Skip to content

The cost of delaying graduation for two, three, or even one year is very high and can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Doctoral students need to get motivated to get their work done and turned in, not only because they don’t need to pay more tuition, but also because they need to get into the workforce to offer their skills to the world!

National Dissertation Day is here to provide motivation and encouragement to those who are still in the process of writing their dissertations, and also to act as a “kudos” moment for those who have already finished this academic year.

How to Celebrate National Dissertation Day

Work On Your Dissertation

The fact that only 50% of people who enroll in a doctoral program ever graduate means that there might need to be more encouragement for those in the programs.

Students who are supposed to be working on their dissertations but have run out of steam can use this day as an opportunity to get motivated again!

Get access to help from an advisor, join a support group, or figure out another proactive way to get that confidence boosted again on National Dissertation Day. Then, get to work on that dissertation with a renewed fervor.

Get Help with a Dissertation

Looking for more support? There’s no shame in needing a community of people for accountability, motivation and expertise.

Check out the folks from the National Dissertation Day founding organization, Done Dissertation, along with other companies and businesses who offer seminars, workshops, coaching programs and more.

These can help doctoral students go from stuck to successful–and for much less of a financial investment than paying for another year of tuition. Grab some help from the experts and get to that dissertation finish line!

Encourage a Doctoral Student

Sharing stories about difficulties and issues with other doctoral students can help those in programs currently to get more motivated.

The hope for this day is to remove stigma, reduce procrastination, stand together and renew motivation.

Friends, family members, colleagues and others who know a doctoral student can encourage them with little things like offering to help with household tasks, providing babysitting, giving them gift cards for quiet coffee shops or some other way to help them get rededicated to the work they need to do.

History of National Dissertation Day

National Dissertation Day was first celebrated in 2018 when it was established through the efforts of Russell Strickland, the founder of Done Dissertation, LLC.

The purpose of the day was to highlight the importance of taking a professional approach to working on, and completing, the dissertation that goes along with a graduate degree.

In addition, the event is also here to celebrate the achievements of those who have successfully accomplished writing their doctoral dissertations.

Plus, it’s a time to be an encouragement for doctoral students to get the help and boost they need to finish this academic journey well!

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!

Also on ...

View all holidays

Independent Bookstore Day

Independent bookstores are struggling more and more with competition like Amazon or big chains like Barnes & Noble, so make a point to support your local shop.

International Chernobyl Remembrance Day

One of the most devastating disasters in human history, International Chernobyl Remembrance Day recalls the suffering and pain still happening from the fallout.

National Pretzel Day

Warm, soft, and oh-so-tasty, take this excuse to visit a pretzel stand or shop and try a classic pretzel, or a new flavor like cinnamon or honey-mustard.

Alien Day

Host a movie marathon, read a graphic novel, or break out the Alien video games to honor Ridley Scott’s iconic and beloved science fiction franchise.

View all holidays

We think you may also like...

Chinese Language Day

Fire up Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or sign up for a language class to learn the world’s second most widely spoken language, which dates back as far as 1250 BCE.

Elmo’s Birthday

That little furry red monster, always bringing laughter and life lessons to kids, making learning an adventure.

National Crayon Collection Month

Brighten classrooms and ignite creativity by sharing vibrant colors, ensuring every child has the tools to learn.

Calendar

Join the community!

Password requirements

  • At least one capital letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one number
  • 8 or more characters

Welcome back!

Log in to get personalized recommendations, follow events and topics you love, and never miss a day again!