PhD Handbook: Advancement to Candidacy
Once the committee has accepted the proposal, with or without modifications, the student may be advanced to candidacy. At this point, the form for advancement to candidacy, which will nominate the commitee and chair and list the dissertation title, may be filed with the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Dean will officially appoint the commitee. Advancement to candidacy is a major milestone in the pursuit of the degree and demonstrates good progress toward the Ph.D. In fact, one may receive a candidate degree at this point, although most students wait for the Ph. D.
After the committee has accepted your proposal and the meeting has ended, you may proceed with your study and commence data collection. You should remain in regular contact with your chair, particularly, but also with the other committee members. Issues will undoubtedly come up during the execution of the study and the writing of dissertation itself and you should consult with your chair and others as appropriate. It is advisable to provide your commitee with updates periodically, and even drafts of sections of the dissertation.
Checklist for Dissertation
1. Generate idea
2. Secure agreement of graduate group member to serve as chair
3. Identify additional committee members with the help of the chair
4. Consult with chair regarding proposal
5. Set up meeting
6. Hold meeting
7. Approval with the following changes: a, b, c, d, e
8. Complete IRB Human Subjects review & approval
9. Do pilot testing
10. Collect data
11. Analyse data
12. Write dissertation
13. Dissertation approved
Filing Fee
Once the data have been collected and analyzed, it is possible to go on "filing fee status." The student will certify that he or she will no longer need university resources. If approved, the student will no longer have to pay fees. On the other hand, the student will also not be eligible for many university benefits, so this move should be considered carefully. There is a limit of three quarters a student may be on 'filing fee status" athough there is a possibility for extension.
You may petition for filing fee status after:
1. You have taken your qualifying exam and advanced to candidacy and
2. You have finished all research for your dissertation and have only to complete your writing.
Filing Fee Status Means:
1. You are writing, writing, writing.
2. You retain your student status without paying quarterly fees, but you are not considered a registered student. (Some student loan agencies may require loan repayment to begin during this time). There is a one-time-only fee of approximately $119, assessed when you turn in your filing fee paperwork to Graduate Studies.
3. You may NOT use any university facilities. (You may, however, purchase a library card, Rec Hall card, etc.).
4. You may NOT use faculty services other than those involved in the final reading/evaluation of your dissertation.
5. You may be employed by the university for only ONE quarter while on PELP or FILING FEE STATUS. (So, if you've worked on PELP, you may not work when on filing fee).
Filing Fee Extension
If you reach the end of your filing fee timeline and have not finished your dissertation, you must file an extension signed by an official education Graduate advisor with the Office of Graduate Studies.