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Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)

Graduate Studies

Steps to Graduation

Download Forms

Find the forms you need for these five steps on our Forms & Applications page.

Step 1: ACG Form

Discuss the prospects for graduating with your graduate advisor, and if you both agree that you are in a position to graduate during the next graduation cycle (May, August, December), you should file your intent to graduate by filing the ACG form (Application for Candidacy, which can be found at the Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) in Suite 101, Perkins Administration Bldg.

Check the Graduation Deadlines page for important dates. If you or your advisor conclude at any point that your graduation needs to be postponed, you need to notify Barbara Phillips. You should file a new ACG for the next attempt.

Step 2: Training Session

We recommend you sign up for a training session with Cynthia Standfield. She will cover two important aspects of getting your thesis or dissertation ready for final submission: the format of the document and converting your document to a PDF as required for the final electronic submission for graduation. THIS CLASS WILL BE TAUGHT ONLY ONCE DURING EACH SEMESTER.

Step 3: Research, Writing, Defense

Finish research and writing, and submit copies to your committee when your advisor says your thesis or dissertation is ready for the review process. Schedule the defense within the calendar deadlines. Submit a paper copy to ORGS before stated deadlines.

Step 4: Revisions

If the defense is successful, make any required revisions or additions. Submit a corrected copy as required by faculty and a corrected format copy to ORGS. When your advisor and committee have signed your signature page and the examination form, and ORGS has signed the release for the format, you are very close to being finished with the thesis/dissertation.

Step 5: Final Copy

All Ph.D. and Master's graduates of Dedman College will submit the final copy for University records electronically. Additionally, a CD copy is required and must be submitted to the ORGS. Please go to "Final Submission" for instructions. The graduate can elect to order paper copies from UMI - as explained on the submission site.