Graduation Checklist

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• Graduate Studies
• Current Students
• Graduation Checklist

As you prepare to graduate from UNO, there are several things you should know.

Please check with the Office of Graduate Studies for specific deadlines, and review the commencement & graduation procedures and this checklist. Please be aware of all relevant deadlines.

STEP 1: Apply for graduation online
STEP 2: Wait for a letter from the Office of Graduate Studies
STEP 3: Make rental arrangements for academic regalia
STEP 4: Complete requirements
STEP 5: Pick up cap and gown
STEP 6: Attend the festivities
STEP 7: Return cap and gowns
STEP 8: Ensure that you receive your diploma

STEP 1: Apply for graduation online

Once you have reached the final semester in your degree and/or certificate program, you must apply to graduate. This is done through MavLINK. Please see the table below for information on deadline dates for current and future semesters.

Note: August graduates celebrate their commencement in December. However, there may be extenuating circumstances that could allow an August graduate to walk in the May Commencement before completing their studies. The request form can be downloaded here.

Please have the graduate chair of your program fill out and submit this form to the Office of Graduate Studies. You will also need to submit the Summer Application for Degree through MavLINK. Both items are due on the "last day for filing application for degrees to be conferred" of the corresponding Spring semester in which you wish to participate (i.e., the Spring semester prior to the Summer semester in which you will actually receive your diploma). Please see the table below for the appropriate deadline date.

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STEP 2: Wait for a letter from the Office of Graduate Studies

All candidates who have applied for graduation will receive a letter from the Office of Graduate Studies detailing the deadlines for finishing all degree requirements. Please refer to this letter for specific information on completing degree requirements. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies, gradschool@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2341.

Note: If you apply for graduation and will not complete all of the requirements for the degree, please notify the Office of Graduate Studies. You must REAPPLY to graduate in a future term; no additional fee is charged.

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STEP 3: Make rental arrangements for academic regalia

Academic Regalia are required for degree candidates to participate in the ceremony. Students not wearing academic regalia will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.

Order a cap, gown, and hood from the UNO Bookstore. Contact the Bookstore at 402.554.2336 for deadlines and cost information.

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STEP 4: Complete requirements

The following requirements must be in the Office of Graduate Studies 12 working days prior to commencement:

• Comprehensive Examination results. (Contact individual Departments/Schools for procedures to take the exams).
• All Incomplete and In Progress grades from previous terms must be completed and the grades submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies.
• Submit thesis, thesis-equivalent project or EdS field project and dissertations.
• Your graduation file must be in complete order with the exception of grades for current enrollments. Final responsibility rests with you, the graduate student, to check with your advisor and the Office of Graduate Studies to be sure all requirements are met.

NOTE: If the above items are not completed by this date, students will NOT be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony

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STEP 5: Pick up cap and gown

Once you have made rental arrangements for your academic regalia, your cap and gown can be picked up in the designated location and during the designated times indicated by the UNO Bookstore. These items are typically distributed in Milo Bail Student Center during the Thursday and Friday prior to the May and December Commencement Ceremonies.

Additional instructions for the ceremony will be given to you at the time you pick up your cap and gown.

Commencement Announcements are available at the UNO Bookstore located in the Milo Bail Student Center. University rings may also be ordered at the UNO Bookstore. Contact the UNO Bookstore at402.554.2336 with any questions.

Note: If you plan to participate in any events requiring regalia during UNO's commencement, but do not intend to rent or purchase a cap and gown from the UNO Bookstore, please contact Tammie French in the Office of Records and Registration (402.554.3043) or tfrench@unomaha.edu.

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STEP 6: Attend the festivities

Once you have completed all the above steps, please join us in celebrating the May 2013 Commencement. Students and their families are welcome and encouraged to attend. For important information about the commencement ceremonies, including when and where to arrive, please visit the Commencement Website.

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STEP 7: Return cap and gowns

All gowns are to be returned to the UNO Bookstore by 5:00 p.m. on the day of commencement. Specific instructions for return of your cap and gown will be given to you at the time you pick up your cap and gown.

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STEP 8: Ensure that you receive your diploma

To ensure that you receive your diploma, please remember to complete the following:

• Pay all fees and fines and satisfy all obligations to the University.

• If you are currently enrolled in courses which are a part of your plan of study, you must maintain enrollment and successfully complete the course(s) in order to be eligible for graduation. Grades for all current enrollment must be received by the Registrar’s Office no later than the close of business on the 15^th day following the date of commencement. Diplomas will be mailed out after this deadline date.

If you have questions or concerns about your diploma mailing, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 402.554.5314.
If you have questions or concerns about completing your degree requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 402.554.2341.

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