Third-Year Students

You’re almost done!

I’m sure you’re busy, so I’ll make this quick:

UDTS = University Dissertation and Thesis Services. Get to know this acronym!

There will be a couple of informational meetings for you to attend for the nuts and bolts of your thesis—stuff like formatting review, sending to your thesis committee, etc. It is so much easier if you actually go, even if you only absorb the email address of the UDTS manager you reach out to if you have any questions. 

Input the thesis calendar into your personal calendar! This will make sure you stay up to date on the submission deadlines, both through the library and through the university. Submitting your formatted thesis for approval late will impact your graduation deadline (you must receive the APPROVED email from the library prior to submitting the final, formatted thesis to the library on the first Friday of May). Upload the calendar now so you’re only freaking out when your submission is a couple of hours late instead of a couple of weeks late. 

At some point toward the beginning of the semester, check in with your Thesis Director to discuss what type of mentorship style they prefer. Clearing this up early will ensure that you both have a good understanding of the schedule and deadlines that they are setting for you (which you should also probably note down in your schedule). 

APPLY TO GRADUATE before the end of Fall semester: https://registrar.gmu.edu/students/graduation/process/ 

Remember to still check in with your peers. Thesis year can get pretty isolating, especially if you’re only on campus for just one class a week. There will be a good chunk of people that you’ve gotten used to seeing around campus or in the Horizon Hall kitchen that you won’t run into as much. If you find yourself missing someone, reach out! Grabbing a coffee and writing might also keep you both accountable and on track with your drafting goals! 

These three years really go by quickly, and some of the friends you make will form your artistic support group for years to come.