Nomination of the Research Committee
After passing the Oral Qualifying Examination, students, in consultation with their advisor, nominate a Research Committee to oversee progress toward the completion of the dissertation. The Committee consists of the research advisor, who serves as the Chair of the Committee, and at least two other faculty members. It is strongly recommended that these faculty members were also members of the student's Oral Examining Committee. The research advisor must be from the student's department. However, members of the Research Committee may include faculty members outside HSPH. The nomination of the Committee must be submitted to the HSPH Registrar's Office within one month of the satisfactory completion of the Oral Qualifying Examination. The student's first Research Committee meeting should be within six months of the satisfactory completion of the Oral Qualifying Examination.

Procedure for Submitting the Nominations for Research Committee Form

1. Students obtain the Nominations for Research Committee Form from the HSPH Registrar's Office.
   
2. Obtain the signatures of all Research Committee members, dissertation advisor, and Department Chair/s on the form.
   
3. Submit it to the HSPH Registrar's Office for CAD approval.
   
4. The CAD reviews the proposed membership of the Research Committee and may suggest or require modifications.
   
5. The HSPH Registrar's Office notifies students of the CAD's decision.
   

Upon approval of the Research Committee by the CAD, the student will be permitted to register solely for research credits.

Changes in Research Committee
Changes in the Research Committee membership must be approved by the CAD. Students should obtain a General Petition Form from the HSPH Registrar's Office, complete it by noting the change in membership and the reasons for the change, obtain the proper signatures and submit the form to the HSPH Registrar's Office for CAD approval.

Doctoral Student Resource