Dear (Professor) XX
My PhD student YY is about to finish his/her dissertation on “ZZ”, which is expected to be handed in on DATE MONTH YEAR (fx 14 October 2013). Since his/her project is within your area of research expertise, I would be very pleased if you are willing to consider being a member of the assessment committee. The dissertation comprises an introduction and [three papers, of which two are published and one submitted]:
The committee consists of three members, with Professor NN from our Department as chair. The committee is allowed to divide the primary assessment tasks between its members (normally about equally), although all members, of course, are responsible for assessing the dissertation as a whole.
The assessment of the dissertation is supposed to be finished two months after the PhD student hands in his/her dissertation, although postponement is possible.
The defence should normally take place about one month after the assessment of the dissertation. It will last for about two hours and require the presence of the committee. The procedure starts with a presentation by the candidate lasting up to 45 minutes, after which each of the committee members has about 25 minutes for questions and comments.
You will receive a fee according to agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations of approx. € 900 (2013 level).
Hoping for at positive response,
Yours sincerely,
MM