GSBS Graduation Deadlines
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Graduation Deadlines & Checklist (2025–2026)
Key Dates at a Glance
| Task | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defend thesis/dissertation | Oct 24 | Mar 27 | June 26 |
| Final ETD submission | Oct 31 | Apr 3 | July 6 |
| Remove all I/PR grades | Nov 10 | Apr 17 | July 10 |
| Official graduation date (on diploma) | Dec 12 | May 8 | Aug 6 |
Step-by-Step Checklist
- 1. Get Approved to Defend & File Intent to Graduate
Deadline → Fall: Sep 5 | Spring: Feb 1 | Summer: June 3
• Submit Approval to Schedule Defense form to your Student Affairs Advocate
→ PhD students: publication must be accepted/in-press/published
→ Select your Dean’s Representative on the form
• File Statement of Intention to Graduate (submit a new one every time your date changes) - 2. Announce Defense & Share Manuscript
• 3 weeks before defense: Confirm program coordinator posted announcement
• 2 weeks before defense: Debbie Martinez emails title page for review
• Email full thesis/dissertation to all committee members + Dean’s Rep - 3. Apply to Graduate, Order Regalia & Pay Fees
Most deadlines → Fall: Nov 12 | Spring: Feb 1 | Summer: July 6
• Official Graduation Application (double-check diploma mailing address)
• Order cap & gown (only if walking in May): westtexasgrad.com
• Pay Graduation Fee + one-time $50 ETD fee at HSC Bursar’s Office - 4. Defend & Turn in Signature Forms
Defense by Oct 24 | Mar 27 | June 26 Signature forms due Oct 31 | Apr 3 | July 6
• Bring correct signature pages to defense:
→ MS: Thesis form | PhD: Dissertation form
• Submit signed Oral Defense + Approval forms to GSBS immediately after passing - 5. Final ETD Submission & Clear Grades
ETD due Oct 31 | Apr 3 | July 6 I/PR grades removed by Nov 10 | Apr 17 | July 10
• Email final PDF + ETD submission form to pamela.johnson@ttuhsc.edu
• Follow official formatting manual
• PhD only: Complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates - 6. Diplomas & Optional Binding
• GSBS no longer requires bound copies
• Want personal copies? Order at thesisondemand.com after ETD approval
• Diploma pickup:
→ May grads: at commencement
→ Dec/Aug grads: contact Registrar’s Office - 7. Commencement (Spring only)
Saturday, May 8, 2026
Time & location will be emailed ~1 month prior