Doctoral Graduation Information
Review the list of essential deadlines for doctoral candidates, and view the academic forms and thesis submission sections for additional resources to guide you in the completion of your degree. If at any time you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate School atÌýgradinfo@colorado.edu.
Graduation Deadlines
ThisÌýincludes all the deadlines for upcoming semesters. Forms must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines for the indicated graduation. These deadlines apply regardless of attendance at the commencement ceremony. (Note: if you do not meet the graduation deadline for your final exam, but can complete the exam before the first day of class for the upcoming semester, you will not be required to register for another semester, but your paperwork will be processed for the next scheduled commencement date. Plan ahead carefully, as this means the exam must be done on or before the Friday before classes begin.) International students in F-1 or J-1 statusÌýmustÌýconsult with International Student and Scholar Services (located in the Center for the Community, room S355) in these cases. F-1 and J-1 regulations require enrollment in order to maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status.ÌýYou must be advised by an ISSS advisor if you will not have future enrollment.
This form was required to have been filled when you passed the comprehensive exam. If your candidacy application has been approved,Ìýit does not need to be filled out againÌýunless there has been a change to the course plan being used toward your degree.
Online Graduation Application
Students mustÌýmustÌýapply online to graduateÌýthroughÌý on the “apply for graduationâ€� card in order to have the degree awarded.ÌýThis notifies the Graduate School and your department that you intend to graduate, and it provides necessary information to the Registrar's Office for ordering and shipping diplomas.ÌýIf you do not complete requirements for the graduation you indicate on the online application, you must apply online to graduate for the new graduation date.ÌýYou must apply to graduate online whether or not you plan to attend the ceremony. Detailed instructions for applying to graduate can be found on the Registrar's site.ÌýPhD students must enter their dissertation title as part of the online graduation application.ÌýThis title will appear in the commencement programÌýand on your transcript. You may update the title through your portal until the deadline to cancel/update.
Doctoral Final Examination Report
All students completing a doctoral degree must hold a final defense of their dissertation (or a final exam for DMA and AuD students). Notice of the examination must be provided to the Graduate School using the doctoral final examination form two weeks before the examÌýwith the date and committee members names, for committee approval. Through a workflow process, the Graduate School and your graduate program must approve your committee, and the form will be sent to your committee members.ÌýThe completed form with committee member signatures will be returned to the Graduate School and your graduate program.
Thesis Specifications &ÌýSubmission Information
The specifications document includes all the necessary information formatting and preparing the PhD dissertation for submission. The dissertation must be submitted electronically, by the deadline, to . The Thesis Approval Form (TAF) must be uploaded as a one page supplemental file with the thesis in order for the submission to be complete.
Dissertation Final Grade Report
All students completing a PhDÌýwill be assigned a grade for dissertation hours. Please contact your graduate program assistant to ensure that the final grade report process has been initiated by your department.
Survey of Earned Doctorates
The survey collects information from all research doctorate graduates in the country toÌýassess characteristics of the doctoral population and trends in doctoral education and degrees. This compiled information is used by policymakers in evaluating the nation’s work force, and it is important for Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØto be accurately represented. More information about the Survey of Earned Doctorates is available on the .
The information provided on the questionnaire remains confidential, and is reported only in a way that does not identify individuals. The survey can be completed in advance of the deadline listed above, and we encourage early completion to facilitate timely degree clearance and award. Students mustÌý by the posted deadline.
Commencement Ceremony, Transcript, andÌýDiploma Information
Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder hosts one commencement ceremony in the spring to celebrate our graduates every year. Whether you’re graduating in the fall, spring or summer semester, you're encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony.ÌýApply for graduationÌýon the Buff Portal by April 1, selecting the term in which you expect to complete your degree requirements to have your name included in the commencement program.
Be sure to seeÌýtheÌýÂé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder commencement websiteÌýfor additional information about upcoming conferral, recognition and commencement activities.. Ensure that you have updated your diploma name and address by the posted deadline; learn more about diplomas and transcripts on the Office of the Registrar's website.