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The thesis is a major requirement or an option in many master's programs and when completed it marks the culmination of your program. Successfully defending your thesis can be one of your proudest achievements.
The master's thesis:
Refer to the Graduate Academic Calendar for the regulations and procedures governing a master’s thesis, which includes the requirements concerning the structure of the advisory committee, the examining committee, and the guidelines for conducting the oral defence.
It is important to note that your advisor, with the members of the advisory committee, play a very important role in the final stages of completing the thesis.
To ensure that you are in a strong position to succeed in the oral defence, your advisor and advisory committee will:
Apply to graduate at your earliest opportunity! Do not wait until after you defend or submit the final requirements to do this, because you may miss your preferred graduation ceremony if you do not apply by the final date to be included.
Fall graduation applications typically open at the end of June and spring graduation applications typically open at the beginning of November.
The online application form can be found on LORIS, under the Student Services tab. Refer also to Convocation and graduation information for details on how and when to apply to graduate.
The guidelines below will ensure that the coordination of your master’s thesis oral defence goes smoothly. Your thesis advisor and graduate coordinator are responsible for ensuring that the necessary forms are completed throughout this process.
Contact your department for details on how the oral examination is scheduled.
Review the regulations and procedures governing the master's thesis, as well as the thesis style guide, in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
Congratulations! Take a moment to celebrate and decompress.
Your Oral Examination Report will be returned to the FGPS noting the decision of the committee. Make sure you are aware of the deadline for making the revisions and submitting the final version to your advisor.
Complete and submit the following forms (to be provided at your defence by the examining committee chair):
Do not upload your thesis until the final document has been approved by your supervisor and until all paperwork (see above) has been sent to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Review the instructions on how to complete the upload. Ensure the embargo period field matches the same period indicated on the embargo form.
Upload the final approved version of your thesis to Scholars Commons @ Laurier. You must create an account to upload your thesis.
Make sure you are aware of upcoming deadlines for final requirements, to be eligible for tuition adjustments through the term. Check the Graduate Academic Calendar under Academic and Related Dates.
FGPS will:
Contact Us:
E:
fgps@wlu.ca
T:
519.884.0710 x3127
Office Location: DAWB 1-102
Office Hours:
Please include your ID number in emails and voicemails.