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 Ceremony on May 9, 2024. See your email for the photo submission link.
Your Graduation Checklist
Order Your Cap, Gown & Hood
If you missed the HU Bookstore 2024 Graduation Fair you can still order your regalia online from the HU Bookstore. Click on "Main Campus Graduates." Sunday, April 7, 2024 is the last day for graduates to order their academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood) online to guarantee delivery in time for Commencement week. Regalia is required at all related events.
Order Regalia HereRSVP for 2024 Graduate School Ceremony
RSVP by April 22, at the link you received via your HU Bison email, for the Graduate School's Spring 2024 Hood Presentation and Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at Cramton Auditorium. The Annual President’s Reception for graduates and their families will follow at Blackburn.
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 2024 semester. Prospective spring 2024 graduates must be registered as full-time or part-time students in the semester of their intended graduation.
BisonWebApply to Graduate via BisonWeb
Friday, April 12th is the deadline for prospective Spring 2024 graduates to apply for graduation via BisonWeb. If you are a Spring 2024 prospective graduate, to participate in commencement activities, you must apply to graduate. Please ensure that the name you indicate on your graduation application (printed on your diploma) is accurate.
Apply via BisonWebLast Date to Submit an Oral Defense Request (April 12)
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 (Academic Affairs), prospective spring graduates seeking to orally defend their thesis or dissertation must submit a thesis or dissertation oral defense scheduling request to the Graduate School's Office of Graduate Studies by the deadline of April 12.
Last Date to Defend Thesis/Dissertation (April 26)
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 26.
Check Your Transcript via BisonWeb
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).
BisonWebSubmit Your Thesis/Dissertation (ETD) via ProQuest
Upon completion of your academic requirements and submission of the GS-EA-6 Form (Certification of Completion of Graduate Academic Requirements), candidates will receive instructions from the Graduate School Office of Academic Affairs to submit an electronic thesis or dissertation (ETD) via ProQuest to be cleared for graduation.
Complete 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.
Complete the Graduate Student Exit Survey
Upon completion of your academic requirements, we would like to request your help in completing a short survey concerning your plans after graduation. The survey (when it goes live) should take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will be kept confidential.
Graduate Exit Survey (TBD)Check Your Financial Status
Log on to BisonWeb > 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.
BisonWebComplete 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 on the Main Yard.
AccessibilityOrder Gifts & Announcements
Sunday, April 7 is the last day for graduates to order academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood) as well as announcements and gifts online from the HU Bookstore to guarantee delivery in time for Commencement Week celebrations. Students may also order stoles and diploma frames online from the HU Bookstore.
Order Gifts