Awarding of the Degree

When all requirements have been satisfied and all outstanding fees paid, the degree is awarded on the next conferral date (October, February, or May) following the deposit of the dissertation (see Academic Calendar). Once all requirements for the Ph.D. degree have been completed, the Office of Student Information Services is notified that the degree should be awarded on the next degree date. For employment or other purposes, candidates may obtain official certification of the completion of all degree requirements from the Office of Student Information Services.

Information about the annual Ph.D. Convocation held the day before commencement is mailed from the Office of the GSAS Dean in March. Information about the commencement ceremony in May is mailed from the Office of the President in March. Information about commencement tickets and academic attire, etc. will also be sent to graduates in the spring (usually around April).

Please note that while there are three separate conferral dates, there is only one commencement ceremony in May, to which all the year's Ph.D. recipients are invited.

Name Changes
Students may change their name of record only while currently enrolled in the University. There is no charge for this service, but students must submit a name change affidavit to the Office of the Registrar. Affidavits are available from that office. When a student graduates or ceases to enroll in the University, their name of record is considered final and may not be changed unless they enroll again at the University.

Diplomas
There is no charge for preparation and conferral of an original diploma. If your diploma is lost or damaged, there will be a charge of $100 for a replacement diploma. Replacement diplomas carry the signatures of current University officials. Replacement diplomas may be requested from the Office of the Registrar, Graduation, Degree Audit, and Diploma Division,
(212) 854-1454.