Graduation

You’ve come a long way and graduation is just around the corner. Whether or not you choose to attend the commencement ceremony, you will need to apply for graduation. Let us walk you through the process.

When to Apply for Graduation

Associate’s Degree Candidates: Apply in the semester in which you earned your 45th semester hour, approximately two semesters preceding your expected graduation date.

Bachelor’s Degree Candidates: Apply in the semester in which you earned your 90th semester hour, approximately two semesters preceding your expected graduation date.

Graduate and Law Degree Candidates: Apply at least two semesters in advance of the expected semester of graduation.

Students are eligible to apply for graduation if they meet the following criteria:

• Associate’s degree candidates must have a minimum GPA of 1.85 and at least 45 credit hours earned.
• Bachelor’s degree candidates must have a minimum GPA of 1.9 and at least 90 credit hours earned.
• Graduate degree candidates must have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5 and at least 24 credit hours earned.
• Law (Juris Doctor) degree candidates must have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.2 and at least 24 credit hours earned.

Note: These are the guidelines required to apply for graduation.  GPA requirements for degree conferral are based on program requirements and University minimums of 2.0 for undergraduate students, 3.0 for graduate students and 2.2 for Law students.

Deadline Dates to Apply for Graduation

How to Apply

Students who meet eligibility requirements complete the online application and pay the non-refundable graduation fee by logging into PAWS.  Once the Apply to Graduate button on the student dashboard is selected, step-by-step instructions will be provided regarding the application process.

The non-refundable graduation application fee is $25 for Associate degrees and $50 for Bachelor and Graduate degrees. Students must apply for each degree/major earned and pay a separate fee. The fee covers the cost of printing, packaging and mailing your diploma.

After You Apply

Undergraduate graduation applicants will be contacted by their college’s Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) 4-8 weeks after applying.

Graduate and Law candidates should continue to work with their specific advisor. The advisor will work with you to ensure you are on track to meet graduation requirements. The advisor will also inform you of any remaining requirements. Additionally, the Graduation Office will conduct an audit during the graduation term listed on your application.

Note: Graduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences are strongly advised to consult the website for their area as procedures differ.

Changing Your Graduation Date or Your Attendance at the Ceremony After You Apply

Students who know they will not graduate the semester for which they have applied, but will graduate a subsequent semester, or students who want to change whether they are attending the actual commencement ceremony must complete the Change of Graduation Date form.