Registration requirements for the distribution of the dissertation
Doctoral students must be registered during the term (including summer) in which they distribute the defense copies of the dissertation (as approved for defense by the sponsor) to the five approved defense committee members. See Distributing Dissertation Copies. Students who are defending while on teaching or research appointments, or who are also completing pre-dissertation degree requirements, must register for Extended Residence; other students should register for Matriculation and Facilities. These rules apply during the summer term as well as the fall and spring semesters.
Note: The term in which distribution occurs is the last semester in which a student is permitted to register, even if the defense takes place in a subsequent term.
- If the distribution takes place on or after the first day of the fall term and before the first day of the spring term, then the student's final registration is for the fall term.
- If the distribution takes place on or after the first day of the spring term and before the first day of the summer term, then the student's final registration is for the spring term.
- If the distribution takes place on or after the first day of the summer term and before the first day of the fall term, then the student's final registration is for the summer term.
Dates for the fall and spring terms can be found on the Registrar's Academic Calendar.
Dates for the summer term can be found on the School of Continuing Education website.
For international students in F-1 or J-1 status
International students must be registered during the term (including summer) in which they distribute the defense copies of the dissertation, as stated in the previous section. International students in F-1 or J-1 status must consult with the International Students and Scholars Office to make sure they remain in visa compliance for the dissertation defense.
For all students
All students must submit the Intent to Distribute and Defend form before the defense is organized.
Doctoral program offices should submit the Application for the Dissertation Defense as soon as the student's sponsor is ready to propose the five members of the defense committee. This allows the Dissertation Office to review the proposed committee and make sure that it follows GSAS policy, before any efforts are made toward scheduling the defense. The doctoral program should then inform the Dissertation Office the date on which the dissertation is distributed, as well as the confirmed date, time and location of the dissertation defense.