Published: March 26, 2020

Scott AdlerDear graduate students;

During these past few weeks, I have been impressed by your dedicated spirit as you’ve persevered in your academic studies, continued your teaching and research responsibilities, and attended to adjustments in your personal lives. Thank you. 

In light of the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School is extending the graduation deadlines for doctoral and ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s students planning to have their degrees awarded in May 2020. These extensions will provide extra time needed to schedule defenses, doctoral and ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s final examinations, and to submit theses and dissertations.

Below are the currently posted deadlines along with the adjusted deadlines for graduate students receiving May 2020 doctoral and ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degrees.

May 2020 doctoral degree deadlines:

  • Doctoral students must complete the PhD dissertation defense or final examination:
    Posted deadline: April 7, 2020 (adjusted deadline: April 24, 2020)
  • PhD students must submit the dissertation and signature page:
    Posted deadline: April 14, 2020 (adjusted deadline: May 1, 2020)

May 2020 ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree deadlines:

  • Master’s students must complete the thesis defense or final examination:
    Posted deadline: April 14, 2020 (adjusted deadline: April 29, 2020) 
  • Master’s thesis plan students must submit the thesis and signature page:
    Posted deadline: April 21, 2020 (adjusted deadline: May 6, 2020)

Due to this extension of graduation deadlines, doctoral graduates can expect to see their degrees posted on their transcripts by June 5. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates, beginning June 29. For those who need to provide proof of degree before transcripts are available, the Graduate School will continue to provide letters of completion as soon as students have met all degree requirements.

We are considering impacts to students who need to delay their graduation beyond May 2020 and plan to offer additional guidance soon.

Thank you for your flexibility and perseverance as we navigate these challenging times together. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another. Be sure to check the CU Boulder coronavirus updates and resources page and the Graduate School’s FAQs for the most current information.

Sincerely,

E. Scott Adler
Dean of the Graduate School