Graduation Guide (Checklist & Deadlines)
Everything you need to prepare
Congratulations on completing your journey at Howard University Graduate School! Below is information to help you complete the final step and make it through your graduation ceremony.
Get excited for your big moment as you prepare for Commencement celebrations! It’s your moment to be recognized for all you’ve accomplished at Howard, and we’re here to help you do it. Everything you need for your big day is right here. From making sure you’re eligible to graduate to requesting accommodations for your guests, find everything you need to prepare for Commencement. Be sure to complete these tasks and view corresponding due dates, so you don't miss any deadlines.
Share your graduate journey in photos
You've been on a journey, along with those who have supported you along the way! We invite you to submit up to 4 photos that embody your graduate academic journey at Howard and the people who have supported you along the way (i.e., a photo of you and your family/friends/mentors) and to share a few words of advice for fellow graduates. We'll include it in a rolling video gallery during the Graduate School Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026. See your email for the photo submission link.
Your Graduation Checklist
Order Your Cap, Gown & Hood
Please be on the lookout for an email regarding the HU Bookstore 2026 Graduation Fair where you'll be able to order your regalia. Regalia is required at all events.
Coming soon!RSVP for 2026 Graduate School Ceremony
RSVP by Thursday, April 23, at the link you received via your HU Bison email, for the Graduate School's Spring 2026 Recognition Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at Cramton Auditorium.
Check Your Eligibility
Talk with your advisor(s) to ensure you are on track with degree completion requirements and to determine your eligibility to graduate in the Spring 2026 semester. Prospective Spring 2026 graduates must be registered as full-time or part-time students in the semester of their intended graduation.
BisonHubApply to Graduate via BisonHub
Friday, April 17 is the deadline for prospective Spring 2026 graduates to apply for graduation via BisonHub. If you are a Spring 2026 prospective graduate, to participate in commencement activities, you must apply to graduate (use the BisonHub guide "Apply for Program Completion" to complete this process). Please ensure the name indicated on your graduation application (printed on your diploma) is accurate.
Apply via BisonHubLast Date to Submit an Oral Defense Request (April 11)
Upon completion of their academic requirements and submission of the GS-EA-6 Form (Certification of Completion of Graduate Academic Requirements) to the Graduate School Office of Graduate Studies, prospective spring graduates seeking to orally defend their thesis or dissertation must submit a thesis or dissertation oral defense scheduling request form GS-EA-Alt-4 to the Office of Graduate Studies by the deadline of April 11.
Last Date to Defend Thesis/Dissertation (April 24)
Upon completion of their academic requirements and submission of the GS-EA-6 Form (Certification of Completion of Graduate Academic Requirements) and oral defense scheduling request to the Graduate School Office of Graduate Studies (Academic Affairs), prospective spring graduates seeking to graduate in May of the given year must defend their thesis or dissertation by the deadline of April 24.
Check Your Transcript via BisonHub
Check your unofficial transcript for missing or incomplete grades from a prior semester and reach out to your professor(s) to submit a change of grade request. You are responsible for resolving any holds on your record or outstanding grades that may impact the release of your diploma or transcript(s).
BisonHubLast Date to Submit Your Thesis /Dissertation via ProQuest (May 1)
All degree candidates who have successfully defended the dissertation or the thesis by the established deadline must upload the final document to Proquest Dissertation Publishing (link below) no later than five days after the oral defense.
Proquest Dissertation PublishingComplete the Survey of Earned Doctorates
Upon completion of your academic requirements and the submission of the GS-EA-6 Form, doctoral candidates will receive a link to complete the National Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED), which gathers data annually about research doctorate graduates across the U.S. regarding educational history, funding sources, and postdoctoral plans.
Check Your Financial Status
Log on to BisonHub > Student Account > View and Pay Your Bill and ensure that you have no outstanding obligations, financial charges, or financial holds that would prevent you from participating in Commencement ceremonies. You must satisfy all debts or obligations owed to the University to participate.
BisonHubComplete Financial Aid Exit Counseling
Complete the online loan exit counseling required of all borrowers of federal and University-administered student loan programs. Exit counseling provides information regarding the rights and responsibilities of a borrower and a lender/servicer and information about repayment, deferment, and loan cancellation.
Complete exit counselingAccessibility Accommodations
The University's Commencement organizers will provide services to graduates and guests who need accommodations. Sign language interpreting services will be provided at the Graduate School Celebration at Cramton Auditorium and University Commencement.
Accessibility