Year 3: Viva Voce

Viva voce derives from Medieval Latin, which means "with the living voice." Students present their doctoral research and related research components or documentation to a panel of two academic experts who have reviewed and approved the Dissertation.

The reviewers evaluate the student's ability to articulate their knowledge, engage in critical thinking and discourse, contextualize their research, findings, and the significance of their conclusions, and confirm their original contribution to knowledge.

No one but the reviewers, independent chair, or student may speak.

Students gain experience and confidence by presenting in incrementally increased duration at every residency. The Confirmation of Registrations is a smaller form of viva voce. There will additionally be opportunities to rehearse with peers and in a mock viva with their advisory team.

The event is also an opportunity for the student to share the culmination of their research project with their peers and the academic community that accompanied them through their doctoral journey. The student can invite family, friends, and the public to sit in the audience.

The event is a significant milepost, a serious and celebratory occasion.