The following timeline is intended as a guide for students in the CBTO program. It is subject to change.

Spring of Junior Year - Post Acceptance into Program

1. Inform the Laney Graduate School (LGS) of intent to enroll in program.  Deadlines are provided in the acceptance letters.
2. Submit a photograph for use on the CBTO program website. Should be sent to the CBTO 4+1 Program Advisor - currently Dr. Periasamy Selvaraj.
3. Identify a research advisor within the Cancer Biology Program. A list of available mentors will be provided. Inform the Program Advisor when a decision has been made.
4. Working with research advisor, identify potential thesis committee members.

Summer between Junior and Senior Years.

1. All students are welcome to attend the annual Cancer Biology summer retreat held in mid-August. Students will receive invitations via email.
2. CBTO students are expected to attend the orientation and mixer held at the end of August. Students will receive invitations via email.

Fall of Senior Year

1. Thesis advisory committee should be formed by mid-October. The 4+1 Program Advisor should be provided with the names of committee members.
   The first committee meeting should be schduled as soon as possible. (see next item)
2. First committee meeting to be held in the second half of November.  4+1 Program Advisor should be notified of meeting time 10 days prior to the meeting.
   Scheduling committeee meetings is the responsibility of the student. Doodle polls or similar systems usually work well. Meetings should be set up as far in advance as possible (4-6 weeks).
3. Completed committee meeting form submitted to the Program Advisor within 7 days of the meeting.  Get the form.

It is suggested that students meet with their advisors no less than once every two weeks to discuss research progress.  Students should present at lab meetings every 2-3 months.

Writing of the thesis is best begun EARLY in the process!  Students can begin working on the background and materials and methods for their theses immediately upon identifying a research advisor and commencing their research.
Help is available for thesis writing. The Graduate Writing Service will read your work and provide detailed feedback.

Spring of Senior Year

1. Second committee meeting to be held in April.
2. Completed committee meeting form submitted to the Program Advisor within 7 days. Get the form.

Summer Post-Graduation

1. Research in lab full time (40 hrs per week).
2. All students are welcome to attend the annual Cancer Biology summer retreat held in mid-August. Students will receive invitations via email.
3. CBTO students are expected to attend the orientation and mixer held at the end of August. Students will receive invitations via email.

Fall of +1 Year

1. Third committee meeting to be held in September.
2. Completed committee meeting form submitted to the Program Advisor within 7 days. Get the form.

Spring of +1 Year

1. Writing of the thesis should be well underway by January.
   Don't forget, the Graduate Writing Service will read your work and provide detailed feedback.
2. Fourth committee meeting to be held in February.
3. Completed committee meeting form submitted to the Program Advisor within 7 days. Get the form.
4. Present research in Cancer Biology 790R
5. Get ready to graduate! The deadlines changes every year, and they are the submission processs is subject to change as well. Check the website below or call to make sure you have them right.
   
   1. LGS graduation information page.  *There are several steps involved.
      You should visit this page!!!
      The dates for any given semester can be found on the 'Completing your degree' document under 'Instructions' on the right side of the page.
      A brief outline of the requirements (subject to change, as detailed above):
      
      1. Submit and Application for Degree.
         For Spring 2021 graduation, applications can be submitted now. There is a February 19th deadline for Spring 2021 graduation  This can be done on OPUS or via a PDF form.
      2. Submit your thesis electronically. (check submission deadline online)
      3. Submit a 'Master's Completion Form'. April 2nd is the deadline for Spring 2021
      4. Complete a ProQuest submission form.
      5. Complete the required survey. You will need to turn in the proof that you've completed this
      6. Master's students do not need to submit a dissertation title form.
6. Final committee meeting - beginning of March
7. Thesis turned into committee for review three weeks before defense.
8. Oral defense of thesis research should be done by March 26 for Spring 2021
   This is a private defense that lasts for about 1h (~20 min. oral presentation of the core of your findings followed by ~40 min questions)
   Family/friends are not permitted in this presentation.
9. Thesis must be turned into the LGS by the deadlines stated on the LGS website - April 2nd for Spring 2021.

*Late submission of paperwork to the LGS can result in additional costs and prevent graduation on the desired date.

Important note about the timing of graduation for CBTO 4+1 students

Graduation from the program is based on the performance of adequate amounts of research and the submission of a written thesis of substance and high quality. It is possible that additional time may be required by some students to complete the program. Students are responsible for any tuition costs associated with enrollment beyond the planned +1 year timeframe.