ESSENTIAL ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW TO ENSURE YOUR MAY 2016 DIPLOMA!
1. Apply to graduate on line by Monday, February 15.
2. Make sure you have all courses you need for degree completion on your schedule by reviewing your degree audit (in myUMBC under "Advising and Student Support") carefully and consulting with your advisor if needed.
3. Add any courses you need by Wednesday, February 10 (or by March 3 for internships and independent study courses).
And that’s it.
While we have your attention, let’s clear up some graduation myths.
GRADUATION MYTH #1:
If I walk across a stage wearing a cap and gown and my family members see me and my name is listed in a program, I must be a college graduate.
REALITY:
Participating in a ceremony does not make you a UMBC graduate. You are allowed to participate in the ceremony if you have everything you need for your degree on your Spring schedule. But if you fail courses or withdraw from courses, you will not complete your degree and will not receive a diploma!
GRADUATION MYTH #2:
I only need to apply for graduation if I plan to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
REALITY:
Everyone who wants to have a UMBC degree needs to apply.
GRADUATION MYTH #3:
Even though my degree audit says that I am missing courses for my major, that is OK because my advisor told me a few semesters ago that I do not have to take those courses because I completed other courses that are “close enough.”
REALITY:
Occasionally, academic departments approve waivers or substitutions for courses required for the major, after careful review of the individual student's case. Unless that waiver or substitution is clearly stated in writing and in your degree audit as an exception, you should not rest easy.
Something your advisor “told you” is vague; you may be remembering it with wishful thinking rather than as cold hard fact, and your advisor may be on sabbatical at the time of your graduation review. Ask your advisor to submit a “HELP” ticket to the Registrar’s Office to document any waivers or exceptions for your major on your degree audit.
FINALLY, AN INSIDER TIP FOR A SMOOTH GRADUATION REVIEW
Have all your “paperwork” in order, including:
• Correct up to date major, minor, certificate programs in your on line record
• “Verification of Transferability” forms submitted and approved for any courses in progress at another institution
• Final transcripts submitted for any courses finished elsewhere that are needed to complete your degree at UMBC
• Official score reports submitted for any Advanced Placement or CLEP tests that could result in awarding of UMBC credit
• Waivers of physical education or foreign language requirements (for those who qualify)
HANDY LINKS
Foreign Language Equivalency Form (for international students)
QUESTIONS?
Still have questions about graduation? Please share them below in the “Comments” section and we will find answers for you!
EXTRA CREDIT FUN POLL
When you complete your bachelor's degree, do you plan to participate in the Commencement ceremony?
