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Weekly Digest Nov. 17

November 17, 2025

To Graduate Students, Graduate Support Staff, & Directors of Graduate Education | Week of November 17, 2025

Here are the key updates and deadlines from the Graduate College. For more details, follow the links provided.

🗓️ Action Items & Deadlines

For Spring 2026 Graduates – Upcoming Deadlines

  • ALL master’s and graduate certificate students must have your academic plan fully approved in Workday no later than December 19, 2025, to schedule a final oral defense or graduate Spring 2026.  Submit your academic plan early for routing and approval to meet the December 19 deadline and remain on track for spring graduation!  Once submitted, it is your responsibility to track the routing process to confirm that your academic plan is approved by the December 19 deadline.   

  • Graduation Requirements & Deadlines: Did you know that graduation requirements can be found on the Graduate College website and graduation deadlines are available more than a year in advance?  Plan early to meet all requirements and deadlines for the semester of your graduation! 

For Fall 2026 Graduates – Upcoming Deadlines

  • November 19

    • Open your dissertation/thesis account with ProQuest and input the title of your dissertation or thesis. This deadline must be met to include your title in the commencement program. 

  • November 28

    • Last date for final oral examination.

  • December 2

    • Students submit Graduate Student Approval form. This form is required before we will review or approve your dissertation, thesis, or creative component.   
    • All incompletes, non-reports, and F grades from past terms must be resolved. Students, check your transcripts and work with your instructors to resolve any issues with grades!
    • The student’s major professor must notify the Graduate College that conditions have been met, if a student had received a conditional pass on the final oral exam.

  • December 4

    • Upload and submit your final dissertation or thesis to ProQuest. Before uploading and submitting to ProQuest, review the Format Self-Check Checklist.
    • Upload and submit your final creative component to the ISU Digital Repository. Follow the instructions to upload and submit.

  • Final clearance of academic requirements will be made after fall semester grades have been posted to transcripts, reviewed, and evaluated by the Graduate College.

🧰 Resources & Reminders

  • Grad Mixer Wednesdays: Join us on November 19 in the Student Innovation Center Room 4237. The theme is "Build and protect Your Scholarly Reputation - Part 2" The events, hosted by the Graduate College Professional Development Team, will prepare attendees to develop and celebrate leadership skills, gain knowledge about copyright and publishing licenses, and use of GenAI in scholarly works. ➡️ Grad Mixer Wednesdays

  • Career Conversations: Join us on Tuesday, November 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for an engaging workshop "Cyhire, Big Interview, Beyond, Going Global - How to Use These Online Platforms?" where you will learn how to navigate and maximize CyHire, Big Interview, Beyond, and Going Global online platforms designed to enhance your job search, interview preparation, and global career opportunities. ➡️ Webex Link

  • Beyond Graduate School: November 19, 1-1:30 PM. Zoom. "How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise?" This webinar will help you: 1) Plan your negotiation; 2)Clarify your added value, skills, and knowledge so you can make the case for your advancement; 3) Help you research your promotion options by reaching out to your network. ➡️ Online Link

  • Beyond Professoriate: November 19, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. Zoom. "How to Job Search During Uncertain Times?" In this webinar you will learn about a four-step framework to help graduate students and postdocs navigate career planning during times of change. Whether you’re exploring nonacademic career options or just looking for stability, this session will provide clarity and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence. ➡️ Online Link

  • Individual Career Consultations: Graduate students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Graduate Career Coaches for personalized support. Whether you're exploring career options, crafting your resume or CV, preparing other job application materials, or seeking guidance on job search strategies, our team is here to help. Visit the Graduate Career Services website to learn more and book your appointment.

🤝 Partners

  • LIB 5600x: Advanced Research Skills for Graduate Students: The University Library is offering LIB 5600x, a 2-credit advanced research course designed for graduate students who want to strengthen their research skills.  ➡️ Learn more and register

  • Academia to Industry: November 21, noon to 1 p.m. "Navigating One’s Career Path in Industry and Continued Development". Get an inside look at how to navigate and thrive in a dynamic corporate environment. Learn from a data scientist’s perspective about building transferable skills, leveraging professional development opportunities, and setting yourself up for success in any industry. ➡️ Register Here

  • Salary Negotiation Presentation. November 19, noon to 1 p.m. Virtual via WebEx. Tune in to learn effective strategies to negotiate salary when offered a job. ➡️ CyHire Link

  • River Valley Veterans Network. November 9, 6-8 p.m. Torrent Brewing Company, 504 Burnett Avenue, Ames. RVVN’s mission is to network Veterans, currently serving Guard/Reserve Members, and their families, the business community, and military support organizations together in order to make connections that lead to opportunities and raise the awareness of resources for those who have or currently wear the uniform. ➡️ CyHire Link

  • Power Up with NextEra - Engineering Coffee & Careers Chat. Stop by Marston 3112 (3rd Floor Marston), Thursday, November 20, from 9am-Noon for coffee, donuts, and real talk about what it's like to work at NextEra, one of the largest clean energy companies in North America. Whether you're curious about nuclear operations in Iowa, want feedback on your resume, or just want to learn more about career opportunities in clean energy, we're here for you. ➡️ CyHire Link

🏛 Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS)

  • GPSS is pleased to announce the Fall Social Event at Memorial Union Cybowl and Billiards from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. [RSVP link]

  • GPSS is now accepting nominations for its annual awards, which recognize excellence in graduate teaching, research, and service, as well as the Dissertation Study Support Award for dissertation-related research expenses. The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2025.

  • GPSS is also accepting funding requests from registered graduate student organizations, and graduate and professional students can apply for Professional Advancement Grants (PAG) to support conference travel on a monthly basis.

  • For more information, please visit: Awards Information | Allocations | PAG Program

Questions? Contact the Graduate College at grad_college@iastate.edu or visit us at www.grad-college.iastate.edu