Required PhD Presentations
Professional (Conference) Presentation
The purpose of requiring that all PhD candidates make a presentation of their thesis research (oral or poster) at a professional conference is to encourage professional practice and knowledge transfer. This presentation should showcase the thesis research and must happen prior to graduation. Students should be first author on their work and should advise the Graduate Administrator once the conference presentation has been completed. Funds in support of such a presentation are available from a variety of sources including the department (contact the Graduate Administrator) and the Society of Graduate Students. Participation results in a 'complete'.
Departmental Presentation
The PhD Departmental Presentation requirement is to deliver a 20-minute presentation (15-minute talk with 5 minutes of Q&A) during one of the scheduled events - either in the Winter or Fall term. There are four key components that should be incorporated: Background (theme, problem(s), theory used, approach/ methods), Research Question (overarching research question, sub-question(s) or pieces of evidence used throughout the thesis), Overview (methods, results), and Discussion. PhD students typically participate in this event with those from their cohort and should prepare for this milestone with their supervisor, in advance. Completion should take place before the end of year 3. Once the student completes this milestone, they are required to submit a one-page, single-spaced ‘reflection’ about this process and upload it to their Pathfinder portfolio. Participation results in a 'complete'.
