Graduation Deadlines
As you prepare to graduate, there are a number of steps to complete. It is important that you work closely with your advisor and department to ensure you have met all requirements to complete your advanced degree. This can include but is not limited to: an approved Plan of Study on file with the Graduate College, completion of a thesis/dissertation/special project, oral or comprehensive examinations, clearance of all incomplete grades, and an application for degree.
Semester Graduation Deadlines
Application for Degree: All FAU students must complete an Application for Degree during the semester in which they intend to graduate. This deadline occurs early in the semester; allow adequate time to start the process. The Application for Degree form must be submitted to the Graduate College by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar . All students must have an approved Plan of Study on file with the Graduate College prior to submission of the Application for Degree form. Note: Meet with your advisor prior to completing the Application for Degree form as some colleges have additional requirements for submitting the Application for Degree.
Commencement: The Office of the Registrar coordinates commencement and their website is your best source for information on commencement. Please visit the Graduation Information section of their website.
Alumni Association: As a member of the Owl family, now is the time to think about joining the Alumni Association. Please visit the FAUAA website to learn more about the benefits of membership in this organization.
Deadlines for Summer 2026 Graduation
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Last day to submit Form 9, Request for Change in a Dissertation or Thesis Committee | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 |
| Semester begins | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Last day to submit Application for Degree (use the online form) | Friday, June 5, 2026 |
| Last day to submit defense announcement and signature page draft to the Graduate College (online submission here) | Friday, June 19, 2026 |
|
Last day to submit completed doctoral dissertation package to graduatewriting@fau.edu including the following:
To request a dissertation extension, submit a Form 10 no later than July 6th to graduatewriting@fau.edu for consideration.*
*Approved extension requests will void participation in the commencement ceremony this semester; may participate in future ceremony. |
Monday, July 13, 2026 |
|
Last day to submit completed master's thesis package to graduatewriting@fau.edu including the following:
To request a thesis extension, submit a Form 10 no later than July 13th to graduatewriting@fau.edu for consideration. |
Monday, July 20, 2026 |
| Commencement (See Academic Calendar for more information) | August 11 & 12, 2026 |
Please note: Failure to meet the application for degree, thesis/dissertation submission, and request for extension deadlines above will result in your graduation being delayed. It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly to ensure that the thesis/dissertation defense and other requirements are successfully completed by the deadlines.
Complimentary formatting reviews should be submitted early in the semester and are first come first serve. Complimentary formatting reviews should be emailed to graduatewriting@fau.edu and will take 1-2 weeks to process.
Deadlines for Fall 2026 Graduation
| Last day to submit Form 9, Request for Change in a Dissertation or Thesis Committee | Friday, August 7, 2026 |
| Semester begins | Saturday, August 22, 2026 |
| Last day to submit Application for Degree (use the online form) | Friday, September 11, 2026 |
| Last day to submit defense announcement and signature page draft to the Graduate College (online submission here) | Friday, October 30, 2026 |
|
Last day to submit completed doctoral dissertation package to graduatewriting@fau.edu including the following:
To request a dissertation extension, submit a Form 10 no later than November 9th to graduatewriting@fau.edu for consideration.*
*Approved extension requests will void participation in the commencement ceremony this semester due to timing constraints; may participate in future ceremony. |
Monday, November 16, 2026 |
|
Last day to submit completed master's thesis package to graduatewriting@fau.edu including the following:
To request a thesis extension, submit a Form 10 no later than November 16th to graduatewriting@fau.edu for consideration. |
Monday, November 23, 2026 |
| Commencement (See Academic Calendar for more information) |
Please note: Failure to meet the application for degree, thesis/dissertation submission, and request for extension deadlines above will result in your graduation being delayed. It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly to ensure that the thesis/dissertation defense and other requirements are successfully completed by the deadlines.
Complimentary reviews should be submitted early in the semester and are first come first serve. Complimentary reviews should be emailed to graduatewriting@fau.edu and will take 1-2 weeks to process.
Deadlines for Spring 2027 Graduation
| Last day to submit Form 9, Request for Change in a Dissertation or Thesis Committee | Wednesday, December 16, 2026 |
| Semester begins | Saturday, January 9, 2027 |
| Last day to submit Application for Degree (use the online form) | Friday, January 29, 2027 |
| Last day to submit defense announcement, and signature page draft to the Graduate College (online submission here) | Monday, March 22, 2027 |
|
Last day to submit completed doctoral dissertation package to graduatewriting@fau.edu including the following:
To request a dissertation extension, submit a Form 10 no later than March 29th to graduatewriting@fau.edu for consideration.*
*Approved extension requests will void participation in the commencement ceremony, may participate in future ceremony. |
Monday, April 5, 2027 |
|
Last day to submit completed master's thesis package to graduatewriting@fau.edu including the following:
To request a thesis extension, submit a Form 10 no later than April 5th to graduatewriting@fau.edu for consideration. |
Monday, April 12, 2027 |
|
Commencement (See Academic Calendar for more information) |
May 6, 7, & 8, 2027 |
Please note: Failure to meet the application for degree, thesis/dissertation submission, and request for extension deadlines above will result in your graduation being delayed. It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly to ensure that the thesis/dissertation defense and other requirements are successfully completed by the deadlines.
Complimentary formatting reviews should be submitted early in the semester and are first come first serve. Complimentary reviews should be emailed to graduatewriting@fau.edu and will take 1-2 weeks to process.