Finish Strong: Dissertation Strategies, Deadlines & Defense Success

Event details Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Type: Lecture / Talk / Workshop Campus: University Park Campus Department: Dornsife PhD Academy Audience: Students About this event Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 5:30-7:00PM | TBD | Register 5:30PM - Check In/Dinner | 6:00-7:00PM - Programming The finish line is closer than you think! Join us for a conversation designed specifically for advanced Ph.D. students preparing to complete their dissertations. Learn from recent graduates who have successfully navigated the final months of the doctoral journey, and hear directly from the USC Thesis Center Coordinator about formatting requirements, submission deadlines, and best practices for avoiding last-minute surprises. Whether you're just starting to plan your defense or finalizing your dissertation, this session will help you finish with confidence. *This event is designed for advanced Dornsife Ph.D. students (YR 4+). If you are not a Dornsife Ph.D. student and are interested in attending, please email us at phdacademy@dornsife.usc.edu.* Bonus for Dornsife Ph.D. students only: Attending this event counts toward the 4-event minimum to apply for the PhD Academy Scholarship and Research Fund (up to $500). If you are experiencing any symptoms or are currently in an isolation/quarantine period due to a recent infection or exposure, please do not attend. Thank you. Official event details: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/finish-strong-dissertation-strategies-deadlines-defense-success