In this Section

What You Need to Graduate

Preparing for Graduation

  1. Review graduation deadlines. Ensure you are aware of all important dates and deadlines related to your graduation.
  2. Check Commencement Requirements .  Confirm the requirements needed to attend the commencement ceremony in May.
  3. Verify Graduation Status. At the beginning of the semester of your anticipated graduation date:
    • Consult with your department/program to verify that you are on track to complete all degree requirements.
  4. Review Degree Audit Worksheet  
    • Access your most recent degree audit worksheet in Degree Works to confirm all requirements have been met.
    • Submit a PDF of the worksheet in the Student View format to your department/program for review by your advisor.
    • If approved, your advisor must sign and date the top of the PDF.
    • Submit the signed degree audit worksheet to degreecert@syr.edu for review.
    • Ensure a final, signed degree audit worksheet is on file with the Graduate School before you submit a Request for Exam.
  5. Submit Program of Study Form (If Degree Audit is Unavailable)
    • Prepare a Program of Study form. Consult your department to determine whether you may file the generic form provided as a PDF or if a department-specific version is required.
    • Submit the form to your department/program for advisor review.
    • If approved, the signed Program of Study form is sent electronically to the Graduate School at degreecert@syr.edu for review.
    • Ensure a final signed Program of Study form is on file with the Graduate School before you submit a Request for Exam.
  1. Prepare Your Thesis/Dissertation
    • Before preparing your thesis or dissertation, review the guidelines and resources available to ensure compliance and readiness for submission.
    • Refer to the “Preparing Your Thesis/Dissertation” guidelines.
  1. Prepare for Your Defense
    • If planning to defend your thesis or dissertation, Please review the “Thesis/Dissertation Defense Checklist.”
    • Submit the Request for Examination Form (RFE) at least three weeks before your proposed defense date electronically in Myslice.  Instructions on how to complete the form can be found here: RFE instructions 
  1. File Diploma Request
    • To file a diploma request or change your expected graduation term, follow the “File Diploma Request” link under the Student Services section of MySlice.
    • Only students who complete this process will be included in the degree certification review.