UMUC Commencement 2008

2008 Graduation and Commencement FAQ

Do you have a question about graduation or commencement? Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about graduation. If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, please contact Graduation Services at 301-985-7444 or graduationserv@umuc.edu.

Diplomas

How do I apply for graduation?

To be considered a candidate for graduation, you must complete an application and pay the application fee. Graduation applications may only be submitted online through the MyUMUC student portal. Follow these instructions to submit your application:

Log into MyUMUC
Click on "MyAcademics"
Click on "Graduation"
Click on "Apply for Diploma/Certificate"

[Back to Diplomas]

What is the application deadline for each semester and what if I miss the deadline?

The application deadlines are:
December graduation – October 1
May graduation – February 15
August graduation – June 15

Although we graduate students every semester (August, December and May), historically, the University of Maryland University College has held its annual commencement every May; all graduating students may participate in the annual ceremony.

Please note: If you miss the application deadline you must wait until the following semester to apply.

[Back to Diplomas]

When are diplomas mailed?
Diplomas are mailed three times per year as follows:
Fall diplomas are mailed in February.
Spring diplomas are mailed in July.
Summer diplomas are mailed in October.

[Back to Diplomas]
If I am receiving two degrees, do I have to file two applications and pay twice?

Yes, you must fill out a separate application for each degree. The fee for each application is $50.00.

[Back to Diplomas]

Does my financial status affect receipt of my diploma?

Yes, all financial obligations to the university must be met prior to the release of diplomas. In most cases, you may not receive your regalia (cap and gown) if you have not met financial obligations.

[Back to Diplomas]

Who should I contact regarding financial status?

You may contact Student Accounts at 301-985-7404 or at bursaroffice@umuc.edu. If an account balance is paid after graduation, please ask the Student Accounts Office to notify Graduation Services so that we may release your diploma. You may check your financial status through MyUMUC.

[Back to Diplomas]

How do I change my name for my diploma?

You may only change your middle name via MyUMUC.

To change your middle name:

Log into MyUMUC
Click "MyInfo"
Click "Names"
Select "Change Degree Name,"
Change your name and save

First and last names may not be changed via the MyUMUC. First and last name changes require legal documentation. Documentation must be faxed to: Susan Douglass at 301-985-7702. The legal change is then confirmed, processed, and forwarded to the Registrar’s Office.

[Back to Diplomas]

How can I check the status of my application?

Follow these instructions to check your application status:

Log into MyUMUC
Click "MyAcademics"
Click "Graduation"
Click "Graduation Application Status"

[Back to Diplomas]

Why aren't majors listed on the diplomas?

It is the practice of University of Maryland University College, as well as a number of other four year institutions, to include the degree without the major on the diploma. The diploma was designed to acknowledge the award of your four year academic degree. The transcript is the official document on which specific information such as: courses, grades, GPA, academic notations, majors and/or areas of specializations and second bachelor’s degree notations will appear.

[Back to Diplomas]

What is the difference between a replacement diploma and duplicate diploma?

A replacement diploma is usually issued when the original diploma was not received by the student (i.e. lost or damaged). There is no fee.

A duplicate diploma is usually issued when a student has their original diploma, but would like to make a request for an additional diploma. (Please note that all duplicate diplomas will reflect "duplicate" on the diploma). The fee is $50.00.

[Back to Diplomas]

How do I request a replacement or duplicate diploma?
You may e-mail Graduation Services at graduationserv@umuc.edu to request a duplicate or replacement diploma order form. Please include your name your student ID number and contact information (e-mail and telephone number).

[Back to Diplomas]

How do I know that my diploma will be mailed to the correct address?

Students should access the MyUMUC portal and click on the "Update Personal Information" to update their address.

[Back to Diplomas]

Can Graduation Services make address changes on behalf of the students?

To ensure accuracy and privacy, Graduation Services may not make personal information changes on behalf of students. Students must make these changes through MyUMUC.

[Back to Top]

Honors

What are the qualifications for Academic Honors?

Academic Honors for excellence in scholarship are determined by students' cumulative GPA at UMUC. The distinction of summa cum laude is conferred on those students with a cumulative GPA of 4.000, magna cum laude honors is conferred on those students with a cumulative GPA of 3.901 up to 3.999, cum laude honors is conferred on those students with a cumulative GPA of 3.800 up to 3.900. To be eligible for any of these categories of recognition, students must have earned at least 45 semester hours at UMUC in courses for which a letter grade and quality points were assigned. For honors to be conferred with a second bachelor's degree, students are required to have a total of 45 semester hours of new UMUC credit and the requisite GPA.

[Back to Honors]

How are the Honor cord colors represented?

Honors are represented by the following cord colors:
White cords – cum laude
Blue cords – magna cum laude
Gold cords – summa cum laude

[Back to Honors]

[Back to Top]

Commencement

Why is the ceremony held only once per year?

As is traditional, the University of Maryland University College celebrates the achievements of students for an entire academic year at one annual Commencement ceremony in May. In the past, UMUC held a January and May Commencement Ceremony; feedback however, indicated that repeated challenges with inclement weather, facility limitations and the availability of staff personnel adversely impacted this important event. Our May Commencement ceremony held at the close of the academic year coincides with the availability of the Comcast Center, a facility large enough to accommodate all of our graduates in one ceremony. Similarly Commencement occurs at a time of year that symbolizes what we celebrate in our Graduates—"season" of growth and new beginnings.

[Back to Commencement]

Do I have to apply for Commencement?

Students do not have to apply for the Commencement ceremony, however you must RSVP to attend. Once you submit a graduation application and have paid the graduation application fee ($50.00), you will automatically receive Commencement-related information explaining this process.

[Back to Commencement]

May I participate in Commencement even though I am not graduating?

No.

[Back to Commencement]

Is there a graduation rehearsal?

There is no graduation rehearsal. The procession will start thirty minutes before the ceremony.

Graduates in the morning ceremony must arrive at 7:45 a.m. to prepare for the ceremony. Family will have access to the Comcast Center at this time and are welcome to start the seating process. The Commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Graduates in the afternoon ceremony must arrive at 2 p.m. to prepare for the ceremony. Family will have access to the Comcast Center and are welcome to start the seating process. The Commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 4 p.m.

After registering for Commencement, students will receive an e-mail confirming which ceremony they will participate in.

[Back to Commencement]

When can I pick up regalia orders?

Regalia, name cards, and honor cords may be picked up one week before the ceremony. Please refer to our Commencement Web site for specific dates and times. Distribution locations will be posted.

[Back to Commencement]

What are the name and the contact numbers for the Commencement vendors?

Northeast Photo is the vendor selected to take photographs of the graduates on Commencement day. You may contact Northeast Photo with questions concerning photo orders at 800-929-7427.

Herff Jones is the vendor selected to handle all regalia needs (including orders for diploma frames, rings, announcements, and souvenir mugs.) You may contact Herff Jones with questions concerning orders by e-mail at hjcollege@hjusa.net or by phone at 703-368-9550.

[Back to Commencement]

How do I order a Commencement DVD?

You may purchase a permanent copy of the Commencement DVD for $35. To order yours today, visit the UMUC Gear Store and select "Miscellaneous" under "Product Categories".

[Back to Commencement]

How many tickets do students get for graduation?

Once you have registered to participate as a graduate in UMUC's Adelphi Commencement, you will receive 10 tickets for your friends and family to attend the ceremony. For questions about Commencement tickets, send an e-mail to graduationserv@umuc.edu.

[Back to Commencement]

Which ceremony do I attend?

Further information will be forthcoming regarding which ceremony graduates will attend. Continue to check the a.m. and p.m. instruction pages of the Commencement Web site for information.

[Back to Commencement]

Is lodging available for out-of-town guests?

Yes, you may wish to reserve overnight accommodations at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland. Please visit the lodging page of the Commencement Web site for additional information.

[Back to Commencement]

How do I receive detailed information about graduation?

For detailed updates regarding times, locations, dates, and events, please visit the announcement page of the Commencement Web site.

[Back to Commencement]

How do I request a letter of invitation for guests who live out of the country, so they may obtain a visa?

Please send your request to Graduation Services at graduationserv@umuc.edu by April 15. In turn, you will receive a request form. The process should take no longer than five to seven business days.

[Back to Commencement]

How should I dress for Commencement?

All graduates are required to wear regalia, and are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear.

[Back to Commencement]

Is there a place for me to leave my purse, wallet, bags or other personal items?

Please be aware that we will not provide any place for graduates to store personal belongings during the Commencement ceremony. Graduates are strongly encouraged to leave all personal items with their family or guests attending Commencement. UMUC is not responsible for any personal items at any Commencement activity.

[Back to Commencement]

[Back to Top]

Contacts

If I missed the graduation deadline, who may I contact?

Contact Vicki White at graduationserv@umuc.edu or Graduation Services at 301-985-7444.

[Back to Contacts]

If I mistakenly apply for the wrong expected grad term, who should I contact?

Contact Susan Douglass at sdouglass@umuc.edu or Graduation Services at 301-985-7444.

[Back to Contacts]

Who should I contact if I have been awarded a degree but I have not received my diploma?

Contact Graduation Services at 301-985-7444.

[Back to Contacts]

What is the contact number and e-mail for Graduation Services?

Graduation Services’ phone number is 301-985-7444; the e-mail is graduationserv@umuc.edu.

[Back to Contacts]

Who should I contact for written verification of my completed degree?

Graduate students may contact the Graduate School at 301-985-7155 or gradinfo@umuc.edu.
Undergraduate students may contact the undergraduate school at undergraduateinfo@umuc.edu or 1-800-888-UMUC (8682).

[Back to Contacts]

I am a UMUC—Europe or UMUC—Asia student, how do I participate in the Adelphi Commencement?

Request the "Graduation Participation" form at graduationserv@umuc.edu. You may e-mail or fax it to graduation services at 301-985-7444.

How do confirm that I have met the requirements of my degree?

To confirm that you have met all degree requirements, please contact your student advisor.

[Back to Contacts]

[Back to Top]