Dear All,

The recommendation for Qualifying Examinations scheduled for Spring 2022 will be the same as this quarter: we encourage all graduate programs to hold QEs in person. However, we recognize that continued flexibility may be needed. Thus, the process for reviewing and approving Spring 2022 QEs will be the same as that for Winter 2022. 

Students may request any of the following formats for their Spring 2022 QE:

1. Fully in-person for the student and all committee members.
2. Fully remote for all participants.
3. In-person exam with remote participation for one committee member, as before COVID for committee members from other institutions. Students must submit the request for the remote participant via the Remote Participation Request Form for Graduate Studies to review and approve or deny.

How to inform Graduate Studies of the format of the QE:

• For Spring 2022 QE applications that have not yet been submitted, the intended format (remote or in-person) of the QE must be noted on the QE application. Note: per policy, QE applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the planned exam date
• Individuals scheduling QEs for the summer quarters should expect they will be in-person.

As a reminder, all advanced degree committees are expected to follow the same campus and Academic Senate guidance regarding remote participation. In addition, please continue to follow the campus public health requirements and policies (e.g., COVID testing, mask requirements, etc.) for in-person activities in spring.

More information on COVID-related exceptions can be found on the Graduate Studies website.

Please share this with students and faculty who are planning qualifying exams for Spring. If you have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to send me an email.

Sincerely,
Duncan Temple Lang
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs