Graduate School
Graduation Information
Congratulations! As you are about to complete the journey towards completion of an advanced degree, the following information will guide you through the final steps in preparation for graduation.
Prior To The Commencement Ceremony
Incomplete Grades & Transfer Credits: Official transcripts showing outstanding transfer credits and final grades for all incomplete work credit should be submitted to the Graduate School as soon as possible. The final degree audit cannot be performed until this is accomplished.
University Accounts: All outstanding accounts with University Offices should be cleared as soon as possible. A restriction will be placed on the academic record of any student with outstanding debits to the Business Office, Library, Bookstore, Health Services Office, or University Police.
Exit Interview: Student Financial Aid (450-3140) and/or Student Accounts (450-5015) may require an exit interview of students participating in student loan programs. Please contact these offices for specific details if you believe this may be applicable to you.
Address changes: Your diploma will be mailed to the address you gave on the graduate application. Address changes MUST be made in writing to the Graduate School prior to graduation in order to insure the proper delivery of the diploma.
Announcements and Class Rings: May be ordered through Barnes and Nobles Bookstore in the Student Center.
Caps, gowns, and hoods: Regalia may be ordered through the university bookstore. Contact the bookstore for more information/deadlines. (501)450-3414
Name Card: Each degree candidate will receive a NAME CARD with their cap and gown showing his or her line position. BRING YOUR NAME CARD TO THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY! Your name will be read from the card during the conferring of degrees.
Photographer: A photographer will be available at the commencement ceremony to provide graduation pictures. Photographs are optional. Proofs will be sent to the address listed on the graduation application by the end of December. For information AFTER the ceremony contact Candid Color of Arkansas, Inc., PO Box 523, Cabot, AR 72023-0523.
Official Transcripts: Important: Your degree and date of graduation will not be placed on the academic record until all academic requirements have been fulfilled and your degree certified. Requests for official transcripts must specify "Hold for degree to be awarded Month/Year"
The Commencement Ceremony
Academic Attire: In accordance with academic tradition, all degree candidates are robed in a black cap and gown. Cap tassels for all candidates are worn on the left front of the cap. Please come to the ceremony with your hood on your left arm with color toward your elbow. The Graduate Dean and Dean of your college will hood you on stage.
Assembly: There will not be a commencement rehearsal. To allow time for last-minute checks and instructions, degree candidates should assemble at their designated stations in the inside corridors on the East and West side of the Farris Center no later than one hour before the start of the ceremony for your college. Please note that the letter and number shown on your name card indicates whether you assemble on the EAST (E) or WEST (W) side and your position number in the degree line. It is most important that you be in the correct position in the appropriate degree line in order to be properly recognized during the ceremony. Students must arrive prior to the beginning of the procession in order to be seated! A faculty marshal will be on hand at each station to supervise line formation and lead the procession.
After The Commencement Ceremony: Once final grades are reported by the faculty, the Graduate School will review each degree candidate's application for graduation. The final completion of all requirements must be certified before the degree can be awarded and the diploma printed.The diploma is printed with your Name (as listed on the degree application), the Degree awarded, and the Date the degree is awarded. The diploma will be mailed to the address given on your application for graduation form approximately ten weeks after graduation. Notify the Graduate School in writing if you have not received your diploma after the ten weeks has expired.
NOTE: The University of Central Arkansas is not responsible for damage or loss that results from the actions of the US Postal Service.