Commencement Ceremonies
Masters’ and professional commencement and doctoral hooding ceremonies are held each December and May. Make sure you know the dates and requirements to apply for graduation and participate in commencement.
The Graduate School Calendar
Deadlines & Commencement
Summer 2026
| Date | Deadline/Event |
|---|---|
| July 3 | Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation |
| July 15 | Defense Deadline |
| See Registrar website | Graduation Application Deadline |
| July 24 | Final Submission Deadline |
| August 15 | Summer Graduation* |
*Note – there is no Summer Commencement Exercise.
Fall 2026
| Date | Deadline/Event |
|---|---|
| August 17 | Graduation application available online for graduate students who wish to graduate in Fall 2026 |
| September 25 | Graduation application deadline for graduate students who wish to graduate in Fall 2026 |
| TBD | Commencement Name Pronunciation Available - Let us know how you would like your name announced at commencement. |
| October 6 | Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation |
| October 23 | Defense Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation |
| TBD | Guest Ticketing - Graduate students who are approved to participate in the Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony or Doctoral Hooding will be invited to claim up to 5 guest tickets. |
| November 4 | Degree Candidate Names Finalized for Commencement Program - degree candidates who submit their graduation application after this date may not have their name included in the program |
| TBD | Additional Guest Tickets - If tickets are still available, students will be invited to claim additional guest tickets |
| TBD | Columbia Campus Academic Regalia - deadline to order cap, gown, and hoods |
| November 6 | Final Submission Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation |
| December 14 | Doctoral Hooding, 9:00 a.m., Koger Center for the Arts |
| December 14 | Master’s and Professional Ceremony, 2:00 p.m., Colonial Life Arena |
| December 14 - January 20 | Window for awarding Fall 2026 degrees |
| On or before February 26 | Diplomas Mailed |
BULLETIN: Check Your Degree Requirements