Graduation
Graduation
Graduation is a broad term that signifies successfully completing and then celebrating the completion of a degree or certificate program. The process by which you receive your degree is called conferral. The ceremony to celebrate your accomplishment is commencement.
Commencement 2026
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
2:00 PM
Please refer to the University's Commencement website for additional programming information.
The following Graduate School students are eligible to participate in the May 2026 commencement ceremony.
- Students whose degrees were conferred in August 2025
- Students whose degrees were conferred in December 2026
- Students whose degrees will be conferred in May 2026 and who meet the dissertation/thesis final copy deadline of April 1
- PhD students whose degrees will be conferred in August 2026 and who have successfully defended their dissertation by April 22, 2026
- Master’s students whose degrees will be conferred in August 2026 and with thesis proposals approved by April 22, 2026
Deadlines
February 1
Last day to Apply for Graduation in LOCUS for August degree conferral.
March 1
Last day to submit thesis or dissertation for a format check for May degree conferral.
April 1
Last day to submit final approved copies of dissertation or thesis for May degree conferral.
April 22
All PhD students who wish to participate in the Graduate School commencement ceremony must have their approved dissertation defense ballot on file in GSPS by this date.
All master's students who plan on completing a thesis and who wish to participate in the Graduate School commencement ceremony must have an approved thesis proposal on file in GSPS by this date.
June 1
Last day to submit thesis or dissertation for a format check for August degree conferral.
July 1
Last day to submit final copies of dissertation or thesis for approval for August degree conferral.
August 1
Last day to Apply for Graduation in LOCUS for December degree conferral.
October 1
Last day to submit thesis or dissertation for a format check for December degree conferral.
November 1
Last day to submit final copies of dissertation or thesis for approval for December degree conferral.
December 1
Last day to Apply for Graduation in LOCUS for May degree conferral.
The Graduate School
About Us
At Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School, we cultivate leaders—scholars who are motivated to make a real difference in the world. From academic fields to professional specialties, the Graduate School offers advanced study and research programs on the leading edge of a wide variety of disciplines in the humanities, natural and biomedical sciences, social sciences, and the professions. Read more about our mission and vision.
Graduate School Events
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
2:00 PM
Please refer to the University's Commencement website for additional programming information.
The following Graduate School students are eligible to participate in the May 2026 commencement ceremony.
- Students whose degrees were conferred in August 2025
- Students whose degrees were conferred in December 2026
- Students whose degrees will be conferred in May 2026 and who meet the dissertation/thesis final copy deadline of April 1
- PhD students whose degrees will be conferred in August 2026 and who have successfully defended their dissertation by April 22, 2026
- Master’s students whose degrees will be conferred in August 2026 and with thesis proposals approved by April 22, 2026
February 1
Last day to Apply for Graduation in LOCUS for August degree conferral.
March 1
Last day to submit thesis or dissertation for a format check for May degree conferral.
April 1
Last day to submit final approved copies of dissertation or thesis for May degree conferral.
April 22
All PhD students who wish to participate in the Graduate School commencement ceremony must have their approved dissertation defense ballot on file in GSPS by this date.
All master's students who plan on completing a thesis and who wish to participate in the Graduate School commencement ceremony must have an approved thesis proposal on file in GSPS by this date.
June 1
Last day to submit thesis or dissertation for a format check for August degree conferral.
July 1
Last day to submit final copies of dissertation or thesis for approval for August degree conferral.
August 1
Last day to Apply for Graduation in LOCUS for December degree conferral.
October 1
Last day to submit thesis or dissertation for a format check for December degree conferral.
November 1
Last day to submit final copies of dissertation or thesis for approval for December degree conferral.
December 1
Last day to Apply for Graduation in LOCUS for May degree conferral.