As students prepare to graduate from UNO, there are several things they should know.
Please review the following information and be aware of all relevant deadlines for the semester that you intend to graduate.
Step 1: Apply for graduation online
Once you have reached the final semester in your program, you must apply to graduate through MavLINK before the deadline for that semester. There is a $35.00 Application for Degree fee ($5.00 for graduate certificate students) payable at the time the application is submitted. If applying after the deadline, an additional $35 late fee will be assessed for degree-seeking applicants.
Deadlines for filing applications for degrees to be conferred:
- Spring: March 6, 2026
- Summer: July 11, 2025
- Fall: October 17, 2025
Deadlines to submit comprehensive exam results, incomplete/in-progress grades from previous terms, and final copies of theses, thesis-equivalent projects, Ed.S. field projects or dissertations:
- Spring: April 23, 2026
- Summer: July 31, 2025
- Fall: December 4, 2025
Step 2: Expect to receive an email from the Office of Graduate Studies
All candidates who have applied for graduation will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Studies detailing the deadlines for finishing all degree requirements. Note: If you apply for graduation and will not complete all of the requirements for the degree by the published deadline, please notify the Office of Graduate Studies. You must reapply to graduate in a future term; no additional fee is charged.
Step 3: Complete requirements
The following requirements must be received and approved by the Office of Graduate Studies 12 working days prior to commencement (or 12 working days prior to the final day of the summer semester in the case of August graduation). If these items are not completed by this date, students will NOT be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony.
- Comprehensive examination results
- All Incomplete and In-Progress grades from previous terms must be completed and the grades submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Submit final copies of thesis, thesis-equivalent project, Ed.S. field project and dissertations.
Your graduation file must be in complete order except for 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. Students have 15 working days after the commencement ceremony (or 15 working days after the final day of the summer semester in the case of August graduation) to complete all degree requirements for current enrollments.
Step 4: Purchase academic regalia
Academic regalia is required for degree candidates to participate in the commencement ceremony. Purchase your cap, gown, and hood from The Maverick Store.
Step 5: Attend Commencement
UNO graduate students can graduate in May, August, or December. Students graduating in May are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony, while students graduating in August and December are eligible to participate in the December commencement ceremony. Participation in a commencement ceremony is not required to graduate from any degree program or to receive a diploma.
Step 6: Ensure that you receive your diploma
To ensure that you receive your diploma, please remember to pay all fees and fines, and satisfy all obligations to the university. If you are currently enrolled in courses that are a part of your plan of study, you must maintain enrollment and successfully complete the course(s) to be eligible for graduation. Grades for all current enrollments must be received by the Office of the Registrar no later than the close of business on the 15 th working day following the date of commencement, or 15 working days after the final day of the summer semester. Diplomas will be mailed after this deadline date.
- Questions about a diploma mailing , contact the Office of the Registrar.
- Questions about completing degree requirements , contact the Office of Graduate Studies.
Step 7: Connect with your fellow UNO Alumni
As a UNO graduate, you have a free, lifetime membership with the UNO Alumni Association. Network with fellow graduates, gain access to exclusive alumni benefits, and stay connected to your UNO community.