Crossing the Finish Line

Congratulations!  You have completed all of your required coursework and degree requirements.  Your thesis or dissertation has been approved, or you’ve passed your comprehensive exam/capstone course, or you had a successful project/show.  Now, Graduate Studies needs to process your final paperwork to file you to graduate and add your name to the degree list.

Filing your Thesis or Dissertation

If you’ve written a thesis or dissertation, you’ll submit it electronically through ProQuest ETD, and submit your filing paperwork to the Graduate Studies Senior Academic Advisors (SAA's).  Comprehensive information about the filing process is available on the Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation website.  In Fall, Winter, and Spring, Graduate Studies SAAs host a live Filing Workshop.  Dates for the next workshops and recordings of the previous workshop are available on the Filing page.  The Publishing Options, Embargo, & Copyright page includes answers to many questions about ownership, protection, and release of the thesis and dissertation

The filing deadline for each degree list (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) is the last day of instruction of the quarter.  Students who file during finals week will be awarded on the next quarter's degree list, but won't need to enroll in that quarter.  Students who file after the last day of Fall, Winter, and Summer quarters will need to enroll in or go on filing fee for that quarter.  Review the Academic Dates & Deadlines calendar to help you plan.  

Finishing the MFA of the Master's Plan II

Your Graduate Coordinator or major professor will submit your MFA Report or Master's Report to Graduate Studies.  The submission deadline for these reports is the last day of instruction to be added to that quarter's degree list. Receiving the report is the cue for Graduate Studies to file you to graduate.  To receive a degree conferral letter from Graduate Studies confirming students have completed the degree, students must also submit the Exit Information Form to your Graduate Coordinator for signature and forwarding to Graduate Studies.  Review the Completing the Master's Plan II or MFA page for more information.

Have Questions?

Graduate Studies Senior Academic Advisors (SAAs) manage the filing and graduation process for all grad students. SAAs are available to answer questions and provide support on email, Slack, or by appointment.  

Review the Diplomas, Transcripts, and Verification page for information about the conferral letter and verifying your degree.