The student is expected to recommend the Chair and members of the Supervisory Committee to the Associate Dean for Academic Services as soon as possible after the first year of courses are completed. Students send a written letter of request to the Associate Dean for approval of the chair and members of the supervisory committee. The letter should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. In one paragraph, state the proposed research area and how it relates to development of the major domain of knowledge. Describe how the related field supports your development.


2. For each committee member, including the Graduate School Representative, include the following:
   • title and department;
   • field and institution of earned doctorate;
   • area of expertise and interest;
   • area of research opportunity;
   • how this person will support the student in developing:
     1. their major domain of knowledge,
     2. a proposed research design and/or methodology,
     3. a supporting knowledge domain, and
     4. clarity and growth in role development.
   • This member of the supervisory committee has no conflict of interest in serving on the committee.
   • NOTE: You must include a CV for any committee member who is NOT a member of the UW Graduate Faculty.


3. State the quarter and year in which you hope to schedule your General Examination. It is not expected that you commit firmly to this date; rather, it is a tentative date given to the Graduate School for planning purposes.

You may wish to use the format in a suggested Sample Committee Request Letter.