It is left to the departments’ discretion whether their candidates’ presentations for the DrPH defense are to be opened or closed. Following the candidate’s presentation, the committee convenes for a closed door discussion. All committee members are expected to be present at the defense. A committee is permitted to convene in the absence of one member only in the case of emergency or other special circumstances². The absent member is required to write a letter containing all comments and questions that would normally be raised at the defense and his or her provisional vote. If the emergency that prevents the member from being present cannot be anticipated, the absent member is requested to comply with the regulations above as soon as possible AFTER the defense. The vote will not be considered final until the absent member has submitted the required letter to the Academic Dean.

When unforeseen events preclude the presence of a committee member, the department may request the Academic Dean approve a telephone call in for the absent member.

²A committee member participating through a telephone hook-up is considered present for the defense.