Dissertation Progress Report (DPR)

The Dissertation Progress Report (DPR) is a tool for the PhD student to provide an update on his/her progress, difficulties, resource requirements, publications, and planning for the next semester. Towards the end of each semester (typically week 10) following successful completion of the RPE, students should submit a short progress report to the RSC. The committee reviews the DPR and provides feedback to the Advisors. The Main Advisor should consider this feedback when submitting the research progress evaluation of the student at the end of the semester. The DPR shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Original/revised research goals;
• Completed work;
• Status of completed and proposed goals; and
• Publications.

Completion of the DPR on a semester basis helps students to carry out well-paced research, making it easier to complete their dissertation and publications in time. It also acts as an important communication channel between the student and his/her research committee, especially when a large team is involved. 

All PhD students should give an oral presentation annually to the RSC members after successful completion of the PhD Research Proposal Examination (RPE).