Graduation

Spring Commencement 2024

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off as you are about to finish your journey toward an advanced degree. The following information will guide you through the steps to prepare for graduation.

WINTER COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Friday, December 13, 2024
Farris Center

*For details concerning the ceremony, please visit the university’s Commencement website.

When should I apply for graduation?

Graduate students completing their degree in December 2024 must apply for graduation by the deadline on September 13, 2024. Only applications for Fall 2024 graduates are being accepted now. Choose the correct term when applying.

Graduation application fees are non-fundable. The Graduate Graduation Application fee is added to your CashNet balance. You will not be prompted to pay the application fee at the time you submit your graduation application.
It is important to verify in Degree Works that all program requirements have been or will be met prior to the end of this semester to avoid paying additional processing fees for subsequent applications for the same program.

How do I apply to graduate?

Master’s, Specialist, and Doctoral Degrees

Graduate or Post-Master’s Certificate

Failure to apply before the end of the term will result in a delay of degree award by one semester. Students will receive a confirmation email after submitting the application.

The deadline dates for submission of this application and fee are the same as those for filling an application to graduate. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the delay of the degree or certificate being awarded by a semester.

What do I need to do prior to the commencement ceremony?

Order your cap, gown, and hood: Regalia must be ordered through the UCA bookstore; contact the bookstore for more information (501-450-3166). NOTE: Undergraduate gowns are distinctly different and may not be worn by graduate students. You must have the appropriate regalia (gown and UCA hood) to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Incomplete Grades & Transfer Credits: Official transcripts showing outstanding transfer credits and final grades for all incomplete work credits should be submitted to the Graduate School as soon as possible. The final degree audit cannot be performed until this is accomplished.
Clear 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 debt to the Business Office, Library, Bookstore, Health Services Office, or University Police.
Complete an 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 applies to you.
Verify your address: 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 before graduation to ensure the proper delivery of the diploma.
Order Announcements and Class Rings: May be ordered through the UCA bookstore in the Student Center.
Order 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 is certified. Requests for official transcripts must specify “Hold for the degree to be awarded Month/Year”

When will I receive my diploma or certificate? How do I order an additional diploma?

An email will be sent after commencement to let you know when you may order your diploma or certificate. Once final grades are reported by the faculty, the Graduate School will review each candidate’s application for degree or certificate completion. The final completion of all requirements must be verified before the degree can be awarded and the diploma or certificate printed. The diploma or certificate is printed with your name (as listed on the application), the degree or certificate awarded, and the date the degree or certificate is awarded. If your diploma or certificate mailing address changes prior to this please send an email with the new address to Jennifer Bell. Changing your address on myUCA does not update your diploma or certificate mailing address. Notify the Graduate School in writing if you have not received your diploma or certificate after the sixteen weeks have expired.

If you have any questions regarding additional diplomas or damaged diplomas, contact the Registrar’s office.

NOTE: The University of Central Arkansas is not responsible for damage or loss that results from the actions of the US Postal Service.