Defense
Under University rules, the formal evaluation of the dissertation takes place at the Final Public Oral Examination (FPO). The student’s FPO committee will consist of either the first or second reader (or both) as well as a third and a fourth reader. The student may suggest individuals to serve as third reader. The student may provide a written list with the names of three individuals who might be appropriate as fourth readers.
In special circumstances, a member of another university faculty may serve as either the third or fourth reader, provided that individual holds the rank of assistant professor or above and is qualified to advise on the subject of the dissertation.
The FPO cannot be scheduled until the student’s first and second readers have read and given their written approval of the dissertation in its final or near-final form. Readers occasionally give their approval on the condition that manuscript be revised in various (typically minor) ways.
After the approval of the first and second readers has been secured, the department will apply to the Graduate School to schedule the FPO. A minimum of two weeks must elapse between the date of the application and the intended date of the FPO.
Students expecting to defend should consult the University rules governing the degree application and completion process (http://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/processes/).