiner is external to the university. In that case, DGS wil allow him/her to attend through a remote connection.
  

In addition to these criteria, DGS allows for no more than two members of the examination committee to come in via remote or to act in absentia.

Technology is not infallible. Thus, it is recommended that whenever possible contingency plans are made in the event that the primary conferencing platform is lost. Such contingencies can include voice only conferencing technology. In all cases where there is technology failure it will be up to the chair of the examination to judge whether the examination can continue or must be postponed.

In very rare, exceptional, and unavoidable circumstances it may be the case that it is impossible for either the students or the senior supervisor (but not both) to be physically present at the examination.

If the circumstances are, indeed, exceptional and unavoidable then DGS may allow the examination to proceed. In such cases, video-conferencing interfaces MUST be used AND if the technology fails during the examination  the defence will be postponed until such a time as both the student and the senior supervisor can be physically present.

Also in such cases, no more than one additional member of the supervisory committee may be physically absent from the examination and either come in via remote connection or act in absentia.

With easy-to-use low-cost video conferencing options becoming more available (Skype, iChat, Google Video Chat, etc.) there is a complementary increase in the number of defences that make use of these options.

With respect to external examiners, this allows us the flexibility to select highly qualified examiners without concern for monetary or time expenditures bringing them to SFU to attend the defence. The same principles can be applied to any member of the examination committee and section 1.10.1 of the General Graduate Regulations allows for this. However, when taken to excess the exercising of this flexibility can reduce the integrity of the examination process to the point where the validity of the degree can be called into question.

As such, the Dean of Graduate Studies office has composed criteria for the minimum physical attendance at a defence. These criteria ensure that the student, and their thesis, will receive a fair and rigorous examination to the standards that academia in general and SFU in particular necessitate. These criteria require that:

• the chair be present
• the senior supervisor be present
• the candidate be present
• the internal examiner be present
  

In addition to these criteria, DGS allows for no more than one committee member coming in via remote or acting in absentia. General Graduate Regulations (1.9.5) already allows for the possibility of the external examiner coming in via remote or acting in absentia.

Technology is not infallible. Thus, it is recommended that whenever possible contingency plans are made in the event that the primary conferencing platform is lost. Such contingencies can include voice only conferencing technology. In all cases where there is technology failure it will be up to the chair of the defence to judge whether the defence can continue or need to be postponed.

In very rare, exceptional, and unavoidable circumstances it may be the case that it is impossible for either the students or the senior supervisor (but not both) to be physically present at the defence.

If the circumstances are, indeed, exceptional and unavoidable then DGS may allow the defence to proceed. In such cases, video-conferencing interfaces MUST be used AND if the technology fails during the defence then the defence will be postponed until such a time as both the student and the senior supervisor can be physically present.

Also in such cases, no more than one additional member of the examination committee may be physically absent from the defence either coming in via remote connection or acting in absentia.