Graduation Requirements
SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT: MAY 4, 2024
Graduation Requirements
Graduate students must file an Application for Graduation through MyWestern within the first two weeks of the semester, during which they expect to complete all degree requirements. The Office of the Registrar awards degrees at the end of the semester if requirements are met and graded within 25 working days after the last day of that semester. In cases where degree requirements are not complete with grades within 25 working days after the last day of the semester, the graduation date for the diploma and transcript becomes the semester that the instructor(s) anticipate recording grades. Once all requirements are complete, students must notify the Office of the Registrar 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.
To participate in commencement, a student must have six or fewer credits left to complete graduation requirements and register for those credits the following summer and/or fall term. Participation in commencement does not signify that you have graduated if degree requirements are incomplete.
Important Dates and Information
April 29 – May 3, 2024:
Reader Cards: Reader cards are used to call your name during commencement because there is no assigned seating. If you have confirmed your participation in commencement, please pick up your reader card from Alumni Relations (Aspinall-Wilson Center, 909 E. Escalante Dr.) April 29 – May 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any reader cards not picked up by May 3 can be picked up from the School of Graduate Studies table near the staging area at the Rady Family Sports Complex on Saturday, May 4th, at 8:30 am.
May 3, 2024:
Celebration of Distinguished Achievement in Graduate Studies: 4:45 – 6:15 p.m., Quigley Hall, Kincaid Concert Hall. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served. Family and friends are welcome to attend and mingle with faculty and staff.
May 4, 2024:
Commencement: Meet at the Rady Family Sports Complex (previously the Mountaineer Bowl) by 9:15 a.m. to line up for the ceremony. If you have accessibility needs or require other assistance, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 970.943.7003.
Commencement is live-streamed on Western’s YouTube channel and the WCU Commencement webpage.
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
Place online orders from 8:00 a.m. on February 5, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. on March 25, 2024. Orders placed from March 26, 2024 – April 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. will be assessed a $25 late fee.
Once you submit your order, you cannot 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.
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