Applying for Graduation: It’s More Than Just Course Completion

Wrapping up your final semester of courses before graduating can be a very hectic and overwhelming time. During those last few months of school, it’s important to remember that there are a few simple yet highly important tasks required for graduation, including making sure that you fulfill all of your degree requirements and applying for your diploma.

To ensure that you remain properly informed and that all necessary steps to graduation are completed, we recommend that you review the graduation application process well in advance. The following information will help you to better understand the process.

How do I apply for graduation?
You must register for graduation through the MyUMUC student portal. After login, select My Academics > Graduation > Apply for Diploma/Certificate.

Please note that there is a $50 application fee for each degree you are completing; this fee is due within 10 days of the completion of your graduation application.

After I complete the application, what are the next steps?

Once the application has been submitted through MyUMUC, the Graduation Services Office will

1. Review your academic record to determine your graduation status. This process takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the date your application is submitted. If you applied prior to the beginning of your final semester, it takes 3 to 4 weeks from the semester start date.


2. Mail you a graduation candidate checklist indicating your current status. Please make sure that your permanent address is correctly listed in the MyUMUC student portal, as all information regarding graduation and commencement will be mailed to this address.

You should also update your name to reflect the way it should be listed on your diploma and in the commencement program. This can be done by contacting the Registrar’s Office at 800-888-UMUC ext. 2222 or registrar@umuc.edu.

What is the deadline to apply for graduation?
The application deadline is different for each semester:

• December graduation: October 1
• May graduation: February 15
• August graduation: June 15

If your application for a diploma is received after the appropriate deadline for the semester in which you plan to graduate, it will be considered for the next graduation term. If you do not complete your degree requirements within the semester or session in which you first applied for graduation, you must complete a new application and pay the fee for the semester or session in which you will graduate.

How do I participate in the Commencement ceremony?
You will need to register online to participate in Commencement. If you have completed your degree requirements or are expected to complete your degree requirements before the Commencement ceremonies in May, you will be sent an initial postcard via U.S mail near the end of January. In late February to early March, you should receive a follow-up e-mail with more detailed information. The e-mail will include the link where you can register to participate in Commencement, order regalia, etc.

When will my degree status change?
Degrees cannot be awarded until after the conferral date. It may take up to one week following the conferral date to see the degree status change to “Awarded.” Conferral dates for each graduation term are as follows:

• December graduation: December 30
  
• May graduation: May 30
  
• August graduation: August 30
  

After graduation, when can I expect to receive my diploma?
Your diploma will be sent to your permanent mailing address approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the degree conferral date. Approximate mailing times are noted below:

• December graduation: mid-February
  
• May graduation: mid-July
  
• August graduation: mid-October
  

Do you have more questions about the graduation process? Please visit the Graduation Services Web site.