External Examiners are essential to upholding the quality of graduate scholarship at Queen’s University.
Three to four weeks prior to the oral thesis examination, an email will be sent from the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs confirming the date, time and location of the exam. Included in this email will be a letter from the Vice-Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs with information about the travel claim form, notes on the conduct of oral examinations at Queen's University, and report form.
Report Requirements:
A written evaluation of the thesis is to be sent by email to thesis@queensu.ca at least 5 working days before the defense. This report is not to be shared with the candidate or the supervisor(s) prior to before the oral examination.
Please see Notes on the Conduct of Oral Examinations for the Guidance of External Examiners (PDF, 103KB).
It is preferred that all examiners be physically present for the oral thesis examination. However, in certain extenuating circumstances, it is acceptable for the oral thesis examination to be scheduled so that the external examiner from outside of Queen's University can participate in the oral thesis examination remotely.
Arrangements for the use of remote access services must be made by the graduate department/program. Remote participation of the external examiner must be agreed to by the Department Head and/or Graduate Coordinator, the student, and supervisor(s) of the student, being examined.
The external examiner will receive a $100.00 honorarium and be reimbursed for travel, meals and accommodations up to a maximum of $800.
- The most reasonable and affordable means of travel and accommodation should be sought as per the University’s travel policy
- Meals/per diems are reimbursed up to maximums specified in the Treasury Board of Canada Joint National Council guidelines (Travel Directive-Appendix C). Please see their website for current rates. Please note that alcohol purchases will not be reimbursed
- Itemized travel receipts (including meals) are to be scanned and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs at sgspa.admin@queensu.ca along with the examiner’s home mailing address
- Out-of-country examiners are reimbursed in USD, on par with CAD
The examiner will receive an email following the exam with instructions for receiving their honorarium.