Other Documents Needed
for the Thesis Defense and Graduation
Signature Page of Thesis.
A pdf example of a signature page is included in this packet. The M.A. candidate should
create and print a similar signature page for their own thesis.
PDF copy of final form of approved thesis.
This copy must be made by the M.A. candidate at the same that he/she submits a copy
to the graduate school.
Before the Thesis Defense
A. At the beginning of your last semester in the program, visit the Graduate School website and
review the pages that explain the requirements and procedures for submitting theses and
graduation. Some of the most important webpages on this site deal with (a) "Graduation
Information"; (b) "Graduation for Master's Students: Deadlines"; (c) "Graduation for Master's
Students: Timeline,", and (d) "Forms." The Graduate School website contains crucial
information that is not included here. In addition, the Graduate School offers workshops that
provide helpful information to students nearing graduation.
B. Fill out the Application for Graduate Degree and the Graduation Final Degree Plan from the
Graduate School. After obtaining the necessary signatures, submit these two completed forms
together to the Graduate School. The deadlines for submitting these documents are usually in
mid-September for Fall graduation, and in mid-February for Spring graduation. However, late
submissions are accepted by the Graduate School (although there is a late fee). For more details
and more precise information about submission deadlines, consult the Graduate School website.
C. Print one copy of each of the following documents and take to the defense:
Completion/Defense Form (from Graduate School)
Signature Page of Thesis.
D. (i) Print enough copies of the department's "Thesis Learning Outcome Assessment," so that
you can give a copy to each member of your committee (except the chair) at the Defense.
(ii) Prior to the Defense, fill out the first page of each assessment with the following
information: (a) Your name; (b) Date of defense, (c) Name of committee member.
(iii) You will also need two manila envelopes big enough to hold all of the Learning Outcome
Assessments.
E. Before the Thesis Defense, give your chair one of the manila envelopes and the "Instructions
for Thesis Chair: Learning Outcome Assessments." The chair should be familiar with the
instructions before the Defense. Bring the second manila envelope to the defense as a precaution
in case the chair forgets to bring the envelope you already provided.