Graduate Program FAQs
Preliminary Exam
Detailed information about the AE Preliminary Exam can be found in the Guide to Graduate Programs- When may I take the preliminary exam?
- How do I notify the department that I plan to take the preliminary exam.
- How do I set up my doctoral committee?
- May someone from off-campus be appointed to my committee?
- Are there any forms I need to worry about?
- How do I reserve a room for my exam?
- Am I supposed to provide refreshments?
When may I take the preliminary exam?
BackThe preliminary examination may be taken no earlier than the semester in which the candidate completes the thirty-second hour of coursework required in the second stage of the Ph.D. program.
How do I notify the department that I plan to take the preliminary exam.
BackEach semester an email is sent to all graduate students asking who is planning to take the preliminary exam during the upcoming semester. You may respond to that email or send an email to tank@illinois.edu at any time.
How do I set up my doctoral committee?
BackAt least three weeks prior to the date of your exam, complete the Request for Appointment of Doctoral Examination Committee form and return it electronically to tank@illinois.edu. It is okay to send the form with the graduate faculty member and tenured columns unchecked.
May someone from off-campus be appointed to my committee?
BackYes, but you must provide a brief description of the qualifications and justification for each non-Graduate College Faculty member being nominated to serve as a voting member of the committee. You must also provide a copy of the person's cv (electronically is preferred) as well.
Are there any forms I need to worry about?
BackThe Thesis Office will send letters of appointment to your committee. They will also send a Certificate of Result of Preliminary Examination for the Doctoral Committee. You will need to pick up this form from Staci Tankersley in 306 Talbot Lab the day before your exam. Your committee will need to indicate the results of the exam on the form and each member will need to sign it. The form must be returned to Staci as soon as possible after the exam.
How do I reserve a room for my exam?
BackYou may reserve the department conference rooms in Talbot Lab (319N, 319M, 302E and 206N) via the web at http://www.ae.illinois.edu/department/calendars/. For classrooms or other rooms on campus, please contact Barb Kirts at bkirts@illinois.edu.
Am I supposed to provide refreshments for the committee?
BackMost students do. The most common treats are coffee, donuts, cookies, pastries, etc.
