Changing Qualifying Exam Committee Members

[blah0016]

I was planning to take my qualifying exam in September 2012, in engineering. I picked four faculty members. Now I want to delay my exam for a month because I don't feel ready, and want to change 2 members of my committee because 2 of the current members are refusing to meet with me, not responding to emails, etc., not telling me what types of questions they will ask.

I want to pick two people who I know care enough to meet with me regularly and tell me at least some of the types of questions they might ask so I can feel more prepared and study better.

The exam hasn't been officially booked yet, but I did set a date that works with all 4 current members in September. How can I go about telling those 2 committee members that I'm changing my committee? Is this all right to do? Is there a diplomatic/easy way to do this? Or should I just stick with the committee I have now?

[Elli389]

This is a difficult situation indeed.

I'm sure someone with a lot more experience than I will step in here and give you advice.

But in the meantime, have you checked to see if it is even possible to change committee members at this point?

Haven't you already filed paperwork with your department naming your committee?

[TMP]

Talk to your adviser and the DGS. They'll tell you what they think is the best route at this point.

[rising_star]

In general, yes, that is the right thing to do. If your committee members are unresponsive, you should replace them. Talk to your advisor before communicating directly with any of them.