Using Webex for Dissertation Defenses
This document outlines tools and process for an effective use of Webex for conducting dissertation defenses.
How do I request support?
For assistance with planning and running a dissertation defense, please email helpdesk@education.wisc.edu.
What do I need to run Webex?
All participants will need:
- A computer equipped with a microphone and camera. Most laptops have a microphone and camera built-in. If you are using a desktop computer, you will need a camera. (The Logitech C920s is one recommended webcam option.)
- A high-speed internet connection. For video conferencing, participants will need a connection with speeds of 2 Mb/s or greater.
How will the online connection be supported?
1 week prior to defense date:
- Dissertator should contact MERIT Helpdesk with date and time of the defense and identify all participants who will attend;
- One UW Faculty or Staff member must be designated as the meeting host--MERIT will assist them in scheduling the Webex connection;
- MERIT support staff will schedule a consultation with the dissertator to discuss best practices for presenting online.
At least 1 day prior to defense date:
- MERIT support staff will test connections with all participants;
- Dissertator will consult with support staff and test presentation (if used) over Webex.
- MERIT support staff will test connections with all participants;
- Dissertator will consult with support staff and test presentation (if used) over Webex.
Day of defense:
- Designated Faculty or Staff meeting host starts Webex meeting (5 mins before official meeting start time);
- MERIT support staff joins to make sure the connection is working; shortly after the meeting has started, support staff will leave the meeting if all is going well;
- When the dissertator has finished their presentation, they leave the Webex meeting during committee deliberations;
- A committee member will call the dissertator to ask them to rejoin on Webex after deliberations;
- If the designated meeting host has to leave the Webex early, they should assign another meeting host.
- Designated Faculty or Staff meeting host starts Webex meeting (5 mins before official meeting start time);
- MERIT support staff joins to make sure the connection is working; shortly after the meeting has started, support staff will leave the meeting if all is going well;
- When the dissertator has finished their presentation, they leave the Webex meeting during committee deliberations;
- A committee member will call the dissertator to ask them to rejoin on Webex after deliberations;
- If the designated meeting host has to leave the Webex early, they should assign another meeting host.