Frequently Asked Questions
PETITIONS, REACTIVATIONS, GRADUATION CLEARANCE & DIPLOMA
Q: How do I petition to graduate?
Complete and submit a Petition for Degree form to the Degree Certification Office in Room 103 of the Administration Building (Tech Tower).
You must obtain major school approval signatures on the petition before turning in the petition. Please read the instructions on the Petition for Degree form and follow them carefully.
Q: When should I submit my Petition for Degree?
Degree petitions are due to the Registrar’s Office by 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- March 15 for Summer
- June 15 for Fall
- October 15 for Spring
If the 15th falls on a weekend, degree petitions will be accepted on the Monday immediately following.
Q: What if I do not graduate the first time I petition?
You must reactivate your degree petition by submitting another Petition for Degree form. Reactivated degree petitions must be submitted by the end of Phase II registration for the term during which you wish to graduate. You must also obtain major school approval signatures on the petition before turning it in to the Degree Certification Office.
Q: I turned in my thesis/dissertation last week but the web still says "lacks thesis". Is something wrong?
Depending on the time of the semester, it may take from a few days to several weeks before you can see on the web that the deficiency (i.e. "lacks thesis", "lacks admission to candidacy") has been removed.
Q: If I do not attend graduation, how do I receive my diploma?
All diplomas will be mailed approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the commencement ceremony.
DOCTORAL HOODS
Q: Do I have to pay for my doctoral hood?
If you are attending commencement, it is a gift from the Institute. If you are unable to attend commencement, you can order one through the Georgia Tech Barnes & Nobles Bookstore (newly graduating students) or (for former students only) directly from Oak Hall Industries (http://www.oakhalli.com).
COMMENCEMENT
Q: When and how will I know I have completed all the requirements for my degree and am cleared to graduate?
It is your responsibility to check your e-mail and the Student Access System web site at http://oscar.gatech.edu. Report any discrepancies other than "lacks thesis", "lacks admission to candidacy" or "lacks enrollment waiver" to the Degree Certification (Registrar's Office). If, given the time lag you were told to expect, you believe a "lacks thesis", "lacks admission to candidacy" or "lacks enrollment waiver" message may be incorrect, contact thesis@grad.gatech.edu or call 404 894-3092.
Q: Where do I get information about caps, gowns, invitations, photographs and commencement day activities?
Visit the Special Events - GT commencement website or call 404-385-2588 for pre-recorded commencement information. Caps, gowns, and master's hoods should be purchased at the Georgia Tech Barnes & Nobles Bookstore.
PAPER
Q: I want to print and bind some copies for myself and my advisor. Where can I purchase the special thesis paper? Is it okay if it has/doesn't have a watermark?
You can find 25% white cotton paper at any office supply store, including the Georgia Tech Bookstore. Cotton papers are often found in the “fine papers” or “business papers” section rather than with the copy papers. If it doesn’t say cotton on the package (usually a box), it isn’t! It does not matter whether there is a watermark.
BINDING
Q: Where can I get copies of my thesis/dissertation bound?
At any commercial bindery (see yellow pages of local telephone directory).
If your questions were not answered above, contact the Georgia Tech Graduate Office at 404-894-3092 or thesis@grad.gatech.edu.