July 11, 2022

During the spring semester, 212 Cornell doctoral students took their admission to candidacy exam (the A exam). In June, they gathered for the Graduate School’s inaugural Admission to Candidacy Recognition Ceremony. Hosted by the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the event lauded students for achieving the milestone of becoming a doctoral candidate and moving, through research and dissertation writing, to degree completion.

Students received a certificate of recognition, a copy of “The Productive Graduate Student Writer,” and access to writing resources and other support for their research, writing, and degree completion. Jan Allen, Ph.D., associate dean for academic and student affairs, talked with the doctoral candidates about the significance of the A exam, planning for next steps in research and writing, and strategies for planning, staying motivated, and maintaining productivity.