On the basis of the preliminary examination statements, the Academic Council decides on the permission to print the dissertation and appoints the custos and the opponents (one or two) for the public examination. All studies included in the degree must have been completed before the permission to print can be granted by the Academic Council.

The coordinating supervisor submits the proposal for the opponent and custos in DOCIS (link to LUT intra, restricted access) at least a week before the Academic Council meeting (deadline at noon). Check the dates for the Academic Council meetings and deadlines (see Files - Dissertation process important dates). After the coordinating supervisor has added the proposal in DOCIS, the student, other supervisors and LUT Doctoral School will receive a notification about the proposed opponent, and the matter will move forward to the Academic Council.

The custos (chairperson) of the public examination is usually one of the supervisors, who must be eligible to act as a coordinating supervisor for doctoral students. The custos advises the opponent(s) on the protocol of the public examination, helps with travel and accommodation arrangements, as well as with other possible issues related to the event. The opponent's reward and travel expenses are paid by the school of the doctoral candidate.

After the Academic Council meeting LUT Doctoral School will notify the opponent, the doctoral candidate and the supervisors about the decision and provide a link to the DOCIS system, where the opponent can familiarize themselves with the instructions regarding the public examination and the opponent statement.

LUT University Press will deliver the final electronic version of the dissertation to the doctoral candidate, who must upload it in DOCIS right away. The opponent can download the file from DOCIS in preparation for the public examination.

By the latest after getting the permission to print the doctoral candidate starts the publishing and printing process of the dissertation, takes care of the media announcement and the arrangements for the public examination.