Dissertation defense schedule
Dissertation Defense Details
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Videoconference Set Up
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Tips for Effective Videoconference Dissertations
Videoconference Set Up
Submitting your Announcement of Public Defense of the Dissertation
Update: 09-01-21
Defenses may be held entirely in person so long as all university protocols are followed regarding such gatherings. Hybrid defenses are also allowed, where some attendees are in person and others online, or the defense may take place entirely online. The dissertation chair has the discretion to approve the option, but is asked to be sensitive of requests for remote attendance.
Create a Videoconference via Teams: If a hybrid or entirely online defense is held, the student will be responsible for setting up the virtual defense through the required platform, Microsoft Teams.
Tips for Effective Videoconference Dissertations
- Review tips on creating and managing webinars in Microsoft Teams.
- Please have the Dissertator send out invitations to those they would like to attend the session. Encourage the invitees to download the software or app of the platform being used in advance so they have a chance to troubleshoot.
- Functionality is better over the apps than over web browsers. Chrome and Firefox are optimal if using a desktop or laptop browser.
- Videoconference dissertations should be scheduled 30 minutes before the scheduled defense time, allowing the dissertator and their audience ample time to troubleshoot and be acclimated to the virtual space.
- Include videoconference link and other meeting details in multiple communication so that it can be easily accessed by the invitees.
- For Microsoft Teams, become familiar with the additional features, including the "Poll" capabilities, which not only helps lighten up the event, but allows people to send encouragement to the dissertator.
- Advisors should begin with a brief explanation for the audience for how to use the platform. The most important reminder is to tell invitees to mute themselves unless they are speaking to reduce ambient noise and other distractions. Be sure to ask invitees if they are familiar with how to do this and if not, feel free to walk them through the mute feature. If there are audio issues, it can be helpful to turn the video off.
- Advisors should record the session for the person defending as a memento for this occasion. This is a recommendation and optional.
Dissertation Defense Schedule
May
Sarah Rolli
Program: Biological Sciences
Dissertation Director: Emily Sontag
Date/Time: May 6, 2025, 10:30a.m.
Defense Location: Wehr Life Sciences Room 111
Dissertation Title: "Trainees’ Experience of Videoconferencing Psychotherapy Training: a Consensual Qualitative Research Study"
Lisa Grabert
Program: Interdisciplinary PhD
Dissertation Director: Kathryn Wagner
Date/Time: May 15, 2025, 9:30a.m.
Defense Location: Microsoft Teams Link
Dissertation Title: "Motivations for Beneficiaries and Policymakers When Making Choices About Medicare Advantage Versus Fee-For-Service"
Perry Catlin
Program: Psychology
Dissertation Director: Amy Vaughan Van Hecke
Date/Time: May 16, 2025, 10:00a.m.
Defense Location: CM 087
Dissertation Title: "Navigating Health Management Decisions in Pediatric Food Allergy: Exploring Caregiver Needs, Experiences, and Behaviors"
Cathy Melesky Dante
Program: Theology
Dissertation Director: Conor Kelly
Date/Time: May 21, 2025, 2:00p.m.
Defense Location: Marquette Hall 105
Dissertation Title: "Toward a Lay Ethic of Solidarity with Those Abused by Catholic Leaders"
Benjamin Bodus
Program: Civil Engineering
Dissertation Director: Walter McDonald
Date/Time: May 27, 2025, 9:00a.m.
Defense Location: Engineering Hall Room 354 or Microsoft Teams Link
Dissertation Title: "Advancing Green Stormwater Infrastructure Through Unique Applications, Underdrain Improvements, and Design Criteria"
