Important Dates for Grad Students Planning a Fall 2026 Graduation

Following are two very important dates for grad students planning a thesis defense during Fall 2026 (please read carefully):

August 24: If you plan to defend your thesis on or after August 24, 2026, but before January 19, 2027 (the start of the Spring 2027 term), you must register for the entire Fall 2026 term. Minimum committee requirements and additional information regarding doctoral examinations can be found in the Graduate College Handbook.

November 24: If you defend your thesis during the Fall 2026 term and resign your Fall 2026 RA or TA appointment before November 24, you will lose your tuition waiver for the Fall 2026 term UNLESS you follow the following procedure: You must deposit your thesis within seven (7) days before or after the date you resign your appointment. Note: If you don't follow this procedure exactly as described, it is likely that you will be required to pay the full amount of tuition and fees for the Fall 2026 term.

If you resign your Fall 2026 RA or TA appointment on or after November 24, you will keep your tuition waiver for the Fall 2026 term regardless of when you deposit your thesis. Students with assistantship appointments are eligible to hold their assistantships through the end of the semester in which they deposit if the end date of their appointment is the same or later than the deposit date.

If you have any questions regarding these deadlines, rules, or procedures, please contact Lance Cooper in the Grad Programs office.