Defense Preparation Checklist

The Dissertation Compass | dissertationcompass.com

6+ Weeks Before Defense

• Confirm defense date with all committee members
• Reserve the defense room (or set up virtual meeting link)
• Check your program's submission deadlines for the semester
• Confirm page/formatting requirements with the graduate school
• Submit your dissertation to committee members (minimum 4 weeks before defense -- check your program's policy)
• Complete any required defense paperwork with the department

4 Weeks Before Defense

• Begin preparing your defense presentation (typically 20-40 slides)
• Review your entire dissertation -- you should know every section well
• Re-read key sources you cited, especially those central to your framework
• Prepare a 1-page summary of your study for quick reference
• Start a list of potential questions the committee might ask

2 Weeks Before Defense

• Complete your defense presentation draft
• Practice your presentation at least 3 times (time yourself -- aim for 20-30 minutes)
• Practice with your advisor or peers and get feedback
• Prepare responses to anticipated tough questions
• Know your limitations -- be ready to discuss them honestly
• Prepare a backup of your presentation (USB drive, email to yourself, cloud storage)
• Confirm all technology works in the defense room (projector, screen sharing, audio)

1 Week Before Defense

• Do a final run-through of your presentation
• Prepare your outfit -- professional and comfortable
• Send a reminder to committee members with date, time, and location
• If virtual: test your video, audio, and screen sharing
• Prepare water and any materials you want to reference during the defense
• Get a good night's sleep the night before
• Plan something enjoyable for after the defense (dinner, celebration)

Day of Defense

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early to set up
• Test all technology before the committee arrives
• Bring: printed copy of your dissertation, presentation notes, water, pen and paper
• Take a few deep breaths before you begin
• During Q&A: listen carefully, pause before answering, it's OK to say "That's a great question -- let me think about that"
• Take notes on committee feedback and requested revisions

After Defense

• Send thank-you emails to each committee member within 24 hours
• Review and organize your notes on requested revisions
• Create a revision plan with your advisor (prioritize, set deadlines)
• Complete all revisions
• Get final advisor sign-off on revisions
• Format your dissertation per graduate school requirements
• Submit final document to the graduate school
• Submit to ProQuest/institutional repository (if required)
• Complete all graduation paperwork
• Celebrate -- you earned this!