Graduate School Academic Forms

The School of Graduate Study at Utah State University requires all Ph.D. and M.S. students to complete a set of academic forms as they progress towards their Ph.D. or M.S. degrees.

Submission Deadline

Academic Forms Ph.D. students M.S. Plan A students M.S. Plan B students
Supervisory Committee Approval (SCAF) By the end of your third semester By the end of your second semester By the end of your second semester
Program of Study (POS) By the end of your second or third semester, after the Supervisory Committee Approval form By the end of your second or third semester, after the Supervisory Committee Approval form By the end of your second or third semester, after the Supervisory Committee Approval form
Thesis Proposal Approval form The School of Graduate Study does NOT require a Dissertation Proposal Approval form.  However, after your Dissertation Proposal defense, the cover page of your proposal should be signed by all your Supervisory Committee members. The signed cover page can be used for applying for subsequent IRB approval. By the end of your third semester, after you submit the Supervisory Committee Approval form, successfully defend your thesis proposal and submit all regulatory approvals. Your thesis defense is scheduled after the Thesis Proposal Approval form is accepted. By the end of your third semester, after you submit the Supervisory Committee Approval form, successfully defend your research project proposal and submit all regulatory approvals. Your research project defense is scheduled after the Thesis Proposal Approval form is accepted.
Application for Candidacy (ACDD) As soon as you finish your Qualifying Exams and get your IRB submitted, and at least three months prior to your final defense Not applicable Not applicable
Appointment for Examination (AFE) At least 10 business days before your final defense At least 10 business days before your final defense At least 10 business days before your final defense
Record of Examination (ROE) After your defense. You must not handle the Record of Exam form once it is completed. After your defense. You must not handle the Record of Exam form once it is completed. After your defense. You must not handle the Record of Exam form once it is completed.
Thesis/Dissertation Format and Style and Electronic Publishing Approval (F&S) After your defense, before you are ready to begin the review process After your defense, before you are ready to begin the review process After your defense, before you are ready to begin the review process
IRB-approved Protocol Closeout After your defense After your defense After your defense
Embargo Request After your defense After your defense After your defense