To initiate the degree audit/grad check process, applying for graduation is imperative. Your college dean will meticulously assess your coursework by comparing it against a departmental checklist or a degree audit furnished by the Office of the Registrar. Upon completion of the review and if the evaluation confirms your readiness for graduation in the upcoming semester, your advisor will sign the degree audit/grad check, which will then be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar. Application deadlines are outlined below for your reference.
The application for graduation also collects valuable information, such as:
- The name you want to be printed on your diploma
- Your hometown and state (or country) for the commencement program and newspaper notification
- An indication to us whether you plan to participate in the ceremony and how many quests you will have
- Where would you like your diploma mailed when it’s read
- Confirmation of the degree(s), major(s) (and concentration, if applicable), and minor(s) that you are pursuing
When do I need to apply?
Your application for a degree should be submitted the semester before you intend to complete it.
Find your specific deadline for application completion.
Where do I apply?
Access instructions for submitting your graduation application.
Not sure how to find your degree?
Access Self Service to find your exact degree information.
- Log into your UWA account on Self Service and select “Student Planning”
- Select ‘View your Progress’
- In the Progress page, you will see your Degree and Major under the “At a Glance” Section. This information will be what you use to complete your Application for Degree and your Regalia order form.
Graduation FAQs
As students near the completion of their individual degree programs, questions may arise concerning policies and procedures associated with the graduation process. Find your answers.
Graduation vs. Commencement
Commencement is a ceremony that honors students who have just graduated or will soon graduate, which means completing all requirements of their degree program. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated. In order to graduate, a student must complete all requirements of their degree program and fill out an official online graduation application.
When students apply to graduate, the Deans and the Registrar will check to certify that all program requirements have been satisfied. Once approved, the degree will appear on the student’s transcript. Degrees are conferred 4-6 weeks after final grades are posted and then diplomas are printed and mailed.
You will not receive a diploma at the commencement ceremony. Confirmation of degree completion will not take place until official grades are posted. It is highly recommended that you meet with your academic advisor prior to your last semester in order to review your records and ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Participation in Commencement
Participating in Commencement is a separate process from graduating. When a student confirms participation in Commencement, UWA will reserve a seat at the ceremony and provide tickets for guests. Participation in commencement does not guarantee that the diploma and a final official transcript will be issued.
Participation in the commencement ceremony is not required for Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral level degree candidates.
Degree candidates may only participate in the commencement ceremony for the term in which they have applied to graduate. Students can indicate their intent to participate in the commencement ceremony when filling out the online degree application.