Graduation checklist for grad students
Before you complete your degree and graduate, you’ll need to be prepared. Knowing what your degree requirements are and if you are fulfilling them, when to complete your Application for Degree, and talking to your advisor will help you prepare for the final steps of your academic experience at the University of Minnesota.
Preparing to graduate
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Your application for degree must be submitted by the first day of the month in which you would like to graduate. You must maintain active status with the University until your degree is awarded (i.e., posted to your transcript).
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Review the degree completion steps for your degree. For some students, this will include assigning your examination committee.
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Talk to your faculty advisor(s) and Graduate Program Coordinator to ensure you are on track with programmatic degree completion requirements.
Applying to graduate
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Online exit counseling is required of all borrowers of federal and University-administered student loan programs. You will be provided information about the rights and responsibilities of a borrower, and how different financial aid programs handle repayment.
Commencement and after
Commencement is your graduation ceremony. Program-specific graduation events are coordinated by either the department and/or college. UMD Commencement celebration activities for graduate and undergraduate students, and their families are coordinated by the Academic Affairs Office. Fall semester graduates may participate in either Spring commencement ceremonies before or after degree completion. Visit the UMD Commencement page for additional information.
Confirm your degree information and submit your Commencement RSVP by the deadline.
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Watch for an invitation to your campus graduation fair in spring. You can find additional information about and purchase commencement regalia through the University Bookstore.
Related Resources
Important Dates
Academics
| Wed, Jan 15, 2020 | First half and full semester classes begin |
| Fri, Mar 6, 2020 | First half semester classes end |
| Mon, Mar 16, 2020 | Second half semester classes begin |
Graduation
| Fri, Dec 13, 2019 | Undergraduate degree conferral date for fall semester |
| Wed, Jan 1, 2020 | January graduation application deadline for graduate & professional students (monthly clearances only) |
| Sat, Feb 1, 2020 | February graduation application deadline for graduate & professional students (monthly clearances only) |