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. 

Fall 2026 Graduation

Date

Activity

October 16, 2026         Last day to submit Form E Preliminary Agreement to Schedule the Dissertation Defense (8 weeks prior to graduation)
October 30, 2026 Last day to defend: (6 weeks prior to graduation)
November 13, 2026 Last day to submit final version of dissertation to ProQuest, survey of earned doctorates (SED), and Form F submission: (4 weeks prior to graduation)
December 12, 2026 Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Dates
October 30, 2026 Last day to submit Form E Preliminary Agreement to Schedule the Dissertation Defense (6 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
November 13, 2026 Last day to defend: (4 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
November 20, 2026 Final version of project submitted to ProQuest and Form F Submission (3 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)

Please note that the listed deadlines are final.

Spring 2027 Graduation

Date

Activity

March 19, 2027        Last day to submit Form E Preliminary Agreement to Schedule the Dissertation Defense (8 weeks prior to graduation)
April 2, 2027 Last day to defend: (6 weeks prior to graduation)
April 16, 2027 Last day to submit final version of dissertation to ProQuest, survey of earned doctorates (SED), and Form F submission: (4 weeks prior to graduation)
May 15, 2027 Spring 2027 Commencement Ceremony

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student Dates
April 2, 2027 Last day to submit Form E Preliminary Agreement to Schedule the Dissertation Defense (6 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
April 16, 2027 Last day to defend: (4 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)
April 23, 2027 Final version of project submitted to ProQuest and Form F Submission (3 weeks prior to graduation-DNP students only)

Please note that the listed deadlines are final.