Applying for Graduation

4.10.09

With the approach of graduation, many students may wonder if the process to apply for graduation is difficult. The UA staff has taken measures to ensure the final steps to graduation are readily accessible and go smoothly. From reminders on ISIS to descriptions in the Catalog of Studies, from detailed instructions given by the registrar’s office to various advisors ready to help, students have a myriad of choices when it comes to learning how to apply for graduation.


“The first mistake students make when applying for graduation is coming to the Registrar’s Office,” said a Registrar’s Office employee. With the exception of Law, Graduate, and Architecture students, the process of applying for graduation begins at the Dean’s Office of your school or college. In the office, the student may be asked to fill out paperwork specific to his college; then he will receive a graduation application card and should have the dean sign it before going to the Registrar’s Office.


Architecture students begin the process with the Academic Counselor and Graduate students start in the Graduate School dean’s office. Those studying law are the only students that receive their application cards in the Registrar’s Office.


Fulbright Advisor Teresa Scott said a common mistake students make is waiting until their last semester to apply for graduation. When a student applies for graduation, a degree audit will be given to make sure all requirements have been met. “Students can and should apply at least one semester early,” Scott advised. “Even if the degree audit doesn’t come before registration, it is helpful because you can always go back and change your class choices.”


Once the card is completed, it should be taken to the registrar’s office along with the graduation fees. According to the Uark Web site, graduation fees are $25 for Undergraduate students, $30 for Master’s and Ed.S. students, $35 for JD and LLM students, and $85 for Doctorate students.


At the registrar’s office, the graduation fee will be collected and the student will fill out a commencement card. This card requires basic information about the student, such as full name (as the student wants it to appear on the diploma and sidewalk), address, phone number, and e-mail address. Other categories, such as degree earning, major, college/school, and which ceremony the student will participate in are also required on this card. These cards are sent through the mail, but are also available at the registrar’s office, in case the card has been lost or the student has moved and not changed an address.


The registrar will present the student with a receipt and a sheet of “Instructions to Graduates,” regarding commencement procedures, such as regalia, tassels, hoods, stoles, and after graduation services.


Classical studies major Michelle Scouten found the entire process simple. “Everything went smoothly, I’m so graduating,” she said. After applying in January, Scouten got clearance just a few weeks later.