Graduation & Commencement

Graduation

You must apply to graduate throughfor the semester in which you'll officially and successfully complete all requirements for the degree(s) and major(s) you're pursuing. Degrees are conferred at the end of the fall, springand summer semesters.

Complete the following steps before the applicable submission deadline (see thegraduation & diploma calendar):

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's(you may be prompted to log in).
  2. Select "Apply for graduation."
  3. In thegraduation application statustable, toggle "Select to Apply," then click "Apply." (Note:You can't apply to graduate from a certificateor licensure program.If you're pursuing a dual degree,submit a separate application for the each program.)
  4. For your expected graduation term, choose the term in which you expect to complete your degree requirements.
  5. Click "Next."
  6. Review your name. If you want to modify it, click the "Name Type" row. Make edits to your first and last name and click "Accept." Once you save it, this will be your diploma name.
  7. Once you're happy with your name, select "Next."
  8. Review your address. Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after the commencement ceremony. If the address shown won't be correct at that time, select the plus button or the "Add a New Permanent Address," then click "Yes." Enter the new address and click "Accept." The post office will not forward your diploma if your address changes.
  9. Once you're happy with your address, select "Next."
  10. On the "Additional Information" tab, use the "Graduation Intention" drop-down menu to select "Complete." Then click "Confirm" to move to the confirmation page.
  11. Review your information. If it's accurate, click "Submit" and then confirm by clicking "Yes."

Your application status will likely remain as "In Review"until after the degree conferral date for your graduation term.*

At that time, your department will review your records, determine whetheryou've completed your graduation requirements, and change your statusto either "Accepted"or "Denied."

  • If your status is"Accepted,"then you've successfully completed your degree requirements and have graduated from ɫƵ.
  • If your status is"Denied," then you haven't completed your degree requirements and have not graduated from ɫƵ. Please contact your advisor for more information.

*If your status is changed to"Accepted" before the end of your graduation term, that means the department has received your application, buthas not confirmed whether you've met your degree requirements.

Enter your diploma name as you wish for it to appear on your diploma and in the commencement program.

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's(you may be prompted to log in).
  2. Select "Apply for graduation."
  3. In thegraduation application statustable, toggle “Select to Edit” to select the application you’d like to edit. Click “Edit”.
  4. The next page will show deadlines for editing your graduation application data. Click “Next”.
  5. Review your name. If you want to modify it, click the "Name Type" row. Make edits to your first and last name and click "Accept" and "Next." Once you save it, this will be your new diploma name.
  6. Review your address. Diplomas are mailed approximately eight weeks after the commencement ceremony. If the address shown won't be correct at that time, select the plus button or the "Add a New Permanent Address," then click "Yes." Enter the new address and click "Accept." Or if you wish to edit the existing diploma address, click on the "Diploma Address" row and make your changes. The post office will not forward your diploma if your address changes.
  7. Once you're happy with your address, click "Accept," and then "Next."
  8. On the "Additional Information" tab, use the "Graduation Intention" drop-down menu to select "Complete." Then click "Confirm" to move to the confirmation page.
  9. Review your information. If it's accurate, click "Submit" and then confirm by clicking "Yes."

To change your graduation term, you must cancel the current application and submit a new one.

  1. Follow this link to Buff Portal's(you may be prompted to log in).
  2. Select "Apply for graduation."
  3. In thegraduation application statustable, select "View Application."
  4. Select "Cancel Application," then "Yes."
  5. Follow the instructions above to submit an application with your new graduation term.

Commencement

Seethe ɫƵ commencement website for information about upcoming conferral, recognition and commencement activities.

The commencement program lists the names of students who either graduated (fall semester) or applied to graduate (spring or summer semester) in that academic year. For example, students listed in the 2020–21 commencement program will have done one of the following:

  • Graduated in Fall 2020
  • Submitted theirSpring 2021 graduation application by April 1, 2021
  • Submitted theirSummer 2021 graduation application by April 1, 2021

Students who submit a Fall 2020 graduation application will be listed in the following year's commencement program.

If you’re expecting to complete your degree requirements in spring or summer, submit your graduation application by the publication deadline (April 1) to have your name included in the commencement program.

Diplomas & Certificates

We'll mail yourcomplimentary paper diploma and/or certificateapproximately eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you completeyour degree requirements.If you didn't establish a separate diploma address when you applied to graduate, your diploma will be mailed to your home address (note: the post office will not forward your diploma if your address changes).

Note:Your diplomawill only be mailed if you've satisfied allyour financial obligations within one year after graduation. Students who resolve their financial hold after the allotted time must instead order a replacement diploma.

Learn More About Diplomas & Certificates

Questions?

See our Graduation & Diploma FAQs.

Contact Us

Resources

Graduation Calendar

See more...