The Dean (or delegate) of the student’s faculty names the chair of the jury. The chair of the jury has to be authorized to supervises theses. The thesis defence may not be chaired by the thesis supervisor or one of the examiners.
The faculty organizes the oral defence at a time acceptable to the examiners and the student. All examiners and the student must attend the defence, either in person or remotely.
Prior to the defence, the chair of the jury receives from the faculty, a file containing the examiners' reports and other documents pertaining to the defence.
Thesis defences are open to the public, except in the case of a confidential thesis. Other students are invited to attend to familiarize themselves with the process, and to discuss with their supervisor how to prepare for their own defence.
Once the date of the defence has been set, the student should, among other things:
- Ask the academic unit to reserve the audiovisual equipment needed for the defence.
- Visit the room where the defence will take place.
- Arrive early on the day of the examination.
- Check with the academic unit to find out what procedure applies to the defence.