ARE YOU READY TO GRADUATE?

Things you need to know!

Presented by

Kathy Hein - Associate Registrar

Lillian Kluka - Graduation Analyst

Dorothy Cureton - Graduation Analyst

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR ACADEMIC RECORD!

You are ultimately responsible for your academic record…not your advisor!

Educate yourself. Empower yourself.

Your advisor is there to assist. Ask questions!

WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR GRADUATION?

Discuss your anticipated graduation date with your advisor

Apply for graduation once you have earned 90 credits

The Graduation Application Timeline is available on the Registrars webpage. www.wcupa.edu/registrar

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR GRADUATION? Apply online through your myWCU account. Click on “Apply for Graduation” and follow the

prompts. Once you apply for graduation online, come to

the Registrar’s office to make any changes to your graduation term.

If you do not see your graduation term then go to the Registrar’s office to apply in person.

Keep in mind applying late for graduation may result in your name not being included in the Commencement Brochure!

AFTER YOU APPLY FOR GRADUATION…WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A Graduation Fee of $82 is charged to your

account. Your Graduation Analyst will review your

academic record to check to see that you have fulfilled your general education requirements.

Keep checking your WCU email. Your Graduation Analyst will email you with important information.

Your advisor/academic department will check to see if you have completed your major/minor academic requirements after your last semester is graded.

IMPORTANT TIPS Take charge of your academic record! Run a Degree Progress Report (DPR) every

term before you meet with your advisor. This will assist you to keep moving toward degree completion. (From your myWCU account click on Degree Progress Report)

If you have questions about anything on your DPR….ask your advisor!

If your advisor can’t answer your question, go to the Chairperson.

COMMON PITFALLS

Keep your record cleared of all “holds”. You will not receive your diploma if you have holds on your record.

Make sure you have a 300/400 level “Writing Emphasis” course.

BIO 102/ESS102/ENV102 do NOT count as science gen ed courses. (Interdisciplinary)

Transfer Students: make sure all transfer credits are posted. Check this by reviewing your DPR.

Transfer Students: you must have 60 WCU credits to attain commencement honors.

COMMON PITFALLS (CONTINUED) Check your total adjusted credits on your DPR. You

need a minimum of 120 total adjusted credits!

A few majors require more than 120 credits. In some majors you can complete all gen eds and

major requirements and still not have 120 credits. Example: Criminal Justice and English

Be aware of any minimum GPA and the total credit requirement within your major.

If you must take summer course work to complete your degree then you must apply as an August graduate (not May).

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY There are two commencement ceremonies each

year: December and May. December commencement is always held

indoors in Hollinger Field House and requires an A.M. and P.M. ceremony.

May commencement is held outdoors, weather permitting, in Farrell Stadium at South Campus.

All August graduates walk in the May commencement.

All commencement information and the list of graduates are posted on the Registrar’s webpage. www.wcupa.edu/registrar

COMMENCEMENT INFO Caps and Gowns are included in the Graduation fee. Pick

them up at the WCU Bookstore. Graduation Announcements available at the WCU Bookstore Honors Cords available for purchase ($5) at WCU Bookstore

for eligible students. Diplomas

At the commencement ceremony you receive a diploma cover only.

Diplomas are mailed @ 8 weeks after commencement:

December commencement –late February mailing

May commencement – late July mailing

August grads – late October mailing

DIPLOMAS Your diploma will state your degree, not your

academic major. For example:

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Your diploma does not display Latin honors (as per the PA State System of Higher Education)

Latin honors are displayed on your official transcript

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR ACADEMIC RECORD !

QUESTIONS? Ms. Lillian Kluka, Graduation Analyst, reviews:

College of Business and Public Affairs

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Health Sciences

Ms. Dorothy Cureton, Graduation Analyst, reviews:

College of Arts & Sciences

College of Education

ARE YOU READY TO GRADUATE?

Things you need to know!

Presented by

Kathy Hein - Associate Registrar

Lillian Kluka - Graduation Analyst

Dorothy Cureton - Graduation Analyst

Check the Registrar’s

webpage for dates and

times:www.wcupa.edu/registrar

All students are welcome to attend!