Doctoral Completion Checklist

Check Graduate School calendar for deadlines

Register for at least one credit hour per semester to maintain continuous enrollment

Begin by selecting advisory committee

Submit Committee, Transfers, Exceptions and Candidacy (CTEC) form – must have completed 30 credit hours of coursework (including transfer credits)

Submit your Request for the Report on the General Oral Examination

• Please note: you must be registered in the semester of the general oral examination to maintain continuous enrollment

Complete comprehensive exam

• Note: On the day of your comprehensive exam, the Graduate School will send your committee the Report on the General Oral Exam.

Register for at least one credit hour per semester to maintain continuous enrollment.

Both domestic and international students that have completed the General Oral Exam will automatically be enrolled in the GRAD 6AA0/All But Dissertation (ABD) to indicate a full course of study.

Check Graduate School calendar for deadlines.

Follow the ETD Guide when writing the Dissertation.

Submit the graduation application through AU Access > My Academics > Grad Application (required the semester prior to the graduating semester).

Clear all holds and incomplete grades.

Register for at least one credit hour per semester to maintain continuous enrollment

Submit First Submission Approval Form

• Note: Once the First Submission Approval form is approved by the committee, the University Reader will be sent the Dissertation Evaluation Form. Please note, the student and Chair should select the University Reader. University Readers must be Graduate Faculty (Level 0, 1, or 2) and must be outside of the student’s department.

Submit PDF of your dissertation to doctoral@auburn.edu for a format check (required).

Once the Dissertation Evaluation is completed by the University Reader, provide information regarding the Final Oral Exam using the link that will be emailed to you.

• Note: Once the Dissertation Evaluation Form is submitted to the Graduate School by the University Reader, a link to a form requesting information for the Final Oral Examination will be sent to you. Once submitted, the committee and University Reader will be notified of the final examination date.

Complete your final oral exam. On the day of your final oral exam, the Graduate School will send your committee and University Reader the Report on the Final Oral Exam and Publishing Approval Form. Please note: All committee members including the University Reader MUST be present at the Defense.

Submit Dissertation on AUETD. You must log in on the right-hand side of the screen to access the upload link.

You must be registered for at least one credit hour in the semester you graduate. Please see the continuous enrollment.

Register for at least one credit hour per semester to maintain continuous enrollment

• Students must be registered for a minimum of one credit hour in the semester in which they graduate

Submit the Graduation Application through AU Access > My Academics > Grad Application one semester before you plan to graduate

• If this timeline shifts due to the dissertation process, please contact your Matriculation Advisor

Check the Graduate School calendar for dates and deadlines

Clear all holds, incomplete grades, and any financial obligations

Order regalia and participate in the commencement ceremonies (see dates and deadlines)

Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED)

Complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) survey

Join the Auburn University Alumni Association