Docusign Form Requests

Initiate your request – Master’s in Passing or Terminal Master’s

• When: Year 2. A Master’s in Passing allows doctoral students to receive a master’s degree while working towards their PhD; a Terminal Master’s degree is for when a student leaves the IPN program.
• Requirements: Must have 34 credits completed and a 3.0 GPA. 19 credits and a 3.0 GPA for M.D./Ph.D. students in the IPN. Successful completion of Oral Exam.
• Docusign document: Master’s in Passing or Terminal Master’s
• When it is initiated:  When requested by the student, if all qualifications are met.  The IPN student will speak with the DGS, prior to submitting a request for the M.S. in Passing or the Terminal Masters Docusign.
• Extra Info: Additional steps are listed on the linked google request form relating to graduation. Also those intending to leave the IPN, should NOT apply to graduate in GU Experience (Docusign initiates the graduation process for the Terminal Masters.)

Initiate your request – Oral Qualifying Exam

• When: The oral comprehensive exam must be successfully completed no later than May 31 of Year 2. This form indicates the student completed their oral qualifying exam and the outcome. Any remediation after the initial exam must be completed by June 30 during Year 2. The Oral QE must be passed before ascending to candidacy and full-time thesis research.
• Docusign document: BGE Comps & Qual Exam Ballot
• When it is initiated:  The student will submit this request two to four weeks prior to the Oral Qualifying Exam. The form can also be submitted for a remediation exam after a discussion with the DGS.

Initiate your request – Mentor Commitment Form

• When: Start of Year 2. This form indicates that the student and mentor are entering into an agreement for mentorship and a proposed research project.
• Docusign document: Mentor Commitment Form
• When it is initiated: The student will submit this form at the start of their second year in the IPN once a mentor has been agreed upon. Submit another request if a co-mentor is added later on.

Also: A thesis laboratory should be identified before beginning the Year 2 coursework. Identification of a thesis laboratory is necessary before preparation of the second-year oral qualifying exam can begin.

Initiate your request – Thesis Proposal

• When: No later than end of Year 3. This form indicates that the student has a project and work to do as a full-time thesis student.
• Docusign document: Thesis Proposal Form or BGE Thesis Proposal Form Petition
• When it is initiated: The student will submit this form no later than end of their third year, typically discussed at the IPN Student’s first Thesis Committee Meeting. Please submit your request at least 1 week prior to the meeting.

Also: This Docusign request is typically accompanied by an IPN student’s first Thesis Committee Meeting Docusign request (see below).

Initiate your request – Thesis Committee Meeting (General Progress)

• When: Year 3 through 5. This form is completed whenever the student meets with their committee for updates. 
• Docusign document: Thesis Proposal Form
• When it is initiated:  The student will submit this form at least three times in years 3 through 5. Please submit your request at least 1 week prior to the meeting

Also: This Docusign request is typically accompanied with a Thesis Proposal Docusign request (see above) at an IPN student’s first Thesis Committee Meeting.

Initiate your request – Public Dissertation Seminar and Private Defense Events – Request for Forms and Rooms

By processing this request, a student is indicating that they are prepared to present their public dissertation and hold their private thesis defense events within approximately 6-8 weeks of the request date.

• When: Typically held during an IPN student’s fifth year (up to seventh year).
• Docusign documents: Three Docusign forms will go out for this process:
• When it is initiated:  The student will submit this request at least 6 weeks in advance of the events.

Reviewers Report Form

Sent two weeks prior to events

• Purpose: This form officially submits the thesis to the committee and GSAS; it advises that the student’s dissertation is ready for defense, and the student provides an abstract of their dissertation.

Defense Report Form

Sent immediately after private thesis defense

• Purpose: This form is to officially submit the outcome of the Private Thesis Defense to GSAS.
• Note: Please notify your committee to watch for the Docusign on the day of your defense, or soon after, to ensure it is completed quickly. It is sent out progressively to the various members.

Dissertation Cover Sheet and ETD Form

Sent immediately after private thesis defense

• Purpose: This form is for the student to grant rights and verifies that the committee has examined the dissertation and that they find it satisfactory.
• Note: Please notify your committee to watch for the DocuSign on the day of your defense, or soon after, to ensure it is completed quickly. It is sent out progressively to the various members.

When it is initiated:  The student will submit this request at least 6 weeks in advance of the events.

Also: It is very important to check for emails from the IPN office, BGE, and GSAS before and several weeks after the defense events to ensure all requirements are fulfilled by the Grad School deadlines. If edits are required for the thesis, the Dissertation Cover Sheet and ETD Form will be completed after the private defense, but please keep track of required deadlines related to graduation emailed by GSAS.