Information for the Chair of Committee at the Faculty of Social Sciences (SAM)
The evaluation committee for a doctoral examination functions as a team, but the participants have somewhat different roles, especially in connection with the public defence: see the advisory overview for the defence day at SAM.
The first opponent presents the purpose and results of the scientific study and will often place the dissertation in a broader academic context, maximum 20–30 minutes. The first opponent then opens the discussion of specific issues and points of contention in the dissertation, which the candidate must address, around 60 minutes. The second opponent should use somewhat less time than the first opponent; the norm is 45 minutes.
The opponents divide the tasks between themselves. The defence is planned to last at most three hours in total, including a break of approximately 15 minutes between the two opponents.
Academic and administrative role
The third opponent in the evaluation committee is a full member of the committee but also has a dual role. He/she is both an academic member of the committee and the committee chair. If the first or second opponent is unable to attend, the third opponent must be prepared to step in for the absent member. He/she is responsible for coordinating and organising the committee’s work and serves as the link between the administration and the committee. The committee chair has a particular responsibility for ensuring that the committee’s work complies with the PhD regulations (lovdata.no) and OsloMet’s guidelines for the degree philosophiae doctor.
Deadlines
The committee’s recommendation should preferably be ready no later than three months after receipt of the dissertation. The third opponent compiles the recommendation and sends it to the PhD administration. The defence can be held four to six weeks after the committee’s recommendation has been received. A tentative date—preferably two or three possible dates—should be agreed as early as possible and sent to the PhD administration, which will coordinate with the relevant participants to determine which date is suitable. The topic for the trial lecture must be sent to the PhD administration no later than three weeks before the defence.
The defence
On the day before, and on the day of the defence, the third opponent acts as the “host” for the committee, guiding and coordinating activities. The external committee members should arrive in Oslo the day before the defence. The third opponent arranges a working dinner at a suitable restaurant for the entire committee on the evening before the defence. Expenses for the dinner are reimbursed by the department afterwards; use the DFØ app for reimbursement. Government rates for hospitality must be used.
On the day of the defence, the third opponent meets the external committee members and escorts them to the meeting room reserved for the purpose. The meeting room is reserved from 09:30 on the day of the defence and is at the committee’s disposal for the entire day. Coffee and tea will be served in the meeting room upon arrival. Lunch is served in the same place right after the trial lecture.
The defence usually concludes around 14:30.
The committee will usually also be invited by the doctoral candidate to a doctoral dinner/celebration in the evening. It is customary for the committee chair to give a speech during the dinner.