Graduate Studies

Essential Dates for Graduation

Last Day to Apply for Graduation

Degree seeking students must apply for graduation (regardless of whether they plan to attend the commencement ceremony). The form is available on line. Students who do not meet the dates below may experience long delays in receipt of their diplomas.

Fall 2008: September 20

Fall 2008 Commencement Ceremony

Commencement Ceremony for the Graduate Students will be held Sunday, December 21, in the Holmes Convocation Center. You can read more about the ceremony, including information for family and friends attending on the University Registrar's website.

10:00 a.m. - Reich College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony will be held at the Holmes Convocation Center. All doctoral, education specialist, master, and baccalaureate degree candidates will graduate with their respective colleges.
2:00 p.m. - Walker College of Business, the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and the School of Music ceremony will be held at the Holmes Convocation Center. All doctoral, education specialist, masters, and baccalaureate degree candidates will graduate with their respective colleges.

A note for August graduates: Students who complete their programs in the summer will have an August graduation date. The University does not have a commencement ceremony in August, so students finishing in the summer will be listed in the programs at the December commencement ceremony. However, summer graduates may choose to walk in May instead, in which case you can arrange to mail copies of the December commencement program.

Thesis / Dissertation Deadlines

See the Thesis Handbook or Dissertation Handbook for detailed instructions.

Last day to defend a thesis or dissertation is 10 calendar days before the last regular class day.
Submission of a defended draft of the thesis or dissertation is due in the Graduate School no later than 7 calendar days before the last regular class day. Your draft will be reviewed by the Graduate School readers, and additional changes may be necessary.
Submission of the final copies of the thesis or dissertation revised as required by the Graduate School. No later than 1 day before the first day of the next term. Delay beyond this point will result in a delay of graduation.

Written / Oral Comprehensives and Products of Learning

Last day for Registrar's Office to receive report of successful completion of the written or oral comprehensive exams, product-of-learning presentation or capstone research:

The signed paperwork must be received in the Registrar's Office at least 1 day before final exams begin in the semester of graduation.