Submission Deadlines by Graduation Term*
| Graduation Term | Recommended Last Day to Defend | Advisor-Approved Submission Deadline | Final Document Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | June 20 | July 11 | August 1 |
| Fall 2025 | October 24 | November 7 | December 12 |
| Spring 2026 | March 6 | March 13 | May 1 |
| Summer 2026 | June 26 | July 10 | August 7 |
*All deadlines align with the official Boise State Academic Calendar
Additional Requirements
To graduate in your desired semester, you must:
- Apply for graduation (see the Academic Calendar for deadline)
- Be registered for at least one credit of thesis or dissertation in that semester (unless approved for a credit enrollment waiver— see below)
What If I Miss the Deadlines?
If you successfully defend your thesis or dissertation but do not meet the submission deadlines for the semester in which you planned to graduate, you have two possible options:
Option 1: Join the Format Review Waitlist
Students who submit the advisor-approved version of their document after the deadline will be placed on the format review waitlist.
- Reviews of waitlisted documents begin only after all on-time submissions are reviewed.
- Waitlisted documents are processed in the order they are received.
- If there is time, your document may still be reviewed and finalized before the semester’s final submission deadline.
- However, there is no guarantee your review will be completed in time for graduation that semester.
Tip: Upload your advisor-approved document as soon as possible to improve your place in the queue.
If your waitlisted submission is not reviewed in time, or cannot be revised and finalized before the final deadline, you may be eligible for a credit enrollment waiver (Option 2).
Option 2: Request a Thesis/Dissertation Credit Enrollment Waiver
The Thesis/Dissertation Credit Enrollment Waiver allows you to:
- Graduate in the following semester without enrolling in additional thesis/dissertation credits
- Submit your advisor-approved and final versions by alternate deadlines (see below)
To request a waiver: Submit your advisor-approved version, then email the Graduate Student Success Center at success@boisestate.edu to request a credit enrollment waiver for the following semester. They will provide you with a confirmation email documenting your credit enrollment waiver.
Thesis/Dissertation Credit Enrollment Waiver Deadlines
| Semester of Defense | Semester Degree Will Be Conferred | Advisor-Approved Submission Deadline | Waiver Request Deadline | Final Submission Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | May 9 | May 9 | July 11 |
| Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | August 8 | August 8 | November 7 |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | December 19 | December 19 | March 13 |
| Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 | May 8 | May 8 | July 10 |
Commencement Ceremony Participation
Yes, you can still participate in commencement for the semester in which you defended, even if you do not meet the submission deadlines.
To qualify:
- You must have applied for graduation
- You must have successfully defended your thesis or dissertation
- You must submit an appeal to request to participate in commencement
Tip: If you plan to walk in the commencement ceremony but miss the submission deadlines, submitting your advisor-approved version as soon as possible helps demonstrate substantial progress and can strengthen your appeal.See more on the Commencement FAQs page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are there two submission deadlines?
The advisor-approved submission includes all post-defense revisions approved by your committee. The final submission reflects all required Graduate College formatting and technical edits.
What does the Graduate College review?
We focus on formatting and overall readability, not content. Your committee is responsible for approving the substance of your work.
Can I still graduate if I miss the final submission deadline?
No. If the final version is not submitted by the deadline, your degree will be conferred in the next semester.
Can I still participate in the commencement ceremony if I miss the final submission deadline?
Yes, if you have completed all other requirements and submitted a successful appeal, you are eligible to participate in the ceremony. Your degree will be posted to your transcript in the next semester, after submission of your final document.
Do I need to reapply to graduate if I use the waiver?
No. You don’t need to reapply or pay the fee again. Your graduation date will automatically shift, up to two times. See the Graduation Process page for more information.
What if I miss both the regular and waiver deadlines?
You will need to register for one thesis/dissertation credit in the semester you will submit your final document.
Need Help?
For personalized assistance or further questions, please contact the Graduate Student Success Center at (208) 426-GSSC (4772) or success@boisestate.edu.