Getting Started Writing Your Thesis/Dissertation

Make sure you have an approved Committee Appointment Form and a Program of Study Form on file with the Graduate College
Attend a Thesis Workshop presented by the Graduate College
Review Organizing Your Thesis on the Thesis website
Work closely with your Major Professor and Committee as you develop ideas and content for your thesis
Use the Thesis Template (Word), if needed, as you start writing your thesis

Thinking About Graduation

Review the Thesis/Graduation Deadlines for the semester/year you plan to graduate
Attend a Thesis Workshop, if you haven’t already done so
Serious meetings with your Major Professor and Committee about your thesis content and timeline for finishing
Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadlines of the semester you plan to graduate. If you have a change of mind, withdraw by the cancellation date. Summer graduates attending Spring/Fall ceremony need to follow special deadlines. See Thesis/Graduation Deadlines.
Estimate the timeline for your final oral, submit a Request for Final Oral form three weeks before the final oral
Contact a local editor or typist if you need assistance formatting or editing your thesis

Meet the deadlines listed for Thesis/Graduation
Submit the Application for Graduation by the deadline of the semester you plan to graduate. Summer graduates attending Spring/Fall ceremony need to follow special deadlines. See Thesis/Graduation Deadlines.
Verify all the requirements on your POS have been completed
Review your thesis to make sure it meets the formatting requirements
Complete your final oral examination. Your Major Professor submits the Report of Final Oral form
Submit the Thesis Submission form and the Graduate Approval Slip to the Graduate College
Complete the online Thesis Checklist and upload your thesis to ProQuest/UMI
Watch for an emails requesting revisions or stating acceptance of your thesis
Typically, receiving an acceptance e-mail is the last communication before you graduate!