ESSENTIAL ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW TO ENSURE YOUR MAY 2017 DIPLOMA
1. Review your degree audit (in myUMBC under "Advising & Student Support") carefully to make sure you have all courses you need for degree completion on your schedule. We strongly recommend consulting with your advisor during this process.
2. Add any courses you need by Friday, February 10 (or by Monday, March 6 for internships and independent study courses).
3. 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 an Advanced Placement or CLEP tests that could result in awarding of UMBC credit
- Waivers of physical education
- Foreign language substitution requirements (for those who qualify)
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 will consider waivers or substitutions for courses required for the major. Unless the waiver or substitution is approved by the academic department and clearly stated in writing in your degree as an exception, you should not rest easy. Ask your advisor to submit a “HELP” ticket to the Registrar’s Office to document any waivers or exceptions on your degree audit.
HANDY LINKS
Verification of Transferability Form
Foreign Language Equivalency Form (for international students)
Still have questions about graduation?
Please share them below in the “Comments” section and we will find answers for you!
