They say there’s no such thing as a bad question and the truth is, many of you probably have the same questions on your mind. Here’s a few of the ones we are often asked, but if you cannot find what you’re looking for here, just email us.

Browse Questions On:

Graduation & Commencement
Theses & Dissertations

Graduation & Commencement

Why do I need a copy of my degree plan to turn in with my application?

First and foremost, in order to make sure that you have a degree plan on file. Your application cannot be processed unless you do. Second, in order to make sure that the coursework listed on your plan is the coursework you have actually completed to fulfill your degree requirements. It is to your benefit to review your plan with your advisor before submitting it with your application so if any changes need to be made, you will have time to make them.

Degree plans should come from your department. The Graduate School cannot provide a copy to go with your application.

What if I can’t meet the filing deadline for submitting my paper?

Please notify the Graduate School so your application materials can be forwarded to the next semester. Filing deadlines are available on the Graduation page.

If my application cannot be forwarded again because I have missed the paper filing deadline more than once, what happens to the filing fees I paid?

The Graduate School will send a request to Student Accounting to refund these fees to your account. You will be required to repay them when you reapply for graduation.

I have an incomplete that will not be finished by the deadline on the calendar. Will I still be able to graduate?

Exceptions to the deadline will only be made if your professor contacts the Graduate School explaining why the deadline cannot be met and when the grade will actually be submitted. Exceptions are not automatically granted, so please adhere to the published deadlines if at all possible.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after graduation.

When do I get information on commencement, including the schedule?

Information on ceremony times, guest speakers and other Commencement information is provided by the Office of Public Affairs and is located on the Commencement website.

I’m not attending commencement. Will my diploma be mailed?

If you relocate, you should immediately visit MyUNT and update your mailing address. If your diploma is not deliverable due to an incorrect address, it will be your responsibility to order a duplicate through the Registrar’s Office. There is no fee for a duplicate diploma and processing time is approximately eight weeks.

When will my degree be posted?

Degrees are posted by the Registrar’s Office, usually within three weeks of the graduation ceremony.

Will my major appear on my diploma?

Yes, indeed! Students who graduated prior to Fall 2004 and whose majors did not appear on their diplomas can request a new diploma through the Registrar’s Office.

Where do I get regalia for commencement?

Regalia and announcements should be ordered from the University Bookstore early in the semester.

If my GPA is really high, can I receive my graduate degree with honors?

Graduating with honors is a distinction reserved only for undergraduate degrees.

Can I register for more classes after I graduate?

In order to register for more classes after graduation, you will need to reapply for admission through the Graduate School.

What about courses that I’m completing at another university for my degree?

Students who complete graduate work at another institution to be applied towards a UNT graduate degree must furnish a complete official transcript of transfer work to the Graduate School. No commitment can be made by UNT concerning the applicability of such work until official records have been received and evaluated. Due to the time required for receipt and evaluation of transcripts, students who are completing their last course(s) elsewhere will not graduate during the same semester, but will be processed for the next graduation term.

Theses & Dissertations

Where can I find a typist or editor for my dissertation?

The Graduate School has a list of individuals who offer typing and editing services. This listing does not represent any endorsements and advance bookings are recommended. More information is available here.

How do I cite on-line sources?

We’ve compiled a very robust list of resources on citing online sources as well as other common matters on our Writing page.

Does the Graduate School offer word processing templates or any support for them?

The only template that the Graduate School has available to students is only for use on the Thesis or Dissertation Abstract. This template can be downloaded here.

Do creative ETDs follow the same guidelines as other theses and dissertations?

Creative ETDs follow the same guidelines for the most part, but there are a few specific guidelines that are different. Read more information about creative ETDs. 

Does the Graduate School have any typesetting format files for theses and dissertations?

We supply various formatting files for the popular LaTeX typesetting system. More information on this can be found here.

How do I handle section breaks (and other related formatting matters) in Word?

Kansas State University has an excellent resource available for this here.

Do you have any additional advice for writing my dissertation?

In fact, we do. Browse our "Required Formatting" for a brief introduction to formatting some important aspects of your thesis or dissertation.