Start to organize your preliminary examination committee at least 5 weeks prior to the date you plan to have your examination. The lead time is necessary because the committee requests must be approved by the Graduate College. You must be registered in the term you take your preliminary examination, including summer. If taking the exam between terms, you must have been registered in the previous term.
Discuss the format of the examination and the membership of your committee with your faculty advisor. The format can be found in your group's Program Description. The committee consists of at least five members of whom at least two are tenured graduate faculty. Outside members are optional.
Get the approval of each faculty member you want to serve on your committee. Arrange a convenient date and time for your examination and seminar and confirm this time with the graduate advisor and schedule the rooms.
Fill in the Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Committee Recommendation Form and return it to the graduate advisor who will submit the necessary forms to the Graduate College. You must include CVs for any members from outside UIC.
