Individual Follow-up Committee
Objectives of the IFC
The IFC is a structure that allows regular check-ins throughout the thesis with the doctoral student, to discuss progress and completed training, and to prevent any issues in the course of the thesis or in the relationship between the student and supervisors.
Follow-up Committee Meetings
The interviews take place in three distinct stages: presentation and discussion of progress, interview with the doctoral student without the thesis supervisors, interview with the supervisors without the doctoral student. These meetings can be held via videoconference.
First Year of the Thesis
The doctoral student prepares a progress report (5 to 10 pages) for the members of the IFC. This report is sent to the committee members by email at least one week before the meeting. During the meeting, the student presents their progress and outlines the perspectives and planned schedule for the following two years. This presentation should last approximately 20 minutes.
Following this presentation, a discussion takes place with the follow-up committee and the supervisors. The committee drafts a report indicating its opinion on the progress of the thesis work and provides detailed recommendations for the student.
Second Year of the Thesis
The doctoral student is advised to prepare a 3-page summary report presenting the thesis progress, challenges encountered, and a plan for the remaining year before writing. An oral presentation of the work performed and the results is also required.
Third Year of the Thesis
The third committee meeting is an opportunity to discuss the end of the thesis, the schedule, and post-thesis plans. The doctoral student must submit a report outlining the final thesis schedule. The committee drafts a report in case of problems, detailing solutions and suggesting measures.
Committee Composition and Validation by EDST
The composition of the IFC is defined by the thesis supervisor within 6 months of enrollment and validated by EDST. It remains constant throughout the doctoral program. The IFC is composed of at least two teacher-researchers.
- One member with experience in supervising theses.
- One member belonging to the Lebanese University but outside the supervisor’s team and faculty.
- At least one member external to the Lebanese University.
The composition of the IFC remains constant throughout the doctoral program, and its members do not participate in directing the student’s work nor in the defense as reviewers.