GOP presidential candidates (L-R) Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann during the CNN Debate, moderated by Anderson Cooper.
GOP presidential candidates (L-R) Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann. REUTERS/Richard Brian

Despite lacking a definitive Republican candidate, Presidential candidates can mark their calendars -- the Commission on Presidential Debates has released its 2012 schedule.

The nonprofit has scheduled three presidential debates:

Oct. 3, at the University of Denver

Oct. 16, at Hofstra University

Oct. 22 at Lynn University.

There will only be one Vice Presidential debate on Oct. 11 at Center College.

The CPD also listed its criteria for eligibility to participate in the debates. Essentially, only potential winners are welcome. Candidates must appear on enough ballots to be able to cross the magic 270 Electoral College vote threshold, as well as have at least 15 percent support in a series of polls.

The nonpartisan CPD was handed reign over the debates in 1988, and has been the gatekeeper since.

The CPD will announce the formats for the debates in the first part of 2012, with moderators chosen in the summer.