Deposit & Graduation Dates
The doctoral degree requirements are considered met on the date the dissertation is deposited in the Mina Rees Library, the Registrar clears the student's record, and all fees are paid. Students who are delinquent in their accounts with any division of the University will not be granted the degree.
Review the document preparation information. The Dissertation Assistant may refuse to receive the dissertation if it does not conform to the established standards.
In order to allow sufficient time after your defense for preparing the dissertation for deposit and to obtain the necessary clearances, your defense should be scheduled at least five (5) business days prior to your anticipated deposit date or as soon as possible after your defense date.
While the dissertation may be deposited at any time during the year, please review the chart below for deposit deadlines:
For the degree to be awarded in: |
Candidate must be enrolled during the: |
and deposit by: |
February |
preceding Fall semester |
last business day in January |
May/June |
Spring semester |
May 1 |
October |
preceding spring semester |
September 15 |
The degree is awarded only October 1, February 1, or on the date of The Graduate Center's annual commencement scheduled for May or June. Diplomas will be prepared for distribution only at the commencement. After depositing your dissertation, you will receive from the Registrar an interim certificate testifying to your completion of the degree requirements. You will receive information about commencement in April. If you have any questions that are not answered in these instructions, consult the Dissertation Assistant, in Room 2304 (2nd floor) in the Mina Rees Library (212-817-7069).