School of Graduate Studies Commencement

Graduation Requirements

SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT: MAY 6, 2023

Graduation Requirements

Graduate students are required to file an “Application for Graduation” petition via MyWestern with the Office of the Registrar during the first two weeks of the semester in which they expect to complete all degree requirements. Degrees are awarded at the end of the semester in which all degree requirements are completed if all requirements are completed and grades are recorded within 25 working days after the last day of that semester. If requirements are not completed and recorded within that period, the graduation date for the diploma and transcript is the semester during which the work is completed and grades are recorded. In this case, students must notify the Office of the Registrar when all requirements are completed and file a new “Application for Graduation.”

Students are responsible for meeting all academic requirements. The University assists students in monitoring their academic progress by providing an advisor, copies of the student’s permanent records, and access to DegreeWorks, an online advising and graduation audit tool.

In order to participate in commencement, a student must have six or fewer credits left to complete graduation requirements and be registered for those credits the following summer and/or fall term. Participation in commencement does not signify that you have graduated, if all graduation requirements have not been met.

Important Dates and Information

May 1 – May 5, 2023:

Reader Cards: Reader cards are used to call your name during the commencement ceremony because there is not assigned seating. If you have confirmed your participation in the commencement ceremony, please pick up your reader card from Alumni Relations (Aspinall-Wilson Center, 909 E. Escalante Dr.) May 1 – May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Any reader cards that have not been picked up prior to commencement can be picked up from the School of Graduate Studies table located near the graduate staging area near Taylor Lawn on Saturday, May 6.

May 5, 2023:

Celebration of Distinguished Achievement in Graduate Studies: 4:45 – 6:15 p.m., Quigley, Kincaid Concert Hall. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served. Family and friends are welcome to attend and mingle with faculty and staff. Please RSVP to the School of Graduate Studies.

May 6, 2023:

Commencement: Meet at the Taylor Lawn staging area, NO LATER THAN 9:15 a.m. to line up for the ceremony. If you have accessibility needs or require other assistance, please contact the School of Graduate Studies.

The commencement ceremony will be live streamed on our YouTube channel.

Academic Regalia

All Western Colorado University commencement participants must be attired in appropriate academic regalia, commonly known as a cap and gown. Regalia is provided by Balfour and can be ordered online.

Master’s student regalia order form

Orders can be placed from 8 a.m. on February 5, 2023 – 11:50 p.m. on March 25, 2023. Orders placed from March 26, 2023 – April 2, 2023 at 11:59 p.m will be assessed a $25 late fee.

Once your order has been submitted, you will not be able to make changes online. For assistance or questions about your order contact Balfour at 1.800.683.4771 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday, or email customer_service@buildagrad.com.