The External Examiner's report is sent directly to the Coordinator of Doctoral Exams. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will distribute copies of a positive report to the Graduate Program Advisor and all members of the Examination Committee approximately one week prior to the Final Oral Defence. The entire content of the report is confidential and must not be discussed with the Candidate prior to the Final Oral Defence.

The External Examiner is asked to evaluate the dissertation on the criteria for the UBC Doctoral Dissertation and is provided with Instructions for the External Examiner's Report.

The category assigned by the External Examiner(s) must be taken into account in the final evaluation of the Examination Committee.

If the External Examiner's report is negative the Dean/Associate Dean of Graduate Studies may consult with the Chair, the student's supervisor, and/or other appropriate individuals to determine whether or not to proceed with the Final Oral Defence.

The Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies reserves the right to postpone the Final Oral Defence if the External Examiner's report is not received three days prior to the scheduled exam date.