The General Announcements states, "All oral thesis defenses are expected to take place on the Rice University campus with the candidate in physical attendance and all thesis committee members in attendance throughout the entire defense. While the physical attendance of the committee is highly encouraged, it is recognized that this may add unnecessary scheduling conflicts delaying the student’s defense. The student may, at their own discretion, provide an online option for guests to attend the defense."

Students must register their defenses with the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies via events.rice.edu/rgs and must include the zoom link for any hybrid defense below the abstract. Doctoral students must register their defense at least 14 days before the defense and Masters students must register their defenses at least 7 days before the defense.

Students may defend the thesis in person, via Zoom or a hybrid approach. There is no special permission needed from GPS to defend virtually but students are encouraged to consult with their department to see if there is a preferred method.

For tips on how to approach an online thesis defense, click here.

Updated May 2024