First Class Day of Fall 2026

First class day of Fall is August 18. The graduation application window for Fall 2026 opens August 18 through October 31. All graduating students must apply.

DEADLINE for students to register for the mandatory Graduate Thesis/Dissertation Workshop.

The last day to register for the required thesis and dissertation workshop is August 26.   https://www.lamar.edu/graduate-studies/students/theses-and-dissertations/thesis-dissertation-workshop.html

Participants can either attend the morning or the evening workshop.

Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Mandatory Thesis Workshop

Assignment One Due

Deadline for Assignment One for thesis and dissertation writers. Send to gradeditor@lamar.edu

Window Closes for Defense Announcement

Faculty can input G1 (defense announcement)  under Thesis/Diss forms starting September 1 through November 1. The defense must be announced 10 days before the event. See https://www.lamar.edu/graduate-studies/forms/index.html

Deadline to Submit Initial Submission

Deadline for Defense/Oral Exam

Window opens for thesis/dissertation defenses September 11 through November 11. Faculty, please report results via G5 form immediately following the defense at Thesis/Diss forms. Defense announcements must be made 10 days before event.

Deadline for Comprehensive Exams

Deadline for Final Document

Deadline to Upload Approved Thesis/Dissertation to ProQuest

Deadline for the signed diss/thesis document approved by Graduate Studies to be uploaded to ProQuest and the fee paid.

December Doctoral Commencement

Commencement Ceremony - Doctoral Candidates (All Colleges)

The commencement ceremony for Doctoral Candidates of all colleges will take place at 6:00 pm at the University Theatre. Students should arrive by 5:00 pm. Please visit our Graduation website for detailed graduation instructions and ceremony information.

Visitors: Please remember that there is a clear bag policy in place and no other bags will be allowed in. Saving seats at the graduation ceremony is not permitted. Please arrive together and find your seats as a group to ensure fairness for all. Thank you for your cooperation.

Commencement Ceremony - Masters and Undergraduate

The commencement ceremony for the Colleges of Business and Engineering will take place at 9:00 am at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. Students should arrive by 8:00 am. Please visit our Graduation website for detailed graduation instructions and ceremony information.

The commencement ceremony for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Nursing and Health Professions will take place at 1:00 pm at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. Students should arrive by 12:00 pm. Please visit our Graduation website for detailed graduation instructions and ceremony information.

The commencement ceremony for the Colleges of Education and Human Development and Fine Arts and Communications will take place at 5:00 pm at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. Students should arrive by 4:00 pm. Please visit our Graduation website for detailed graduation instructions and ceremony information.

Visitors: Please remember that there is a clear bag policy in place and no other bags will be allowed in. Saving seats at the graduation ceremony is not permitted. Please arrive together and find your seats as a group to ensure fairness for all. Thank you for your cooperation.