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.
- Webex Meetings software.  Participants will need to download and install the Webex software

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.

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.


Keywordswebex dissertator   Doc ID99546
OwnerAdam W.GroupSchool of Education
Created2020-03-26 09:47:22Updated2020-03-26 11:02:01
SitesSchool of Education
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