#  Timeline 2025 

 



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Timeline for various stages in the graduate program.

Sort**What**

**When**

**Relevant people/committees**

Study Plan (first- and second-year students only)

Review with advisor during the first week of fall term; due Friday the first week of classes to department Graduate Coordinator

Advisor, CAS

Inventory ("Shu" / assessment) Exam

October of first year

GSAS Milestone

Identification of Research Advisor, brief summary of research project, and suggested list of AC members 

December 15 of first year (G1) 

Advisor,CAS

First meeting of AC to present and discuss the Research Proposal draft; draft should be circulated to AC at least 1 week prior to the meeting

Before Spring Break of G1

Research advisor, AC, CAS

Submission of final Research Proposal

May 15 of G1

AC, DGS, CAS

Courses completed

End of Spring term G2

GSAS Milestone

SortResearch Project Report & Research Exam

















To be completed prior to the beginning of Fall term of G3; no later than May 15 of G3 (with additional required documentation; see above). 

AC, DGS, CAS, GSAS Milestone

Teaching

At least one course in G2; completed by end of G3.

GSAS Milestone

Identify thesis advisor, submit thesis proposal, suggest revisions to AC composition (if needed).

Within 3 months of completion of research exam

Advisor, DGS, CAS

TAC Meetings

Once per semester, with the first meeting the semester after the Research Exam (at the latest).

TAC, CAS

PhD Dissertation

End of fifth or sixth year

Advisor, TAC, Department office

Confirmation of Defense Committee

When thesis is about to be completed

CAS

Public Lecture

Before thesis defense

Advisor, Department office

Final Oral Exam (Thesis Defense)

After completion of thesis, usually same day as Public Lecture

Final Oral Exam Committee