Skip to Content
Skip to Navigation
University of Washington

Reading Committee

After you finish writing your dissertation, your reading committee must be appointed. The purpose of the reading committee is to determine your readiness for your final examination. The Chairperson of your supervisory committee submits a memo to the Graduate Program Assistant in the Office of Academic Services (bmau@uw.edu), requesting appointment of individuals from the supervisory committee to serve as members of the reading committee. Typically, a reading committee consists of all members of the supervisory committee except the GSR.

The reading committee must approve your dissertation and agree that you are ready for your final exam. Once your committee approves you to go forward with the exam, you must schedule your exam. All of the members of your committee must agree to the date and time of the exam. Go to the MyGrad Student View website and to schedule your final exam with the Graduate School. You must submit your request at least 10 days before the exam date. This allows time for the Graduate School to evaluate your student record.

The Reading Committee's evaluation of your readiness for the final examination does not automatically assure passing your final examination. All members of your Supervisory Committee read your dissertation and provide feedback. All Committee members must be given at least two weeks prior to the final examination to do so. If the two-week requirement cannot be met, your defense must be rescheduled.