Doctoral Students, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan

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Academic Records & Dissertations

0120 Rackham Building
915 E. Washington St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
Phone: (734) 763-0171
Fax: (734) 936-1809
E-mail: oard.questions@umich.edu

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Upcoming Oral Defense Dates

About Us

Academic Records and Dissertations (OARD) provides information and services to students from their first registration through the final stages of the degree process. OARD staff work with students and with departmental faculty and staff to ensure an accurate record of each student's academic experience. They also assist in the interpretation of Rackham policies relating to the student's record and monitor each student through the degree-granting process.

Doctoral Students

Detached Study form, Detached Study information - to go on detached study status
Dissertation Research/Writing Status form, Dissertation Research/Writing Status information
Petition form, Petition information - to petition for modification or waiver of a Rackham regulation
Dual Degree application form - for admission to a second Rackham program (master's or certificate)
Student Initiated Degree Program application form - to combine two Ph.D. programs in to a single Ph.D. degree
Change of Program application form - to change your program of study

Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies

Information on Rackham Academic Policies related to doctoral degrees

Course Bulletin

Rackham approved course listings and programs of study

Helpful Tools and Information

Advancement to Candidacy

Dissertation Committees

Quick Reference Chart for Eligibility to Serve on Dissertation Committees - eligibility guidelines for committee members
Dissertation Committee form, Dissertation Committee guidelines - for formation of your dissertation committee
Nomination for Special Membership on the Dissertation Committee form

Oral Defense

Doctoral Degree Deadlines
Register for a Pre-Defense Meeting- must register at least three weeks before defense date
Register for a Post-Defense Meeting- allow at least two working days for a response
Mail in option for Pre-Defense and Post-Defense Meetings
Dissertation Timeline (PDF, 35K)
Dissertation & Abstract Format Guidelines (PDF, 100K)
Most Common Dissertation & Abstract Format Errors (PDF, 64K)
The Dissertation Handbook - information on the oral defense and dissertation
Dissertation Evaluations - for committee member use only

Oral Defense Dates

Upcoming Oral Defense dates

Commencement Information

Information on University commencement ceremonies.