background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Focus: Navigating enrollment, requirements, and setting the foundation for success.

Registration & Credits:

How to Register: Use the Online EdD Exam Course Request Form.

Independent Study (EPOL 595): If you need extra credits for financial aid/full-time status, apply for independent study here.

Late Registration: If the window is closed, use the Graduate College Student Portal for a late registration form; this will be sent to professors for an override.

Credit Tracking: Request a degree audit from Brianna Davis at bmdavis2@illinois.edu (for online EdD students) or Linda Stimson at ls9@illinois.edu (for PhD/on-campus students). Download your own copy of the EDD-LDL Program Tracker or the PHD-LDL Program Tracker to monitor your progress.

Administrative Maintenance:

Annual Progress Reports: Watch for the mandatory Annual Evaluation of Academic Progress reporting link emailed by Graduate Services every spring. This is a required reporting tool, and you will receive a registration hold if you do not complete it. Complete it here and contact Morgan Tormoehlen.

Leave of Absence & Re-entry: If you aren't registered for a year, you must petition for re-entry via the Graduate College. This process takes months; notify your advisor during office hours.

Resource Toolbox:

Writing Support: Use the CyberScholar system for guided writing and Peer Reviews.

Examples: Search the IDEALS repository for past LDL dissertations to see successful models.

Formatting: Download and use the Graduate College Thesis Doctoral Template. Do not wait until the end to format your dissertation.

Registration & Credits:

Administrative Maintenance:

Resource Toolbox:

Complete and submit this form.

Part 1: General Overview and Entry (Starting Your Dissertation Journey)