Thesis and Dissertation

Thesis and Dissertation Resources

The Senate Thesis Policy provides specific information about Western's dissertation processes, requirements, services and deadlines, as well as other resources and materials.

The SGPS Thesis Guide also contains helpful information related to completing the MESc or PhD thesis.

Thesis Defense Only Status

Students who have completed all degree requirements, including thesis submission, but have not defended their thesis before the end of a given term can request to be registered in Thesis Defense Only (TDO) status for the next term. Students registered in TDO status are not required to pay tuition fees, but are still responsible for paying part-time ancillary fees and UHIP fees if applicable.

For more information about TDO status, as well as instructions on how to apply for TDO status, please visit the SGPS Thesis Defense Only Status webpage.

Completion and Convocation

Once SGPS has accepted the candidate's SGPS-approved final electronic thesis submission, they have officially completed the thesis requirement for the degree. The candidate and program will receive email notification of thesis completion from SGPS.

Subject to approval by the University Senate, the candidate's name is placed on the convocation list. There are three convocation dates each year: a convocation ceremony is held in the Spring (June) and the Fall (October), and there is an In Absentia convocation in February.

In order to participate in convocation, each student must apply to graduate through the Student Center. Select "Apply for Graduation" within the My Academics section and follow the instructions to complete the application process. This is the last step in securing completion of your graduate degree. Failure to apply to graduate may result in not receiving a diploma, nor having the degree awarded reflected in your academic record.

Students who are not planning to attend their convocation ceremony in person should make their own arrangements with the Office of the Registrar to pick up their diploma or have their diploma held until they attend a future convocation ceremony. Graduating students can also order their diploma to be mailed to them through the Student Center.

For more information about convocation ceremonies and dates, please visit the Office of the Registrar's convocation webpage.