PEO

Timetable for Preliminary Oral Exam (POE)


Approximately 6 months before exam

  1. See MS&E Student Handbook for details about what is required for written document.
  2. Prepare an outline of the written document for POE. Do NOT prepare the document before the outline. Share with D. Kovar and get his approval BEFORE the next step (writing the document).
  3. Begin preparing written document. Most people find that it is easiest to begin with the experimental procedure, then the background, results, discussion, conclusion, and then finally introduction.


Approximately 3 months before exam

  1. Complete draft of written document and submit to D. Kovar. It will take several iterations of review before it is ready to be submitted to your committee. Expect a week for D. Kovar to read and correct EACH iteration of the document under normal circumstances (e.g. assuming he is teaching and performing his other regular duties, but not on vacation or at a conference)


2 months before exam

  1. Final written document should be complete or nearly so
  2. Contact committee members about availability; schedule exam date and location (book room)
  3. Begin preparing oral presentation by preparing an outline of the talk and sharing with D. Kovar


1 month before exam

  1. Send the final version of the written document to the committee. At that time ask if they would prefer a written copy.


2 weeks before exam

  1. Schedule a time and place to practice your oral presentation in front of D. Kovar and the students in the group. Expect that this will take 2 hours.


1 Day before exam

  1. Send email reminder to your committee members about the time and location of the PEO
  2. Purchase or plan to purchase some light refreshments (drinks, cookies, etc.). D. Kovar will reimburse you for the cost.


Day of exam

  1. Print out:
    1. POE form (available on TMI website @ http://tmi.utexas.edu/forms-student-handbook/)
    2. Learning Outcomes form (available on TMI website @ http://tmi.utexas.edu/forms-student-handbook/)
    3. Bring the printed copies to your PEO