Introduction

The AC5 form initiates the external review process, an essential step in the evaluation of your thesis or dissertation. This stage involves the detailed assessment of your work by an external reviewer, selected for their expertise in your research field. The goal is to ensure your work meets the high standards expected for a Master’s thesis or PhD dissertation.

Process Overview

1. Selection of External Reviewer: The College of Graduate Studies (CGS), in coordination with your Program Director and based on recommendations from the Program Committee, selects an appropriate external reviewer. This choice is crucial for a fair and informed evaluation of your work.

2. Initiation by CGS: The CGS initiates the AC5 process by contacting the chosen external reviewer. This communication includes sending the reviewer a copy of your work along with guidelines for the evaluation.

3. Reviewer’s Evaluation: The external reviewer conducts a thorough review of your work. They assess the quality, originality, and significance of your research, providing detailed feedback and a recommendation for pass or fail.

4. Feedback to CGS: Upon completion of the review, the external reviewer submits their evaluation to the CGS. This feedback is then forwarded to your supervisor, examination committee, and Program Director.

5. Tracking Progress: Throughout the AC5 process, you can track the status of the external review through the Graduate Services Portal. This transparency ensures you are kept informed of your submission’s progress.

Next Step

• Receiving Feedback: Once the external review is complete, you will receive the reviewer’s feedback. This critique is invaluable for making any necessary revisions to your work and preparing for your defense.

• Proceeding to Defense: Based on the external reviewer’s recommendation, you will either move forward to the defense stage (AC6) or be required to make revisions to your work and repeat the external review process.

Key Considerations

• The external review is a critical component of your graduate research journey, offering an independent assessment of your work’s quality and rigor.

• Engage with your supervisor to understand the feedback fully and make necessary revisions, ensuring your work meets the required standards for defense.

The AC5 process is designed to uphold the integrity and quality of graduate research, ensuring that your thesis or dissertation is ready for the final defense and meets the academic standards of your discipline.