Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation
There are four degree lists per year: September, December, March, and June. To file to graduate, you must either be a registered student or on Filing Fee status. Should you miss the deadline for a particular degree list but file before the end of a quarter, your name shifts from one degree list to the next. Keep in mind your thesis or dissertation must be submitted to each member of your committee at least four weeks before you expect to make requested revisions.
For a sample title page, formatting guidelines, and more information from the Office of Graduate Studies, see Preparing and Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation.
Filing Fee Status
Filing Fee is a non-registered student status available if you have Advanced to Candidacy. This status maintains your eligibility to complete your degree without being registered for one quarter and one quarter only. You may use this option when all of your coursework and research have been completed, your thesis or dissertation is in final draft form and you no longer need to use campus facilities. The application and regulations for Filing Fee are available here (under "Registration and Holds").
Commencement
There is one graduate student commencement ceremony annually in June. Registration to participate is typically open from early-February to mid-April. You are eligible to walk so long as you have earned your degree or expect to file to graduate by September 30th of the same year.
Please visit Commencement Central for important dates and other details.
Graduate Studies Resources
Please visit the following links for more detailed information as you prepare to graduate.
- Calendar and Deadlines
For deadlines for submitting your thesis or dissertation. - GradPathways
For free training opportunities on topics of professional development. - Internship and Career Center
For comprehensive career services, including one-on-one advising. - Information for Degree Candidates
For students who have Advanced to Candidacy and are preparing to graduate.
