What are the graduation deadlines for graduate students for the current school year?
Each year new graduation deadlines are published by Graduate Studies. These deadlines are firm. Students submitting materials after these deadlines will be considered for graduation in the following semester. Please also check with your department.

Applying for Graduation

When should I apply for graduation? Apply for graduation only if you have completed all the course work on your approved program of study or are registered for the remaining classes. The deadline for applying for graduation is usually during the first three weeks of the semester. Check the graduation deadlines to make sure you meet the deadline for a particular semester.

How do I apply for graduation?
Complete the Application for Graduation. Check with your department for departmental requirements. There is no graduation fee for graduate students.

How do I change my expected graduation date?
See your department secretary to change your expected graduation date or to withdraw you from graduation.

Credit Hour/Registration Requirements

How many credit hours must graduate students be registered for the semester they graduate?
Students must be registered for at least two credit hours or pay the equivalent fee in the semester that they defend their thesis or dissertation and in the semester in which they graduate.

If I'm graduating in August, in which term am I supposed to take the two credit hours?
Spring and summer terms are considered in combination; you can take one hour both terms or two hours either term.

If I do not meet the graduation deadlines will I have to take two more credit hours?
You must be registered or pay the equivalent of two credit hours during the semester in which you graduate. If you are in a thesis or dissertation program, this will generally be the semester in which you defend your thesis or dissertation. If for some reason you are unable to complete your requirements by the graduation deadlines, you should talk to your department secretary to have your graduation semester deferred. As long as you defend your thesis or dissertation and submit all materials to the library, including ETD approval (if necessary), by the last day of finals, you will not be required to register for two more credits the following semester. This means that you are completely finished with all requirements and will not be using faculty time or resources during the following semester (the one in which you will actually graduate).

Letters of Completion

I finished all the requirements for my program but will not officially graduate until next semester. How can I verify to employers that I have completed the requirements for my degree?
Contact Graduate Studies to request a letter of completion. This letter states that you have completed all the requirements for your degree and that it will be granted on the day of University Commencement. You may use this letter until you receive your official transcript and diploma.

Commencement

I'm graduating in December, but I want to participate in graduation exercises in August. How can I do that?
You may participate before your actual graduation semester only if you have completed all requirements for your degree, including successfully defending your dissertation or thesis. Clear this with your department, then contact the College Advisement Center. You will need to order your cap and gown from the Alumni House online or by calling (801) 422-2599.

Are commencement exercises held in December?
No. December graduates are invited to participate in April commencement activities.

When do we get information on ordering caps and gowns or announcements?
The University's Alumni Association will mail the information to graduating students in March for April graduation or in July for August graduation. December graduates will receive information in March of the following year for April commencement.

I want to change my name on my diploma. What should I do?
Contact the Graduate Studies or your department to get it changed. You can change the name on your diploma up to about one week after graduation.

Diplomas/Transcripts

When do I get my diploma and official transcripts?
Your diploma and an official complimentary transcript with your degree posted are sent six to eight weeks after graduation.

Will my minor appear on my diploma or transcript?
The transcript will list your official minor, but it will not appear on your diploma.