The External Examiner's participation in a Candidate's Final Oral Defence presents the opportunity for a valuable dialogue about the dissertation and the research it presents.  Therefore, the attendance of the External Examiner at the Final Oral Defence is encouraged, but it is not required.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies recognizes that the cost associated with the travel of examiners to UBC academic units has been prohibitive in all but a small number of cases each year.  With the introduction of the Doctoral external examiners Transport Fund we hope to increase the level of participation by external examiners.  In addition to hosting the external examiner, academic units are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity by inviting the examiner to present a seminar, lecture or other academic event during his or her visit that will benefit other students.  This initiative has the support of the Provost.  Please see the Guidelines and Procedures of the Doctoral External Transport Fund.