Important Doctoral Dates

Please be sure to apply for graduation online through your SAIL account. Find more information about the graduation application deadlines and fees.

See all required forms on our Doctoral Checklist

Spring 2026 Graduation

Date

Activity

March 20, 2026         Last day to submit Form E Preliminary Agreement to Schedule the Dissertation Defense (8 weeks prior to graduation)
April 3, 2026 Last day to defend: (6 weeks prior to graduation)
April 17, 2026 Last day to submit final version of dissertation to ProQuest, survey of earned doctorates (SED), dissertation fee and Form F submission: (4 weeks prior to graduation)
May 16, 2026 Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Dates
April 3, 2026 Last day to submit Form E Preliminary Agreement to Schedule the Dissertation Defense (6 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
April 17, 2026 Last day to defend: (4 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
April 24, 2026 Final version of project submitted to ProQuest (3 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
May 1, 2026 Form F Submission (2 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)

Please note that the listed deadlines are final.