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6 Email Templates to Ask Someone to be on Your Thesis Committee

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Professional Etiquette

6 Email Templates to Ask Someone to be on Your Thesis Committee

Writing a thesis is one of the most challenging parts of being an undergraduate or graduate student. You need to know how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee, especially if you are looking for a mentor to guide you through the writing process.

If you are currently starting the dissertation process, these unique email templates will help show you how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee.

How to ask someone to be on your thesis committee: When asking senior students

  These email templates will help you figure out how to ask a senior student to be on your thesis committee.   Senior students are perfect for helping you through the writing process. You can ask a student with whom you get along and share similar ideas.  

foreign college student group

When asking professors to be on your thesis committee

  Your professor would be an invaluable addition to your thesis committee, especially since they could provide you with unique insight and constructive criticism.   Here is how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee if the person is your professor.  

surrounded by students asking questions

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How to ask someone to be on your thesis committee: When asking professionals in your field

  Professionals can offer diverse and useful expertise if they choose to join your thesis committee. Here is how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee if you’re asking professionals in your field.  

two women using black laptop

   

  These are unique email templates that you can use when trying to figure out how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee.   Whether it is your professor, a senior student in your faculty, or a professional in your field, these templates will help you get that positive response that you are seeking.   If you are currently working on your thesis and wondering how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee, these templates will surely help you get some ideas.  

College Aftermath

Email Template To Ask Someone To Be On Your Thesis Committee

Email Template To Ask Someone To Be On Your Thesis Committee

You will certainly believe that you must start on the right path to begin any relationship of any kind. Regardless of the relationship type, either casual friendship or professional relationship, all must start with a good impression that will last long. Writing a thesis document at any stage of your education can be very challenging, tasking, and draining if suitable measures are not implemented. Now that you have decided to get started with your thesis, you need collaborative efforts from others to help you achieve your academic thesis goals. Here is the Email Template To Ask Someone To Be On Your Thesis Committee.

Having found the right person to be the chairperson of your thesis committee, it is high time you be on the lookout for the committee members. In this piece, you would understand how you can easily find thesis committee members, sample email for the committee members’ request, how you can evaluate people willing to join your committees and the best way to ask them to join. 

Finding and choosing committee members for your thesis

Talk to your committee chairman.

Talking to your committee chairman is a good step in the right direction, and informing the person, you are on the lookout for other committee members. Firstly this action would help you have a second opinion about the characteristics of people you should add to your committee. Besides, as for the individual input, with these requests, the committee chairman will know that you are ready to get started with your thesis and that you trust their wealth of knowledge which prop you to also for help.   You can also be specific by asking them about individuals they do not want to work with on the team. 

Talk to other students.

IndeedIndeed, you will have networks of friends you might want to talk to about setting up a thesis committee. Ask for their opinion on who should make your committee list and who should not, and it is better to have this conversation through private discussion and not through. This will enable your friend to recommend trustworthy people and are ready to work on any thesis. 

Carry out your research

Of course, you do not just want anybody on your committee, as the success of your thesis is significant to you. Once you have a list of potential people to work with and onboard as your committee members, it is time to do some basic research about those people. You shouldn’t depend on the information you have gathered from either your thesis committee chairperson or friends and other students. Find out what the people on the list are about and do extensive research on them. Ensure you lay your hands on each person’s CV and see what research they have done in the past. With this information, you will get the appropriate information that will help you picture the most promising thesis committee members. You can have a table to categorize individuals into groups like; what they published in the past? In their research and publications, what methodology do they adopt? Besides, you might find people who have the same interest as you through your research, which would be a great point to connect with them. 

Interviewing potential members that will join your thesis committee 

Firstly you must understand that onboarding the right person to join your team can easily make your task easier to achieve. Meanwhile, if you have the wrong person on the thesis committee, you are bound to have issues in achieving your thesis goal in time. With this in mind, you must quiz every potential member appropriately to avoid itching when ready to get the work done. Generally, the best approach to make the interview a successful one is effectively gauging their research ability. Understanding how they approach research and publication can give you an insight into how resourceful that individual will be to your group. You can prepare some sets of questions you would need to ask them, which can be as listed below:

  • How do you view research work? Is it in pieces or finished chapters?
  • What is your preferred communication method? For example, do you prefer it to go through the chairman in charge of the committee, or do you choose direct communication?
  • When it comes to reviews, how long does it take you to get them done?
  • Are there members of the faculty you find so enjoyable to work with, and are there the ones you would avoid working?
  •  When you see a successful student that succeeds, which attributes makes them successful in your own opinion
  • Based on the information about my topic, do you have any pre-proposed idea of what it is all?
  • What are the questions you would like to ask about the project topic?

Most often, students do forget that they can interview people that will be on their thesis committee. Meanwhile, I’ll impress the faculty as it shows your willingness to work with professionals and experts to ensure your task delivers without any challenges. It is undoubtedly familiar with this, and most people might have also interviewed you interview before at some point.  You must understand that to have excellent dealing and a serious-minded thesis committee successfully; you must be ready to scout for the best minds committed to the task. 

Thesis committee members request email samples.

Once you have decided on who you will be inviting and who you will not, the next step is to reach out to the individual and ask them about their interest in joining you on the thesis committee. Here are some sample categories of how you can easily reach out to the candidates you have segmented out. 

When you ask a senior student on your thesis committee, the following email sample would be best for such communication. It is because senior students are perfect individuals to help you through the writing process, and you can consult with students with whom you have previous relationships.

Sample Email 

Dear (Student’s Name)

I am (Put your name here) from the faculty of (faculty name) at the university/college of (here your university or college name goes in). Presently I am working on a thesis titled (thesis titled goes in here),  and I will love your input. 

Your outstanding track record and how you have always shown keen interest in helping other students got my attention. I am humbly requesting that you be a member of my thesis committee on the above-said title. I am pretty confident that you will be able to contribute your wealth of knowledge and enrich the content of my thesis. 

More so, your experience and exceptional skills in researching and publication will be very instrumental to the success of my thesis, which schedules for presentation on (put the date of defense and venue). 

Please find the attached copy of my thesis proposal for your reference; I will be grateful to hear from you soon. 

Thank you for your time and consideration

Yours sincerely,

(your name goes here)

Hello (student name)

I am currently carrying out research on (name the title of your thesis research), and my presentation expects to be on ( put date here) at ( put the defense location). I believe that your contribution to my current research topic will be a valuable asset to my thesis and also helping with refining the idea. I understand that you recently graduated from your Ph.D. program in (mention the person’s Ph.D. title) successfully, and I am confident I would benefit immensely from your knowledge. 

Having gone through your profile, I realized you would be an asset to my success, through your contribution will certainly help me. Therefore I humbly request that you be a member of my thesis committee for the above name project topic, which we will meet at ( the location name goes here) on (the date also goes here. 

I am sure that your presence at the thesis presentation would be valued, and your constructive criticism would help my work become well polished and up to the required standard. 

Attached below is a copy of my thesis for your review; your assistance would be highly appreciated.

(your name goes here )

How you can ask professors to be one of your thesis committee members.

Having a professor in your committee would be an invaluable experience for you and your team, especially if they are more inclined to your thesis title as their field of study. The following sections show examples of how you can email a professor to be on your thesis team. 

Dear Professor (The professor name)

I am (your name), and I am in my final year of the ( your course goes here) at the university/college of (Your university name or college goes here). After discussing with my advisor(put your advisor name here) regarding my thesis committee members, he recommended that I request your presence in my thesis committee. So with this, I humbly ask you to be on my thesis committee as it will be an honor to have you, sir. 

My advisor and I have gone through several research articles you have written and published on the internet. With the research methodology used in your papers, I can say that your insight in the (field of name the area and where their expertise corresponds to your thesis) would be a great asset to my thesis project and presentation. 

My thesis defense schedules to come upon (put the date of the presentation), and the venue is (have the location venue added also).

The title of my thesis revolves around (mention the central theme of the idea), and I have referred to several papers (list some of the documents you referred to). Meanwhile, I have attached my CV and some other supporting documents for your reference. 

I will be happy if my humble request grant. Again, thank you for your time and consideration; I will be expecting your feedback in the meantime. 

Yours Sincerely

(you can put your name here)

Dear Dr (Here goes the name of the professor)

Good day, Sir/Ma; I am (here is your name goes in). I am a graduate student of (here your faculty name goes in). I am humbly inviting you to serve as one of my thesis committee members.

I have had the opportunity to be under your tutelage at a conference in (name the forum area), and you are among the elite college professors I will be honored to have on my thesis committee. 

Your exceptional contribution to (highlight the professor’s expertise) and make a good recommendation on it, and thus your presence would be valuable to my thesis project. 

In addition, my thesis title is (name your thesis title), and it centers more on (highlight the objectives and the direction of your study). Your experience and perspective about this (state the subject matter) will undoubtedly benefit my project and research. My thesis scheduled to present on the (the date goes here)

Below is a copy of my thesis and my CV for your review. I will highly appreciate your consideration of this humble request. 

I look forward to hearing from you regarding my request soonest. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Yours sincerely

(here you put your name)

The two samples should be able to help convince any professor to join your thesis committee. 

How you can ask someone to be part of your thesis committee when asking a professional in your field of study

Professionals in any field who have expertise will be a great asset to your thesis committee because they have field experience and understand what the industry is all about. They will also have diverse experience on what you should look out for and structure your thesis. The following sample email will guide you on how you can ask professionals in your field to join your thesis committee. 

Dear Mr/Mrs (Put the name of the person)

I am humbly using this opportunity to request you to be a member of my thesis committee. 

Thanks for your continuous effort and research to bring out the core aspect of this field and even go beyond the surface of this practice. Your expertise in (name the field and the expertise of the professional) has caught my attention, and it would be of great value to have if you could spare some time out of your busy schedule to contribute to my thesis. 

The thesis title I am working on is (name your thesis title), and it centers on (give a brief explanation of the core concept of your thesis and its objectives). The date for my thesis defense is set for last week in November, and I hope you will spare this time to be available for this reason. 

In this email, I have attached the final copy of my thesis for your review. It is essential that you go through the documents why it is taking time to consider my humble request to join my thesis committee. I Will highly appreciate your presence on my committee, and I will be looking forward to your response. 

Thank you for your time and consideration; I would keep an eye on your response soonest.

Dear Sir/Ma

My name is ( your name goes here) in the final year of my graduate studies at ( name your institution here) at the (input your faculty here). My thesis research is on (name your research topic) and the Department of (call your Department). 

My research focuses on (state the objective of the study), which is the field that you have dominated and constantly represent over time through your professional experience and research results.  

I am confident that your enthusiasm about the (state of your research field) could help broaden my horizon and research work. I have had the opportunity to review some of your publications, and I found them very interesting and exceptional. 

With this, I humbly request that you be a member of my thesis committee to offer your insight on this project and add some more value to my work. 

The thesis defense has a schedule for (date of the reason) at the (state the security location). I will appreciate it if my humble request grant and you are present at the defense. With this email are the attached copy of my final thesis proposal and my CV for your review. 

I am looking forward to your favorable response. Many thanks for considering my request. 

Yours sincerely 

The above template should guide how you can request the presence of anyone on your thesis committee. You must send out this email in time to have responses from people who would be available for your thesis defense, whether it’s a professor, a professional, forum area. Your student, you can easily find the best template that will suit your request. These templates would also give you some other ideas on approaching people to be on your thesis committee.

9 Proven Tips for a Successful Dissertation Committee Email Request

Get a “YES” on your Dissertation Committee Email Request : Securing faculty members to serve on your dissertation committee is a critical step in completing your doctoral degree. Committee members agree to closely guide your dissertation research and writing from proposal through final defense.

Choosing the right people and making a strong request is key to starting this important journey on the right foot. This article provides proven tips and strategies for crafting an effective dissertation committee email request.

Before proceeding, let’s understand what a dissertation committee is.

Table of Contents

What’s a Dissertation Committees

Before diving into crafting your email, understand the basics of what a dissertation committee is and its composition.

A dissertation committee is usually made up of three to five faculty members who direct and evaluate a doctoral candidate’s dissertation research and writing. At minimum, it includes your dissertation chair or advisor who leads the committee and two additional members.

Committee members should have relevant expertise in your dissertation topic area and research methods. The chair usually holds a terminal degree in your field of study and has deep subject matter knowledge and dissertation mentoring experience.

Other members typically have doctorates as well and bring complementary areas of specialization to give you well-rounded feedback and oversight.

It’s preferable to have at least one committee member from outside your home department to provide a fresh external perspective. Your graduate program will have specific policies around committee composition, so be sure to review these guidelines before making requests.

The goal is to assemble a team of scholars enthusiastically invested in helping you conduct and complete high-quality original research. Here are some dissertation research examples to start your projects.

Dissertation Committee Email Request: Proven Tips to get a “YES” from Your Professors

1. do thorough research on potential members.

The first step to crafting an effective request email is conducting in-depth research on potential committee members. Beyond just their bios and credentials listed online, dig deeper into their research interests, current projects, and publications.

Look for alignment and overlap with your proposed dissertation topic to demonstrate how a faculty member would be well-suited to serve.

Go beyond just browsing public profiles – talk to other students, program staff, and current advisees to get insider perspectives. Ask what professors’ research and advising styles are like.

Learn which ones are particularly dedicated mentors willing to provide prompt feedback and support. Gauge appropriateness of workload – avoid bombarding the busiest faculty. With quality qualitative research, you’ll write a much stronger targeted case for specific individuals.

2. Customize Each Email Request

Rather than blasting a form letter to multiple professors at once, take the time to individually customize each email request. Address professors by name and reference something unique and relevant you learned about their work.

Show you understand their specialty areas and how your topic fits rather than broadly stating “I’m interested in Quantum Physics”. Demonstrate thoughtful consideration for why they in particular would make valuable committee members.

3. Highlight Connections

It’s not enough to simply state your interest – draw explicit connections between your research and a professor’s. Mention how a paper or project of theirs inspired an aspect of your work or methodology. Note any past classes taken from them to establish credibility as a dedicated student.

Point to similarities in a particular theoretical framework or discipline used. Quantify connections wherever possible rather than leaving statements vague. The clearer the synergies, the stronger case you’ll make.

4. Show Preparedness and Organization

Part of appealing to busy professors is demonstrating you’ve done the necessary groundwork so they won’t have to spend excessive time bringing a new student up to speed.

Attach a draft dissertation prospectus, timeline, or chapter outline to illustrate your proposal is developed and you’ve put serious critical thought into the research process and design already.

Offer to meet in person to provide further details and discuss next steps if interested in joining your committee. Convince them you’re organized and won’t require excessive hand-holding.

5. Highlight Mutually Beneficial Partnership

While faculty serve to mentor students primarily, frame committee membership as a mutually beneficial professional partnership. Note how a professor’s guidance could strengthen your work to a level warranting publication or conference presentation, thereby advancing both your careers.

Express enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate on related research with them going forward as a result of being advised through the dissertation. Highlight potential synergies and long term scholarly cooperation rather than it solely being a favor to you.

6. Emphasize Timeline and Commitment Needed

Be transparent about anticipated timeline, milestones, and level of involvement expected from committee members. Provide a draft completion schedule spanning IRB approval through final defense, noting when key checkpoints like proposal and full draft reviews are anticipated.

Outline roughly how many hours of meetings or feedback iterations they should expect per semester. Reassure professors you understand their other obligations and appreciate any commitment, even if a rigorous timeline can’t be promised. Honesty prevents future scope creep concerns.

7. Follow Best Practices for Email Format

While content of your message is most important, small formatting details also influence readability and response rates. Keep the email concise at 2-3 well-spaced paragraphs. Use a clear descriptive subject line stating the purpose succinctly.

Compose in a reader-friendly text format rather than an attached document. Include required contact information prominently like your name, program, and student ID. Proofread thoroughly for typos or awkward phrasing before sending to maintain professionalism. Attractive formatting leaves a positive first impression.

8. Add Appropriate Closing

Close by thanking the professor for considering your request and restating your enthusiasm and qualifications for the opportunity. Indicate next steps such as following up by phone within a week if no response is received or a deadline for response if needed to meet program deadlines.

Express willingness to provide any additional needed context in person. Close courteously whether a meeting is scheduled or not to maintain good rapport for future occasions. Leaving the door open maintains networking relationships even if an initial ask is declined.

9. Keep Trying Until Successful

Securing ideal committee members typically requires persistence, so keep networking and refining requests until confirmation is received. Respectfully follow up emails after a week or two if no initial response.

Reach out during posted faculty office hours if possible to have productive in-person discussions. Consult program advisors for alternative suggestions if all targeted professors decline.

Maintaining a positive attitude during the process reflects well and often secures backup options still committed to student success. With patience and continued effort, strong committees can usually be assembled.

Templates for Dissertation Committee Email Requests

Here are examples highlighting qualifications while requesting guidance:

Template #1 Subject: Dissertation Committee Inquiry – A Cross-country Analysis of Renewable Subsidies

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

I am a PhD candidate at University of Michigan studying the impacts of climate policy on agricultural innovation. My dissertation examines cross-country analysis of renewable subsidies and yields over the past decade.

Your publications on European Union renewable targets and rural development directly inform my project. I appreciate your thought leadership in this area and believe your insight would greatly enrich my research. I have reviewed my prospectus and timeline with my advisor, Dr. Johnson, and we believe finalizing my committee allows sufficient time for meaningful feedback.

I would be honored if you would consider joining my dissertation committee. Please let me know if you require any additional information. I have attached my prospectus for your review and look forward to discussing further if you accept this request.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template #2 Subject: Dissertation Committee Formation for Spring 2025

Dear Professor Jones,

I am a PhD student at Stanford studying US-China relations in the 21st century. My dissertation project analyzes patterns in trade and foreign direct investment since 2000 using novel datasets.

Your expertise in East Asian economics and quantitative political analysis would be incredibly valuable as I develop my models and analyze results. After reviewing my research plan with my advisor Prof. Smith, we believe your insight would strengthen my contribution to the field.

I have attached my prospectus outlining my key research questions and intend to defend by next Fall if possible. Please advise if you would be willing to serve on my dissertation committee. I am available to discuss further at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Properly formatted requests effectively persuade respected scholars that accepting enhances their meaningful impact. Maintain a tone reflecting each scholar’s stature.

Follow-Up Best Practices

After initially contacting candidates:

  • Send prompt thank you emails reiterating your appreciation for their consideration
  • Follow up with any who request additional information within a week
  • If still pending, send a respectful follow up email after 2-3 weeks
  • Clearly communicate next steps including deadlines upon receiving positive or negative replies
  • Express understanding and appreciation for feedback helping your research progress

Timely, courteous follow ups demonstrate enthusiasm while respecting scholars’ obligations. Maintain regular contact with your advisor regarding progress. Persistence, gratitude and professionalism maximize response rates.

Conclusion on Dissertation Committee Email Request

Securing top scholars for your dissertation committee takes strategic planning and relationship building through effective outreach. By thoroughly researching potential members, customizing compelling requests highlighting synergies, and following up courteously, your chances of enlisting dedicated mentors increase greatly.

With the right committee in place, you’ll receive invaluable guidance transitioning your ideas into a quality final product advancing both your career and field of study. Perseverance and sincere scholarly partnership are keys to dissertation success.

Get More Dissertation Committee Email Request Now!

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Dissertation and Thesis Committees

Introduction to human subject research.

  • What is purpose of a committee and why do I need one?
  • How do I recruit a committee?
  • What if I encounter problems with my committee?
  • Quick Answers

The committee members will be responsible for overseeing the research and writing, and eventually, test the student’s knowledge of the subject. Choosing committee members who are qualified, both in subject expertise and the ability to support research with sound guidance and timely feedback, is vital to success. 

With the exception of choosing the dissertation topic, there is no single decision more important to success than the individuals selected to serve on the dissertation committee.

Notice that these individuals serve on, rather than lead or run, the committee. This is an important distinction. They are recognized experts and leaders in their fields and have as their goal successful completion of the dissertation. Thus, their work is more of a consultation and mentorship, although quite a bit of teaching and instruction is included. Their consultation and mentorship suggestions and direction should be heeded; however, the work is the candidate’s, and the student has the final determination in what will and what will not be included.

Always remember, these professionals have been through the same efforts and are included in the number of the few who succeed. They will be making the determination of the fitness of the work and success of the defense, so select them wisely.

Draft an email or prepare a phone call script to formally request someone to serve on your committee.  

Each member of the dissertation committee needs to fill out a Dissertation Committee Member Signup Form, a copy of which is located in Appendix A of the DSS Doctoral Program Handbook and Dissertation Guide.  A copy of which is located below.  

Changes to the Committee. A change in a dissertation committee can occur due to general circumstances such as illness, death, job change, etc. of a committee member or due to differences within the committee or between the student and the committee member in question.

1. In the event of the loss of a committee member due to general circumstances, the student may nominate a replacement member. Remaining members of the committee may also nominate a replacement. Nominations must be submitted to the associate dean of the Doctorate in Strategic Security in writing no more than 30 days following the loss of the committee member.

2. A committee may elect to remove one of its members by majority vote. A letter describing the reasons for the removal must be submitted to the associate dean of the student's program and signed by a majority of the committee members. If the removal is approved by the associate dean, the member may be replaced using the process described in point number one above.

3. In cases where a student has difficulty with a particular committee member, the student is advised to attempt to work out the difficulty via the chair of the committee. If this is not possible, the student should use the Grievance Procedure outlined in the National American University Catalog as a means to find an appropriate solution, which may include replacing the committee member in question.

  • Dissertation Committee Signup Form
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  • Dissertation Committee Member Sign-Up Form This form is used for the dissertation committee members.

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email thesis committee member

Feb. 27, 2023

Selecting your master’s thesis committee members, by karyssa courey: selecting a thesis committee is like completing a puzzle every piece of this process is very valuable to have the right fit for your committee.

puzzle

First off, congratulations on advancing to this stage in your academic career! Meeting the requirements for your thesis is not an easy task but you did it! You deserve to celebrate your achievements, both big and small. 

After you have finish celebrating, it’s now time for you to select committee members for your thesis. A thesis committee is a group of faculty members who provides mentorship for your entire thesis experience.

Before you begin randomly selecting members of your committee, there are a few steps and strategies that will help you pick the right members!

Where do I start?

  • Review the requirements for thesis committees in your department

Rice provides requirements for thesis committees online . For example, a thesis committee for a graduate student in the psychological sciences must have three members (your advisor and two others). At least two committee members must be within your department. Reviewing the requirements will help you understand who can and cannot be on your committee!

  • Breaking down your topic

If you are considering committee members, you likely have a draft of your master’s proposal or at least an idea of what your project will be about. Consider the keywords of your project (i.e., what are five terms that can be used to categorize your proposal?). These keywords are the core of your project and can help you identify faculty that align with your interests and research goals.

  • Connect your topic to faculty research

Now that you have identified your keywords, think about faculty that you know in your department that are knowledgeable in the topics you are studying. You can also search faculty/lab websites or Google Scholar if you are unfamiliar with a faculty member’s research expertise. 

If there are aspects of your master’s proposal that are interdisciplinary, don’t be afraid to search for faculty outside of your department that can provide you with a valuable perspective on your research topic.

Who should I be in communication with?

  • Talk with your advisor

Often, your advisor will have suggestions for potential committee members. Your advisor is one of the few people that will understand both the scope of your research project and know the faculty expertise in your department. Listen to your advisor’s recommendations and suggestions, note any faculty that may be a good fit, and share any ideas that you have based on your search in steps 2 and 3. Don’t feel constricted the recommendations from your advisor either, your peers could also be a resource.

  • Talk with your peers

Older peers in your program often have a great perspective on selecting thesis committee members. Your peers may also have first hand experience with the same faculty members you are considering. E.g., Professor X provides more substantive feedback than Professor Y, so if you want substantive feedback, this is extremely helpful information!

  • Talk with other faculty

Don’t be afraid to schedule meetings with potential faculty members if you want to discuss your thesis. Meeting with faculty is a great way to explain your project, hear their feedback, and gauge their interest.

I’ve talked to everyone on the list; what's next?

  • Email potential committee members

Once you have selected your committee members, it is now time to email them! This might be scary or feel like a daunting step, but remember that the faculty at Rice are here to support you and help cultivate your skills as a researcher. Committee members are your team members, and are here to ideally provide constructive feedback to make your project even better!

When emailing faculty, make sure to use an appropriate tone, provide the title of your thesis, explain your project in a few sentences (or add your abstract), and note any specific reasons that that faculty is a good fit.

For example, if a faculty member has expertise relating to a theory you are applying in your research, make sure to name the theory in your email! The goal is for your potential committee members to have a clear understanding of the scope of your project and connect their expertise to your project.

What should I be mindful of during this process?

  • Handling rejection

If a prospective committee member declines your offer, it’s okay! Do not take it personally or be discouraged! There may be many reasons why a faculty member might decline (e.g., tight on time, perceived lack of fit, or think another faculty member might be a better fit). Do, however, consider other faculty members and consider scheduling a meeting to discuss your thesis project. Meeting with potential committee members can help you understand if they would be a good fit, plus it’s a great opportunity to meet faculty members outside of your courses!

  • Sticking to your timeline

Lastly, keep in mind your deadlines. Different departments have different requirements for scheduling your proposal and declaring your master’s candidacy. For example, in the Psychological Sciences department, a student can propose their master’s without declaring a master's candidacy. However, it is required that committee members are notified at least ten days prior to scheduling your proposal meeting.

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Dissertation Committee: Roles, Functions, and How to Choose

The path to a dissertation is filled with choices that determine the quality of your experience as a student as well as the future strength of your professional network. 

Choosing your dissertation committee is one of the most important decisions–and one of the most fraught–that you’ll make as a graduate student. With the stakes being so high, many doctoral students worry about making a misstep and getting it wrong. 

Fear not! Putting together your dissertation committee becomes easier once you know the right questions to ask: of potential committee members, of your dissertation chair, and of yourself. While forming your dissertation committee can be challenging, striking the right balance will lead to a richly rewarding academic experience that will pay dividends throughout your career. Do your homework, and you’ll be just fine. 

Dissertation Committee Questions

  • What does a dissertation committee do?
  • Who serves on your dissertation committee?
  • How do you choose dissertation committee members?
  • What can you expect from your dissertation committee? 

What Does a Dissertation Committee Do?

The basic function of your dissertation committee, which typically consists of five members, is to guide you through the process of proposing, writing, and revising your dissertation.  

Dissertation committee members serve in a mentoring capacity, offering constructive feedback on your writing and research, as well as guiding your revision efforts. They are also the gatekeepers of the ivory tower, and the ultimate judges of whether or not your dissertation passes muster. 

The dissertation committee is usually formed once your academic coursework is completed. It is not uncommon in the humanities and social sciences for dissertation committee members to also write and evaluate qualifying exams, and of course serve as faculty. By the time you begin working on your dissertation, you may know the faculty members who will serve on your dissertation committee quite well. 

Dissertation Committee Member Mentoring Student

Who Serves on Your Dissertation Committee? 

To a degree, who serves on your dissertation committee is up to you. Dissertation committees usually consist mostly of faculty members from the doctoral student’s home department, though this can vary due to the rise of interdisciplinary programs. 

Some universities also allow an outside expert–a former professor or academic mentor from another university–to serve on your committee. It’s advisable to choose faculty members who know you and who are familiar with your work. 

While it’s a good idea to have a mix of faculty members, it’s also important to be mindful about the roles they can play. For instance, I always advise graduate students working in quantitative fields to have a statistician on their committee. When there’s big data to crunch, it never hurts to have a stats expert in your corner. You’ll also want at least one faculty member–besides your chair–whose research is in the same relative area as yours, or adjacent to it. 

How to Choose Dissertation Committee Members

Think Carefully. It’s tempting to approach a faculty member who is a superstar in their field (if not, necessarily, in yours) to lend a little extra sparkle to your own academic credentials. Or perhaps the kindly professor you can always count on for an easy A. Or even the faculty member you’d like to be friends with after graduate school. Right? 

Not so fast. Here are some things to keep in mind when building your dissertation committee dream team: 

  • Avoid Superstars. Though the prospect of having your department’s most eminent name on your committee sounds exciting, their star power comes with a price. Between guest lectures, books, keynotes, and conference travel, their time is not their own, and it won’t be yours, either. Choose dissertation committee members who have time for you. 
  • Choose faculty members you know, like, and can learn from. It’s not a bad idea to approach a professor whose coursework challenged you. One of the professors who served on my committee was such an exacting grader that my term papers for her courses were accepted for publication without revision (academia’s most coveted mythical creature). 
  • Keep your eyes on the future. Members of your dissertation committee can be your mentors, co-authors, and research collaborators throughout your career. Choose them wisely. 

Forming Your Dissertation Committee

Asking a professor to be on a dissertation committee

Reaching out to potential dissertation committee members and formally asking them to serve on your dissertation committee can be a surprisingly taxing process. It takes some planning, and you’ll want to put some thought into it before making the big ask. While being asked to serve on a dissertation committee won’t come as a surprise to most faculty–they know the drill–these are some considerations to know going in:

  • Talk to your advisor before approaching anyone to be on your committee. Remember, your advisor knows their colleagues in a way that you don’t, and is also aware of departmental politics, potential personality conflicts, and which faculty members are a good fit on a dissertation committee. Trust your advisor’s judgement. 
  • Know what you’re asking. Serving on a dissertation committee is a big time commitment for any faculty member. If they say yes to being on your committee, it means they are invested in you and your research, and they want to play a role in your future. It doesn’t hurt to send a thank-you note. 
  • Don’t sweat it if they say no. It does not reflect on you as a student or a scholar. A good faculty member is aware of their limitations, and they probably just don’t have the time or bandwidth to take on another big commitment. Thank them and move on. 

Expectations

Once your dissertation committee is formed, it’s time to get down to business. As a faculty member, I love serving on dissertation committees because doing so gives me the chance to work with grad students one on one as they journey into new frontiers and carve a place for themselves in academia. It is a deep, rich learning experience, and it’s thrilling to watch students transform into scholars. 

Even though researching and writing a dissertation is the most challenging work you’ll ever do, recognize this time for the opportunity it truly represents. In your dissertation committee, you have a panel of experts all to yourself, and they’re eager to help you knock your dissertation out of the park. This is the experience of a lifetime; take advantage of your dissertation committee’s time and talent, and channel that energy and goodwill into your development as a scholar. 

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Courtney Watson, Ph.D.

Courtney Watson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of English at Radford University Carilion, in Roanoke, Virginia. Her areas of expertise include undergraduate and graduate curriculum development for writing courses in the health sciences and American literature with a focus on literary travel, tourism, and heritage economies. Her writing and academic scholarship has been widely published in places that include  Studies in American Culture ,  Dialogue , and  The Virginia Quarterly Review . Her research on the integration of humanities into STEM education will be published by Routledge in an upcoming collection. Dr. Watson has also been nominated by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Rising Star Award, and she is a past winner of the National Society of Arts & Letters Regional Short Story Prize, as well as institutional awards for scholarly research and excellence in teaching. Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Watson has served in faculty governance and administration as a frequent committee chair and program chair. As a higher education consultant, she has served as a subject matter expert, an evaluator, and a contributor to white papers exploring program development, enrollment research, and educational mergers and acquisitions.

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Building your thesis committee

Choosing a faculty member for your thesis committee.

Thesis committees are typically composed of a Thesis Advisor from your major department, an Honors Council Representative from your major department, and a third committee member from outside your major department, usually referred to as the Outside Reader . Your thesis advisor is different from your Academic Advisor, and is always a faculty member.  While Academic Advisors are your best resource for planning out your course schedules and making sure you're on track to graduate with all the credits you need, when it comes to working on your thesis, you should direct your questions to your thesis advisor, Honors Council Representative, other members of your committee, or the Honors Program staff.

Thesis committee makeup can vary, but committees must always include at least three eligible members of the CU Boulder faculty (see Thesis Committee Policy below) in the roles of thesis advisor, Honors Council representative, and outside/third reader.  You are welcome to have additional members on your committee, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.  We recommend that you have no more than 5 members, as it becomes quite difficult to coordinate that many schedules when it's time for you to schedule your defense.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to serve on a thesis committee, one must be a regular full-time faculty member or a multi-year contract instructor involved in an instructional program at the University of Colorado Boulder. In terms of rank, this means Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor (Senior Instructor), or Teaching Assistant Professor (Instructor). Additionally, faculty must hold a terminal degree in their field (usually a Ph.D.), and should have experience teaching or mentoring undergraduate students.  Graduate students are not eligible to serve.

Faculty Eligible to Serve

To find a list of Honors Council Representatives, please click here

To see a searchable PDF of faculty members that have been verified as eligible to serve, please click here *

To see a searchable and sortable Excel file of faculty members that have been verified as eligible to serve, please click here *

*This is NOT a complete list of faculty who are eligible to serve; this is simply a list of faculty who have served previously and were verified as eligible at that time.  Please note that eligibility can change as circumstances with faculty change (for example, a faculty member changes rostered departments or leaves the university).  

If you do not see a faculty member in this list and would like them to serve on your committee, you will need to verify their eligibility to serve.  Please see the information outlined in the "Eligibility Requirements" paragraph above to get a feel for the criteria, and then look up information on your faculty member.   A great resource to check eligibility is experts.colorado.edu .  You can also check the People page of most departments to learn more.  If you think they meet the criteria, email us at [email protected] with their name and we will verify it for you.   The Honors Program makes the final determination on the eligibility of faculty members to serve.   Departmental approval of a committee member will still require verification by the Honors Program.

More about the different committee roles

Thesis advisor.

There are three positive signs that a professor might make a good thesis advisor for you: They are well-versed in the particular field of study you wish to investigate, you’ve taken or are taking a class or lab with them and are doing well, and you like them as a person and would be excited to work with them.  You will be working closely with them throughout the project, so a good working relationship is very beneficial.

When you meet with prospective thesis advisors, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Be direct - ask how often they'd be willing to meet with you, how many drafts they'd be able to read and critique, and what kinds of expectations they would have of you. They will probably also have questions for you about why you'd like to write a thesis, what you hope to get from the process, and why you'd like to work with them.

If you're having trouble finding a thesis advisor, talk to your Honors Council representative.

Honors Council Representative

The Honors Council is a body of faculty made up of representatives from each Honors Program-participating department within the College of Arts and Sciences. Honors Council Representatives are responsible for making sure students follow the policies, procedures, and deadlines set forth by the Honors Program, as well as any additional policies and procedures the department has enacted, such as thesis format, research methods, and thesis class requirements. When planning to write a thesis, you should always start by contacting one of the Honors Council Representatives for your major to talk with them about your proposed project and to learn what policies and procedures you must follow.    In some departments, there is only one Honors Council Representative, and in that case, they will be serving on your committee.  In other departments, there may be several that you could work with, or there may be specific representatives for different major tracks. 

To see who the Honors Council Representatives are for your major department, and to learn more about any departmental requirements on top of what the Honors Program has set, please click here.

The Honors Council meets in April and November to award honors designations, first in divisional subcommittees and then as a full council.  Please note that, since the Council does not meet in the summer, you cannot defend a thesis and be eligible to be awarded Latin honors for a summer graduation.  You either need to defend in the fall or spring before you graduate.  

Outside Reader

If you are writing a departmental thesis (in other words, a thesis in your major), you will need an Outside Reader.  The primary role of an Outside Reader is to make sure that your thesis is held to the same high standards as theses in other departments.  So, the faculty member you choose as your Outside Reader needs to be from outside your major department.  This way they can provide that checks-and-balances piece of the puzzle so that we can confidently say that a Sociology thesis is held to the same standard as a Physics thesis, and Ethnic Studies, and Economics and so on.

At a minimum, the faculty member should be prepared to read and provide feedback on later drafts of your thesis and attend the defense.  However, if the Outside Reader's field of study touches on your topic or needs, they may be able to provide more support.  For example, if you feel that you could use some extra help in your writing, you could look for an Outside Reader from the Program for Writing and Rhetoric.  Or, if you were an Art major working on a project analyzing historic art pieces, it might be beneficial to ask a faculty member from the History department who specializes in the period of history you're studying to serve as your Outside Reader.

Additional Committee Member

If you're writing a General Honors thesis, you will select an additional committee member instead of an Outside Reader.  Since your topic is interdisciplinary, it is common for you to have a thesis advisor from one of the disciplines and an additional committee member from the other, but this is not required.  Due to the nature of your project, you are welcome to select any eligible faculty member, including faculty from the Honors Program, the Program for Writing and Rhetoric, or any other major department at CU Boulder.  To determine eligibility, please see the "Eligibility Requirements" section above.  Some suggestions on how to choose your Additional Committee Member:  You may choose someone that you feel would be a key contributor to either the content, structure/writing, or process of your project that you work well with, or you could select someone that will step in towards the end of your project to read your final draft(s) and participate in the defense, or any other criteria you feel would most benefit your project.  Please see the section above titled, "Faculty Eligible to Serve" for more details on verifying a potential committee member's eligibility.

If you're writing a departmental thesis, you may also wish to add additional committee member(s).  These members must meet the same eligibility criteria as all your other members.  Keep in mind that the more members that you add, the more people you'll have to coordinate with when it comes time to schedule your defense.

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Forming Your Committee

Students should not schedule the proposal defense prior to their committee being finalized and their appointment form being approved by the Graduate School.

It is necessary to have the form approved in advance of the proposal defense, as there are instances in which committee members are not approved (for example, if someone is listed as the Graduate Faculty Representative who the Graduate School does not deem  qualified to serve in this capacity).

The Graduate School's requirements for everything from committee formation to graduation clearance can be found under the Current Students tab on the Graduate School website. 

Composition of the Doctoral Committee: Roles and Responsibilities

The Graduate School requires that doctoral committees consist of no less than four members. These four members must be regular members of the Graduate Faculty or must be granted an exception by the Dean of the Graduate School.  All committees must include a chair and a Graduate Faculty Representative. Assistant Professors are usually not approved to serve as chair unless they have served as a committee member first. Exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis. 

Graduate Faculty Representative

The primary role of the Graduate Faculty Representative is to ensure that the student is treated fairly and that Graduate School policies are upheld. Expertise in the student's area of research is not a requirement. The Graduate Faculty Representative's responsibilities are explained in greater detail here . Assistant Professors are not eligible to serve as Graduate Faculty Representative. 

The requirement to include an outside member on all dissertation committees is not uncommon among institutions of higher education and is in keeping with best practices in doctoral support. 

Committee Members

Committee members are often chosen to provide topic or methodological expertise. Even without contributing their expertise, committee members may be chosen based on faculty with whom the student has a good professional relationship or who could offer a helpful outside perspective. Committee members are generally not as involved as the committee chair in the everyday progression of the dissertation.  Typically, they read the dissertation only in its final form before the defense, although they should be available for consultation throughout the process and may be more closely involved in sections or chapters in which they have particular expertise. 

The committee members and Graduate Faculty Representative will:

  • Approve of the subject matter and methodology of the thesis or dissertation research
  • Review and comment on drafts of the thesis or dissertation prior to submission to The Graduate School
  • Verify, to the best of their ability, the quality of the data collection and evidence, data analysis, and logical reasoning or interpretation in light of the proposal aims
  • Evaluate whether the student’s thesis or dissertation fulfills the requirements of the degree

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MIT BE Graduate Student Handbook

Thesis Committee

The Ph.D. Thesis Committee has the responsibility of advising a student on all aspects of the thesis experience, from the proposal process through the preparation and defense of the final document.

The Committee should be comprised of

  • the Thesis Advisor(s),
  • the Thesis Committee Chair who presides at all committee meetings (must be a BE faculty member), and
  • at least one additional member (unrestricted).

The student and research supervisor should agree upon members of a Thesis Committee, and the student is responsible for inviting faculty to sit on their committee. Beyond administration of the Oral Exam, the Thesis Committee is meant to provide guidance on the various aspects of the student’s project; Thesis Committee members should therefore be selected with this goal in mind.

Forming the Committee

During the summer of the second year, the student must submit the BE PhD Thesis Committee form  to the BE Academic Office ) to request approval of the Thesis Committee membership.

Changing the Committee

The Thesis Committee constituted for the Oral Exam/Thesis Proposal may change over the course of the student’s research, as determined by the student and advisor with approval by the Graduate Program Chair. Students should submit a new PhD Thesis Committee form (above) to the BE Academic Office.

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Selecting a Thesis Committee

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Tips for selecting your thesis committee

Four members of a thesis committee sit behind a table with microphones and a computer.

In our Thesis/Dissertation Writing Series, we answered the commonly asked question: " What is a thesis? " We also discussed how to write a thesis or dissertation and offered some advice on the thesis editing process. We will now discuss how to select a thesis committee. The selection of the thesis committee is one of the most important decisions you will make during your academic career.

What is a thesis committee?

A thesis committee is a group of people, usually professors, who supervise a student's work and work closely with that student to answer questions and provide advice. A thesis committee may also act as the examining committee at a thesis defence. In most departments in North America, it is common for the thesis committee to consist of a principal supervisor and two (possibly three) other experts in your field of study. Typically, one member of the thesis committee must be a professor in a different department from that of the student.

Why do I need a thesis committee?

These individuals will act as mentors who will guide you through the process of defining objectives, conducting research, editing drafts, writing the literature review , and writing the thesis. Choose your committee—and especially your principal supervisor—with care. The relationship between supervisor and PhD student should be mutually beneficial. In the sciences, for example, the PhD student will conduct research and take classes, while the supervisor's time will likely be divided between teaching, administration (procurement of funding/maintenance of a laboratory), writing research articles, and mentoring graduate students.

How should I select my thesis supervisor?

The ideal supervisor would be one who

  • is readily available for consultation and proofreading,
  • is a balanced thinker (i.e., he or she considers both specific and general questions),
  • is respected in his or her field, and
  • has a good track record with respect to graduating previous thesis students.

Of these traits, accessibility is crucial, as the skills involved in academic research and dissertation writing are more easily acquired when a student has an accessible supervisor as a mentor.

Some final thoughts...

Most of the time, you will need to send out email requests to gauge the interest of members of your potential thesis committee. Then, you will schedule meetings to discuss your research and find out if you are a good match. You don't want to come off as unprofessional in your email because of grammatical or spelling errors, so send your thesis committee correspondence to our thesis editors for their revision.

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Choosing a thesis committee, published by dr. david banner on may 21, 2022 may 21, 2022.

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:17 am

One of the most critical decisions you will make as a PhD candidate is selecting your thesis committee. These people will be with you (we hope) throughout your journey, and there are some key issues to consider as you make these selections. In this article, I will explore some of the things to look out for in this process.

Choose Thesis Committee Members Who Are Strong in the Methodology You Will Use

Once you have a good research question, the appropriate methodology will be obvious. Remember, the methodology flows from the question, not the other way around. Once a methodology becomes obvious, get at least one person on the thesis committee who is strong in that methodology. The choices are qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method. 

Qualitative methodology is now quite popular. It is useful to explore a phenomenon, if you just want to learn more about it. There are specific strategies to employ in this methodology. I urge you to get a used copy of Leedy and Ormrod Practical Research (8th edition or later) for more details.

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Quantitative methodology is for hypothesis testing. It uses quantitative techniques, such as chi square, T-test, F-test, analysis of variance, and so on. If quantitative is the appropriate methodology for your thesis, we have a mentor on staff who specializes in it and can guide you through the process.

Mixed-method methodology is appropriate when you want to explore a topic and then do some hypothesis testing. This is often seen as a more difficult methodology to implement but, when appropriate, can be quite powerful.

The important thing to remember is that the methodology must follow the question , not the other way around. Many first-time researchers pick a methodology that they think will be easy to implement, but this should not be your criterion. 

So, after you discern which methodology best suits your thesis question, pick at least one committee member strong in that methodology.  

Be Aware of the Politics of Thesis Committee Work

phd candidate in front of her thesis committee

There are political factors to consider as well. Stay focused on your goal. Your job is to get done with a PhD in hand. Avoid any behavior that will put you at a disadvantage politically with the thesis committee. Be sure to get a committee that can work together; talk to other doctoral students about combining certain faculty, who, for example, are known to “butt heads”

Also, don’t be a know-it-all. You can assert your position, but be willing to change your mind if one of your thesis committee member s makes a strong point for you to consider. Keep an open mind as you traverse this journey. 

Try to avoid reactivity in the process. You are relying on your thesis committee for their expertise. Seek to listen to all voices and not choose sides in your thesis deliberations. You are quite vulnerable as a doctoral candidate, so you need to avoid rigid positions and dogmatic viewpoints.

Choosing the Right Chair

committee member asking questions to a phd candidate

Another consideration is asking for someone to chair the thesis committee . Do not pick a junior faculty member (assistant or associate professor), since other thesis committee members are likely to be full professors. Also, do not pick someone as chair who is a “lightning rod” for controversy and a junior faculty member to boot; I did this and it proved to be challenging to get through. 

The thesis committee chair is supposed to be helping you navigate the process of doing the research and writing the five chapters when you are done. So, get a chair who is well-respected , a senior faculty member , tenured , and very knowledgeable in your chosen topic area .

Avoid Thesis Committee Members Nearing Retirement or About to Change Jobs

Another consideration to investigate is whether the thesis committee members have tenure (most will) and whether or not they’re about to retire or move to another university. Many PhD programs have been sabotaged by committee membership upheaval. 

So, if you can discreetly discern this, find out if a potential member might retire soon and move to another job. If a key member moves or retires, it can really slow down the process. 

student consulting with a senior professor about thesis defense

Remember, the thesis committee is there to support you. However, dissertation approval is a rite of passage and it seems that most committees will really make you work at the defense to make sure you are prepared to join the PhD “club.” 

If you cannot find the “ideal” committee, then go for the following qualities, if possible: Choose committee members who are tenured , are genuinely interested in your topic , and are likely to stay at your university and/or are not nearing retirement .

Making It a Rewarding Experience

All in all, the PhD journey is a rich experience, and both “stick-to-it-ive-ness” and resilience are needed. Consult your thesis committee members often to show your interest and your need for their counsel. Also, pick a topic area that you are really interested in. This work will be your major life focus for quite a while, so pick an area of real interest for you. 

Remember: The PhD journey is arduous, and persistence and resilience are needed. Pick a topic you are really interested in and thesis committee members who can support you, so you will stick it out until completion. 

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Dr. David Banner

David Banner is the author of 6 books, 40 journal articles, and 35 conference papers on transformational leadership, Dr. David Banner received his PhD in Policy and Organizational Behavior from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University in Illinois. He worked for the DePaul College of Commerce, The University of the Pacific School of Business, and the University of New Brunswick (Canada) School of Management; he was tenured at all 3 universities and was voted “Outstanding Professor” at all three. He also worked at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wi, where he was the Director of the values-based MBA program, which he designed, recruited students, mentored faculty, set up an Advisory Board and got the program accredited (2003-07). He also worked for 16 years as a faculty mentor for the Leadership and Organizational Change PhD students (2005-21); in his 16 years, he graduated 82 PhDs in his roles as Committee Chair, Committee Member and URR (University Research Reviewer). Mentoring PhD students gives him the most joy and satisfaction. He offers his services to help people complete their PhDs, find good academic jobs, get published in peer-reviewed journals and find their place in the academic environment. Book a Free Consultation with Branford McAllister

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COMMENTS

  1. 6 Email Templates to Ask Someone to be on Your Thesis Committee

    Here is how to ask someone to be on your thesis committee if the person is your professor. 03 Dear Professor [Name], My name is [your name], and I am in my final year at [college or faculty name]. With the recommendation of my thesis advisors, [name of professors who are advising you], I am writing to humbly request that you be a member of my ...

  2. Dissertation Committee Request: Sample Email and Guide

    I have included a sample email for a dissertation committee request below. Dear Dr. ____. Please let me introduce myself. My name is ___ ___ and I am a doctoral student at ___ University working on my dissertation. My topic is ___. I am searching for an additional committee member for my dissertation committee.

  3. Email Template To Ask Someone To Be On Your Thesis Committee

    The following sample email will guide you on how you can ask professionals in your field to join your thesis committee. Sample 5. Dear Mr/Mrs (Put the name of the person) I am humbly using this opportunity to request you to be a member of my thesis committee.

  4. thesis

    19. If you are obliged to send them the two documents, simply do so. Keep the cover letter as simple as possible. Just remember to address each of them separately, it looks better. Dear Prof. Smith, I'm sending you, as you are a member of my PhD committee, the PDF version of my thesis together with my CV. In case you had any questions, feel ...

  5. 9 Proven Tips for a Successful Dissertation Committee Email Request

    Get a "YES" on your Dissertation Committee Email Request: Securing faculty members to serve on your dissertation committee is a critical step in completing your doctoral degree.Committee members agree to closely guide your dissertation research and writing from proposal through final defense. Choosing the right people and making a strong request is key to starting this important journey on ...

  6. 6 Email Templates to Ask Someone to be on Your Thesis Committee

    01 Dear [Name of student], My name is [your name] from [faculty] at [college name]. I am currently writing a doctoral entitled [title off your thesis]. Thanks to your outstanding track record real interest are helps other collegiate, I would like to humbly request the you shall a member of my thesis committee.

  7. How do you politely ask someone to be on your committee?

    1. It's debatable if asking over email is "polite", but I assume you're more interested in getting them to say "yes" rather than being polite. If you're not sure they even know your name, it shouldn't be done purely over email. Ask to meet with them, letting them know you are selecting your dissertation committee. - Chan-Ho Suh.

  8. How to address Phd dissertation committee members in email?

    I would like to send an email to all of them and now I am confused as to how to address them. Should I address them as committee members or Professors ABC, PQR, XYZ or Sirs, etc. What would be the best option to address them: Dear Committee members. Dear Committee. Dear Professors ABC, PQR, XYZ. Respected Sirs. Sirs.

  9. Dissertation Committee Request: Sample Email and Guide

    A sample email required a dissertation committee request; How to rated potential committee members; How to ask your the may on your committee; Finder the Choosing Dissertation Committee Community Ask Your Committee Chair. Talking to your chair is an good place to get in looking required additional dissertation committee members. Which do they ...

  10. Do's and Don'ts for Preparing for Your Thesis Committee Meeting

    DON'T: Forget to schedule your annual evaluation-of-progress meeting with your P.I. Besides the TAC meeting, most Ph.D. programs require that students meet with their PIs to go over their projects' progress and address what will be discussed during the meeting. For my department, this should be done about one month before the meeting.

  11. Email draft to committee members : r/PhD

    Dear members, Attached. Thanks. If it matters: I defended, no corrections or changes required. So I wouldnt worry about what the email is. 2. YllA_F. • 4 yr. ago. When I sent an email like that I simply said "I am excited to send you my draft and I look forward to your feedback" :) Sidenote:It was also 3am and I think (for a moment there ...

  12. Henley-Putnam's Dissertation or Thesis Committees

    Draft an email or prepare a phone call script to formally request someone to serve on your committee. Each member of the dissertation committee needs to fill out a Dissertation Committee Member Signup Form, a copy of which is located in Appendix A of the DSS Doctoral Program Handbook and Dissertation Guide. A copy of which is located below.

  13. Selecting Your Master's Thesis Committee Members

    Older peers in your program often have a great perspective on selecting thesis committee members. Your peers may also have first hand experience with the same faculty members you are considering. E.g., Professor X provides more substantive feedback than Professor Y, so if you want substantive feedback, this is extremely helpful information ...

  14. Dissertation Committee: Roles, Functions, and How to Choose

    The basic function of your dissertation committee, which typically consists of five members, is to guide you through the process of proposing, writing, and revising your dissertation. Dissertation committee members serve in a mentoring capacity, offering constructive feedback on your writing and research, as well as guiding your revision ...

  15. How to ask a professor to be on your committee? : r/PhD

    Like, if I received an email from a student who invites me to the committee, I'd still expect a confirmation from the professor. Because, sometimes committee members are expected to be paid for the trip or hotel or the review of your thesis, and in general they often do it as a political act so to say :)

  16. Dissertation Committee Request: Sample Email and Guide

    A simple email telling their that him wish be honored if they wouldn serve such your committee member is exactly fine. Remember, though, it's still an ask-you're not reveal them they're on your committee. How to Request a Dissertation Board Member: Summary. Choice committee memberships is important.

  17. Building your thesis committee

    Choosing a faculty member for your thesis committee. Thesis committees are typically composed of a Thesis Advisor from your major department, an Honors Council Representative from your major department, and a third committee member from outside your major department, usually referred to as the Outside Reader.Your thesis advisor is different from your Academic Advisor, and is always a faculty ...

  18. Forming Your Committee

    The committee members and Graduate Faculty Representative will: Approve of the subject matter and methodology of the thesis or dissertation research. Review and comment on drafts of the thesis or dissertation prior to submission to The Graduate School. Verify, to the best of their ability, the quality of the data collection and evidence, data ...

  19. Thesis Committee

    The Ph.D. Thesis Committee has the responsibility of advising a student on all aspects of the thesis experience, from the proposal process through the preparation and defense of the final document. the Thesis Committee Chair who presides at all committee meetings (must be a BE faculty member), and. at least one additional member (unrestricted).

  20. Email netiquette for telling thesis committee member I've replaced

    You should check with your school if you can actually "replace" a committee member without other committee members agreeing to this. Certainly where I work students are consulted on the composition of the committee but members are not appointed by the student. Rather members are appointed by the graduate school or its representative.

  21. Selecting a Thesis Committee

    A thesis committee is a group of people, usually professors, who supervise a student's work and work closely with that student to answer questions and provide advice. A thesis committee may also act as the examining committee at a thesis defence. In most departments in North America, it is common for the thesis committee to consist of a ...

  22. Choosing a Thesis Committee

    The thesis committee chair is supposed to be helping you navigate the process of doing the research and writing the five chapters when you are done. So, get a chair who is well-respected, a senior faculty member, tenured, and very knowledgeable in your chosen topic area. Avoid Thesis Committee Members Nearing Retirement or About to Change Jobs

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  26. thesis

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