Preparing for and Conducting a Successful
Remote Dissertation/Thesis Defense

• Create a Zoom account.
  • Claim your UC San Diego Zoom Pro account: http://ucsd.zoom.us/
  • Refer to Blink's Zoom: Quick Start Guide 
• Arrange a practice session with committee members
  • Ask to meet one week before your defense date to ensure everyone is familiar with Zoom
  • Refer to Blink's Zoom: User Guide 
• Start early
  • Activate the meeting room 30 minutes prior to starting
  • Request that committee members join at least 20 minutes before starting
    • Consider sending them calendar invites with the Zoom link
• Be comfortable
  • Find a comfortable location to deliver the presentation
  • There should be good lighting, minimal noise, an appropriate backdrop, and no chance of interruption.
• Get support
  • Consider ways you might include others in your remote defense, such as inviting them to the meeting room or having household members in the room for support.