In the penultimate semester of course work, the regular advising meeting becomes a pre-orals advising conference.  For students entering with an M.A. and 9 transfer credits, the penultimate semester of course work may be the third or fourth semester; for all other students it may be the fourth or fifth semester.  Students must schedule the pre-orals conference to take place within the first ten weeks of the semester. 

Participants in the pre-orals advising conference include the student’s academic adviser and a second faculty member chosen by the student — someone with whom the student would like to work, either on orals or on the dissertation or both.  Students will prepare an informal one- to two-page statement that includes a brief review of course work, ideas about research areas, and consideration of possible orals committee personnel.  The statement is not binding in any way.  It is produced so that students can reflect on past progress and discuss future plans. Copies of the statement will be submitted to the two faculty members at least one week in advance of the meeting.  Copies must also be submitted to the Associate Director and to the Graduate Office within four weeks of the pre-orals confernece.