Graduate students may choose to participate in one of three University of Memphis graduation ceremonies held at the end of spring, summer and fall semesters.  Even if a student chooses not to participate in the ceremony, he or she must follow the procedures outlined below in order to graduate and receive a degree or certificate from the University. Additional information about the University graduation ceremony can be found on the Commencement Office website.

All students must pay close attention to the deadlines established by the Department of English and the Graduate School. If a student misses these deadlines, he or she will most likely be unable to graduate until the following semester. These deadlines are published each semester on the Graduate School website. It is the student's responsibility to submit all required academic work and forms to the necessary faculty and administration well in advance of all published deadlines.

1. Relatively early in the semester in which you intend to graduate, you must file an Intent to Graduate Card with the Graduate School through their website. (All of the forms you need in order to graduate and instructions for filling them out can be found on the Graduate School Forms site.)

2. Along with the Intent to Graduate Card, you also must file the appropriate candidacy form with the Graduate School (Doctoral Degree, Graduate Certificate Program or Master's Degree). You will fill out this form online and print a copy to review with your faculty advisor. Once you have obtained the required departmental signatures, submit a photocopy of your candidacy form to the English Graduate Office (Patterson 425) and deliver the original to Scates Hall for Linda Bennett's signature.

3. In the semester you intend to graduate, if you are an MA or MFA student, you must  sign up for and pass a Comprehensive Exam in your area. Early in the semester, a faculty member in charge of the Comprehensive Exam Committee will schedule and publicize the date of the exam to all students graduating that semester.

4. If you are writing a thesis or dissertation, you must also follow the proper procedures as outlined on the appropriate Department of English and Graduate School webpages. 

If you have general questions about graduation or your specific problem with graduation you may contact the Graduation Analyst, Michelle Stout at (901) 678-3560, Administration 215.