If the committee agrees unanimously that the student has passed: A Report of Completion is signed by all committee members present for the defense.
If only one member dissents: The dissenting member files a letter of explanation to the NHS Graduate Chair, NHS Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies, but the student is approved for the degree and a Report of Completion is signed accordingly.
If more than one member dissents: The student fails to pass the final oral exam. The committee files a report on the failure to the NHS Graduate Chair, NHS Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies, indicating what the student must do before attempting another examination. A student may attempt a final oral exam only once per term.