Preliminary Oral Examination Guidelines

1. Oral assessment of student’s understanding of major field (community college leadership).
2. Oral assessment of student’s capability for research.

1. Major professor
2. One other professor from Community College Leadership Program Faculty
3. A professor representing the Graduate School (form outside the School of Education)
4. Two other members who are practicing professionals and meet the requirements for adjunct status in the Graduate School.

1. The student should schedule the time and place of the examination in communication with the members of the examining committee.
2. The student is responsible to get a copy of the portfolio to the examination committee at least two weeks prior to the examination.
3. Plan for 2 hour meeting.

1. Call to Order – Major Professor
2. Excuse Student (as appropriate)
3. Purpose and Format of Examination – Major Professor
4. Invite Student to Return
5. Introduction of Student – Student (limit to 10 minutes)
   • Professional experiences
   • Prior education
   • Reasons for pursuing doctorate
   • Professional interests
   • Professional plans
6. Questioning in Context of Program Outcomes and Portfolio – Examination Committee
   • Understanding of major field (community college leadership)
   • Capability for research
7. Excuse Student
8. Discussion of Performance of Student – Graduate School Representative
9. Voting on Performance of Student – Graduate School Representative
10. Invite Student to Return
11. Announce Voting Results to Student – Graduate School Representative

Note: If performance of student is not satisfactory, the format of the examination will need to be altered as needed.