Thesis Defense and Graduation

Degree Granting Dates

• September 30, 2020 (all academic requirements MUST be fulfilled on or before 9/29/2020)
• January 29, 2021 (all academic requirements MUST be fulfilled on or before 1/28/2021)
• May 2021 (all academic requirements MUST be fulfilled on or before 4/23/2021)

Commencement Ceremony

• Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 2021 (TBA) 
• Graduation Application (TBA)

Graduation Reception

• May 2021 - Location TBA

Thesis and Defense Guidelines and Forms

• Thesis and Defense Guidelines 
• Thesis Defense Committee Form 
• Thesis Defense Committee Report Form 

After the Defense: Graduation Forms

• Graduation Checklist 
• PhD Diploma Form: How you want your name on your diploma 
• Survey of Earned Doctorates: Required by NSF for all science doctorates
  • Certificate of completion must be submitted to the Graduate Office
   
• ProQuest Online Form
  • ProQuest Guide: Registering and copyrighting your Thesis  
   
• PhD Alumni Survey: How can we reach you after you graduate? 
• Honorary “Thank You” Certificate Form: Who helped you along the way? 

Resources

• Cite it Right! A Guide to Thesis Preparation 
• NIH Guide to Ethical Writing 
• Copyright Guide 
• Academic Calendar 

International Students

• International students must meet with the OIS before submitting the Thesis Defense Committee Form 
• OPT - Information available at the Office of International Services (OIS)

Housing

• Student housing terminates 30 days from the date you submit all your paperwork