Advising and Engagement

New student orientation, Daniels Launch, is offered before the start of Fall and Spring quarter courses. It’s designed to help students transition smoothly into their graduate degree.  

During orientation, students have the opportunity to meet their academic advisors, program staff and faculty, as well as connect with their classmates. The orientation also covers important information about academic requirements, career coaching, experiential learning opportunities and additional resources available to graduate students. The program caps off with a networking reception so students can meet and build connections with Daniels faculty, staff and their peers. 

You’ll work with your academic advisor throughout your program to support your academic progress and planning.

A required initial meeting must take place during the first quarter of your program. This meeting is designed to help you discuss your academic goals, understand program requirements and create a plan for success. If your program is longer than 3 quarters, you'll have a required meeting at the beginning of every academic year.

After the initial meeting, quarterly meetings with your academic advisor are optional but strongly encouraged. These meetings provide an opportunity to review your progress, address any challenges, and receive guidance on course selection, timelines, or academic policies.

All meetings with your academic advisor should be pre-scheduled to ensure you find a time that works for both you and your advisor. Reach out to your advisor to access their calendar.

Students typically register for courses during week seven of the quarter before the term they plan to enroll in, with the exception of fall and summer quarters, which may follow a different registration timeline. 

To find the exact registration dates for a specific academic year, see the official registration calendar available through the Office of the Registrar.  

Review how to register for classes for information on the registration process, including step-by-step guidance for using the registration system. 

Students are encouraged to review these resources in advance to ensure they’re prepared to register on time. If you have any issues with registration, your advisor can assist you.  

Graduate students must take 4000-level courses. Students must earn a passing grade of C- or higher in all courses to count toward the degree. In addition, students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the degree to be awarded. Failure to meet these academic requirements may delay degree completion.

The number of credits required varies by program. You can find your specific degree requirements and track your progress by reviewing your Degree Audit in your My4D account. The degree audit will show which requirements you’ve completed and what remains. If you have any questions or need help understanding your progress, it’s best to connect directly with your academic advisor. 

To graduate, students must submit the Application to Graduate two quarters before they anticipate completing their final degree requirements. Before the student’s final quarter, an academic advisor will conduct a preliminary graduation review to ensure all degree requirements are on track to be met.  

There are traditional University-wide Commencement ceremonies for undergraduates and graduate students at the end of spring quarter. Students who graduate outside of the spring quarter are still welcome to participate in the spring Commencement ceremony, where they walk across the stage in cap and gown.

For graduate students, we also hold the Daniels College of Business Academic Hooding Ceremony at the end of every quarter (fall, winter, spring and summer). This is an intimate, business-formal event where graduates receive their academic hoods.

Graduates can choose to walk in one or both ceremonies.