NEWS FLASH—The deadline for applying to graduate in December 2012 using the on line application system has been extended through Sunday, September 23!
After September 23, you will need to come by the Registrar’s office to find out if the door remains open for additional paper applications.
Although applying to graduate is free and takes only a few minutes, many students have questions about this procedure and when to do it. And we are here to help!
Below are five of the most frequently voiced questions on the topic (and some answers too).
The number one most popular question is:
Question 1. HOW do I apply to graduate?
It is quick and easy:
1. Log on to your myUMBC account.
2. Click on the topic “Classes and Grades.”
3. Click on the blue link “Graduation Application.”
4. Voila! The application opens up. Follow the directions to confirm your data and let the university know that you are ready to graduate at the end of this semester.
5. When finished, look for that screen that says “You have successfully applied to graduate.”
Note that this is simply successful completion of a form; the process of reviewing whether you have actually completed your degree will take some time.
Question 2. Do I have to apply to graduate even if I do not plan to participate in the graduation ceremony?
YES! You are applying to be awarded a degree. Participating in the ceremony is optional and something you do not even have to decide until later. We hope you will chose to participate in this special occasion as it is a fun and meaningful experience and signals the accomplishment of a very important milestone in your academic career.
Question 3. Should I apply even if some of the courses I need are still in progress this fall?
YES! By applying to graduate, you are saying: “Assuming that I complete all the courses in which I am presently enrolled with the required grades, I will complete my degree at the end of the current term.”
Question 4. How can I be certain I have met all the requirements for my degree?
Look at your Degree Audit and if it is a solid column of “Satisfieds,” you are ready. Here is how to find your degree audit:
1. Log on to your myUMBC account.
2. Select the topic “Advising and Student Support.”
3. Click on the blue link “Degree Audit.”
For a “Quick Reference Guide” to the degree audit, click here.
Note that the degree audit gives you credit not only for the courses you have completed (marked with green circles with a check), but also for your courses currently in progress (marked with gold diamond shapes).
If you believe your degree audit may be inaccurate for some reason, submit a Help ticket to the Office of the Registrar. Click on “Request Help” under the “HELP” tab on myUMBC and select “Degree Audit” as your topic of interest. Provide as much detail as you can about the issue.
Note also that your academic advisor in your major is the final authority on whether you have met the requirements of the major.
Question 5. When and how will I find out if I am eligible to graduate at the end of the semester?
One month to six weeks after you apply to graduate, you will be notified by an e-mail to your official UMBC e-mail address that all requirements are complete (or in progress) or that some requirements are still outstanding.
If you are cleared to graduate, you will be provided with complete instructions for (optional) participation in the commencement ceremony. If you believe that the information in the e-mail is incorrect (because, for example, you will meet one of the outstanding requirements with coursework that you plan to transfer to UMBC), it is very important to get in touch with the Office of the Registrar by submitting a "Help" ticket through myUMBC, selecting the topic "Graduation." Provide full details in your message.
BONUS QUESTION
Question 6: What happens if I perform poorly in or withdraw late from courses taken in my final semester that are necessary for me to complete my degree?
After Commencement, and after the posting of final grades, the Registrar’s Office looks at the record of each graduation candidate again to verify successful completion of all needed coursework. Only then is a degree posted to your official transcript and a diploma mailed to your permanent address. Students whose degrees remain incomplete at that time will receive an e-mail notification.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have additional questions about applying to graduate and related processes, review the Registrar’s office page on this topic here.
If you still have questions, contact the Registrar’s graduation experts by calling 410-455-2500 or by submitting a "Help" ticket through myUMBC.
EXTRA CREDIT DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is the graduation requirement many students tend to overlook and/or put off until the 11th hour? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
