Evaluation of Examination Performance
Both
the written and oral components of the examination will be assessed in
determining the student’s performance. It is acknowledged that the student may
have received considerable assistance from research mentors/advisors with the
written part of the exam because of the program’s emphasis on having students
submit proposals for funding to support their research. Thus, relatively more
emphasis will be placed on the oral portion of the examination as this is more
likely to reflect the student’s independent performance. The examination
outcome/result is based on the committee majority vote and will be one of the
following: 1) pass with no contingencies, 2) pass with contingencies (e.g.
additional coursework, assignments, etc. required), or 3) fail. Students who fail the examination can
petition the Executive Committee for permission to retake the exam.