The finding Not Qualified At This Time is used when there are deficiencies either in breadth and depth of knowledge or in demonstration of research potential or both, but those deficiencies are judged to be remediable and the candidate is encouraged to request a second oral examination after a term or two. If only research is deficient, the examining committee may wait a term or so to receive an updated estimate of research potential from a research supervisor and may then forward a recommendation to the Area II Committee, or may do so after holding a second oral examination dealing only with research issues.
The finding Not Qualified is intended to warn the student that in the judgement of the faculty his/her chances of successful completion of the doctorate are small and that alternative educational or career goals should be seriously considered. However, students found not qualified may remain enrolled and repeat the OQE after one or two more terms, but usually not later than their sixth term of graduate study. A student who has not been found qualified after a second OQE will generally not be allowed to enter the doctoral program.