Qualifying Exam Timeline
Table showing the Qualifying Exam (QE) time frame revised according to 2017 guidelines:
| Time | Student Activity | QE Committee Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Year: January of earlier | Student begins to identify QE Committee Members and forms Committee as per policy | Faculty consult with students about Committee membership |
| 2nd Year: March-June | Student Generates bibliographies, research questions and outlines about the examination in multiple iterative consultations with his or her QE Committee. | QE Committee members support student in the process of generating ideas and forming the exam. Faculty will help the student understand the nature and expectations of the examination and prepare him or her to succeed through mentoring and consultation. |
| Summer after 2nd year | Student submits final proposal for QE to his or her QE Committee | QE Committee reviews final proposal and finalizes the examination |
| Upon receiving final examination from QE Committee | Student has one week to clarify questions about the final examination | QE Committee will provide clarification in writing to student |
| 1 week after the proposal of the examination questions | Student has 3 months to independently complete the examination | QE Committee waits |
| 3 months after the approved proposal (no later than January 31st of the student’s 3rd year) | Student completes written and oral examination | Faculty have two weeks to read and evaluate the QE |
| If the student passes the examination, he or she moves into candidacy. If the student receives conditional pass or a fail, follows relevant policy. | If the student passes, the QE Committee is dissolved. If the student receives a conditional pass or fail, the Committee continues to work with the student as per policy |