After the candidate finishes writing the dissertation, his or her reading committee must be appointed. The purpose of the reading committee is to determine readiness for the final examination. The Chairperson of the supervisory committee submits a memo to the Graduate Program Assistant in the Office of Academic Services, requesting appointment of individuals from the supervisory committee to serve as members of the reading committee. Typically, the reading committee consists of all members of the supervisory committee except the GSR.

The reading committee must approve the dissertation proposal and sign a Request for Final Exam. All members of the supervisory committee must sign this form; however, the exam may be held with the minimum number of members specified in Graduate School Memorandum No.13. The chairperson of the Supervisory Committee submits the request for the Final Examination, which can be held no sooner than three weeks from the date of the request form. This allows time for the Graduate School to evaluate the candidate's record.

The Reading Committee's evaluation of candidate readiness for the final examination does not automatically assure passing the final examination. All members of the Supervisory Committee read the dissertation and provide feedback. All Committee members must be given at least two weeks prior to the final examination to do so. If the two-week requirement cannot be met, the defense must be rescheduled.