Doctor of Philosopy (PhD) Students

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The thesis, defense, and graduation are the culminating events of the PhD program. Your thesis will showcase the original research you have conducted, and your defense will provide an opportunity to present and defend your findings. Upon successful completion of your defense, you will be awarded your PhD degree.

Defending your thesis is the culmination of your studies. Our program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully defend your thesis and graduate with confidence.

As you near the end of your PhD program, it is important to start preparing for your thesis and defence. Please find below a general timeline and guidelines for the key steps you will need to complete before, during, and after your defence.

For more detailed guidance, please read through the Degree Completion and Graduation webpage and consult with your supervisor.

PhD PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMELINE

*Please note that the responsibility of filling out the pre-defence paperwork and submitting it to SFU Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies lies with the SEE Graduate Program Assistant; you are not expected to handle this task. Work with them to ensure the necessary documents are submitted at least 6 weeks before defence date.
 

BEFORE YOUR DEFENCE

It is important that you work with your supervisor to finalize the following details:

• Your thesis.
• Your readiness to defend.
• A proposed defence date.
• The composition of your Examining Committee.

Note that your supervisor will need to complete the Examining Committee Form to finalize the committee composition. If you need additional information in this regard, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Graduate Program Assistant at fas_pgm_asst@sfu.ca.

After your defence date is confirmed, you are required to email the following details to your Graduate Program Assistant at fas_pgm_asst@sfu.ca:

• Examining Committee Form (will be submitted by your supervisor).
• A completed thesis.
• An abstract (350 words or less).
• External Examiner's CV.
• Thesis presentation slides (will be shared with your external examiner).
• Ethics Approval Letter (if applicable).

IMPORTANT: It is crucial that you apply for graduation by the specified deadline. Be sure to check the SFU Dates & Deadlines webpage regularly for relevant graduate deadlines.

DURING YOUR DEFENCE

To ensure that you are well-prepared and have all the necessary documents/items for your defence, please visit this page for more information.

After you have defended, your Examining Committee will have a discussion. During this time, you may be asked to move to a different space.

If revisions are required, your supervisor will inform you. Be sure to inquire about any deadlines for submitting these revisions.
 

AFTER YOUR DEFENCE

Once revisions to your thesis are approved and accepted by the Examining Committee, you are responsible to submit the final thesis to the library.

IMPORTANT: You will not be able to graduate until your accepted thesis is submitted to the library. Be sure to check the Dates and Deadline page for the library submission deadline.

Remember to double-check that you have applied for graduation.

Many students choose to print and bind their thesis as a keepsake of their research. If you wish to produce a thesis book, you can view the services available through SFU Documental Solutions, along with pricing and printing timeline. Contact the Graduate Program Assistant (fas_pgm_asst@sfu.ca) to find out about the SEE binder color and other details. Please note that you are responsible for the cost.
 

Confirm your Attendance for Convocation

Confirm your attendance and rent regalia. Approximately 3 weeks before convocation, you can confirm your attendance:

1. Log into goSFU.
2. On the top right-hand corner, select the compass icon (Nav Bar) and click Navigator > Self Service > Graduation/Convocation > Confirm Convoc Attendance.
3. Click the ceremony code for your designated ceremony (A through H).
   • See also: Full Convocation Schedule.
4. Confirm the details listed on this page, specifically your name and credential.
   • The name will be your legal name. If there is an error please contact gradstdy@sfu.ca.
5. Read the permission to release photographs and select your choice.
6. Click Confirm Attendance.
7. A new screen will open confirming your attendance.
   • NOTE: You may confirm that you have successfully completed this process by checking that the "Confirm Attendance" link is now greyed out.