Getting ready to graduate? See our doctoral graduation checklist to be sure you have what is needed to graduate on time.
Summer 2026 (Conferral Date: September 12, 2026)
Activity | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Last day to file application for dissertation defense | 2 weeks prior to defense | Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve. |
Last day to hold dissertation defense | August 21 | Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here. |
Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense | 2 weeks after defense | Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. |
Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies | 2 weeks after defense |
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Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate | September 22 |
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Fall 2026 (Conferral Date: December 12, 2026)
Activity | Deadline | NOtes |
|---|---|---|
Priority deadline to submit an application to graduate in the Grad Student Portal | October 25 | After this date, students must file a late application petition in the Grad Student Portal. |
Last day to provide a draft of the dissertation to your committee | 3 weeks prior to defense | This is the university's generally expected timeframe. Check with your department and/or committee for their specific requirements. |
Last day to file application for dissertation defense | 2 weeks prior to defense | Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve. |
Last day to hold dissertation defense | November 27 | Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here. |
Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense | 2 weeks after defense | Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. |
Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies | 2 weeks after defense |
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Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate | December 22 |
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Winter 2027 (Conferral Date: March 20, 2027)
activity | Deadline | notes |
|---|---|---|
Priority deadline to submit an application to graduate in the Grad Student Portal | January 31 | After this date, students must file a late application petition in the Grad Student Portal. |
Last day to provide a draft of the dissertation to your committee | 3 weeks prior to defense | This is the university's generally expected timeframe. Check with your department and/or committee for their specific requirements. |
Last day to file application for dissertation defense | 2 weeks prior to defense | Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve. |
Last day to hold dissertation defense | March 5 | Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here. |
Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense | 2 weeks after defense | Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. |
Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies | 2 weeks after defense |
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Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate | March 30 |
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Spring 2027 (Conferral Date: June 12, 2027)
activity | Deadline | notes |
|---|---|---|
Priority deadline to submit an application to graduate in the Grad Student Portal | April 25 | After this date, students must file a late application petition in the Grad Student Portal. |
Last day to provide a draft of the dissertation to your committee | 3 weeks prior to defense | This is the university's generally expected timeframe. Check with your department and/or committee for their specific requirements. |
Last day to file application for dissertation defense | 2 weeks prior to defense | Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve. |
Last day to hold dissertation defense | May 28 | Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here. |
Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense | 2 weeks after defense | Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. |
Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies | 2 weeks after defense |
|
Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate | June 22 |
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