College of Arts & Sciences

Office of Graduate Studies

Ewell Hall 255
Phone: 757-221-1966
Website: http://www.wm.edu/as/graduate

Additional Resources

College of Arts & Sciences: Graduate

Fall Semester 2026

Date Event
June 29-August 26 Registration of new graduate students
August 26 First day of classes
Add/drop begins
Non-degree seeking registration begins
September 4 Last Day to add/drop
September 7 Labor Day (offices closed, no classes)
October 8-11 Fall Break
October 15 Deadline to file the online Graduation Application form with the University Registrar to graduate in January, May & August 2027
October 26 Last day to withdraw from a full-term course
October 30 Pre-Defense for students submitting a thesis or dissertation for January 2027 graduation
November 2 Spring 2027 registration begins for continuing students
November 3 Election Day (offices closed, no classes)
November 13 Thesis/Dissertation defense completion deadline for January 2027 graduation
November 25-29 Thanksgiving Break (offices closed, no classes)
November 30 Final submission deadline for A&S graduate students to satisfy degree requirements for January 2027 graduation
December 4 Last day of classes
December 5-6 Reading period
December 7-11 Final exams
December 12-13 Reading period
December 14-15 Final exams
January 22, 2027 Winter degree conferral (no ceremony)

Spring Semester 2027

Date Event
January 4-27 Registration of new graduate students
January 27 First day of classes
February 5 Last day to add/drop courses
February 15 Deadline to submit the required (online) Intent to Graduate Form to the OGS
March 13-21 Spring Break
March 29 Last day to withdraw from a full-term course
April 9 Pre-Defense for students submitting a thesis or dissertation for May 2027 graduation
April 23 Thesis/Dissertation defense completion deadline for May 2027 graduation
April 30 Final submission deadline for A&S graduate students to satisfy degree requirements for May 2027 graduation
May 7 Last day of classes
May 8-9 Reading period
May 10-14 Final exams
May 15-16 Reading period
May 17-18 Final exams
May 22 Spring degree conferral


Academic calendar dates are subject to change.

Graduate Studies Advisory Board

The Graduate Studies Advisory Board (GSAB) is a group of educational, corporate, and community leaders with a commitment to enhancing the quality of graduate education in the College of Arts & Sciences at William & Mary. The Arts & Sciences GSAB was established in 2004. 

The missions of the Graduate Studies Advisory Board, are: 

  • Development/fundraising to increase the College of Arts & Sciences financial resources for graduate education in Arts & Sciences. 
  • Assisting in the building of a graduate community in the College of Arts & Sciences. 
  • Enhancing professional development opportunities for Arts & Sciences graduate students. 
  • Advocating for the College of Arts & Sciences graduate programs within the W&M community. 

Graduate programs in Arts & Sciences are critical to the mission of William & Mary and to our status as a research university. Graduate programs strengthen the undergraduate program by providing research and mentoring opportunities, and are essential in retaining the best faculty who work at the cutting edge of their disciplines. 

The Graduate Studies Advisory Board plays a vital role in advancing William & Mary’s graduate programs in Arts & Sciences. The board has worked to establish Distinguished Thesis and Dissertation Awards, Recruitment Fellowships, Awards for Excellence in Scholarship, Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring, and the Graduate Faculty Mentoring Award, as well as taking an active role in supporting the annual Graduate Research Symposium. 

The Board meets twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

Members make a meaningful annual financial commitment in support of Graduate Studies Advisory Board goals.