It is never too early to begin planning for a smooth transition from student to graduate. To avoid having your graduation denied, delaying your anticipated graduation date, or incurring additional costs for re-applications, you should carefully review the information below.
- Save and complete the Graduation Checklist (PDF) designed to ensure the graduation process goes as smoothly as possible. This important checklist covers all pertinent information concerning graduation (i.e., approval for graduation, hours and GPA requirements, and much more).
- The University of Alabama awards degrees and holds commencement exercises in May, August, and December. During your next-to-last semester, apply for graduation via myBama for the term in which you expect to complete all degree requirements.
- Caps and gowns can be purchased through the Supe Store. If you are eligible for Latin Honors, you will receive email communication from the A&S Student Services Office closer to graduation with instructions to pick your honors stole.
Meet Your College Registrar
Your college registrar is assigned by your primary major and they will play a key role in assisting you as you approach the final steps of completing your degree.
Once you apply for graduation and you are registered for your last semester(s) of classes, your college registrar will review your academic record and complete your degree audit. From the degree audit, you will learn if you are on track and approved for graduation; if you need to adjust your class schedule for your last semester(s) to get on track for graduation; or if you need to modify your expected graduation date. Be sure to regularly check your email for communication on your degree audit and to communicate with your college registrar if you are completing coursework at a different institution.
At the end of your final semester and if all University and college degree requirements are fulfilled and appearing on your UA record, your college registrar will process and approve your degree.
If you have questions regarding graduation standing, email your college registrar and include your name, CWID, and primary major.
Registrars
Wendy McMillan
Majors AuditedAfrican American studies, American studies, anthropology, art, art history, criminal justice, dance, English, foreign languages and literatures, history, music, philosophy, religious studies, Spanish, theatre
wendy.mcmillian@ua.edu
Ashley Newsome Thomas
Majors Auditedbiology, chemistry, communicative disorders, environmental science, geography, geology, marine science, mathematics, microbiology, physics
ash.thomas@ua.edu
Royce Garrison
Majors Auditedpolitical sciences, psychology, international studies, economics
royce.garrison@ua.edu
Graduation Deadlines
Graduation-related deadlines are included in the Academic Calendar maintained by the Office of the Registrar.
A&S Late Degree Application Request
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences who missed the degree application deadline should request a late degree application. Submitting a request for a late degree application does NOT guarantee that your application will be approved.
Career-Readiness
As you prepare to graduate, prepare for your career by taking advantage of the numerous services available to A&S students by the ICUE Connector and the Career Center. If you want to gain more experience before you graduate, check out opportunities to participate in service projects, internships, cultural activities, and even research. Professional preparation seminars are offered each semester to assist students with resume preparation, offer letters, mock interviews, salary negotiations, and more.
Graduating students are encouraged to complete the First Destination Survey before leaving campus so that we will know where they will be working or attending graduate school. Don’t forget… UA students have access to Handshake and the Career Center for life so activate your Handshake account now! The survey and Handshake are accessed at https://app.joinhandshake.com/login.
Quick Facts
CLEP: The College of Arts and Sciences expects students to complete and pass CLEP tests before they reach 90 earned hours to avoid delays in graduation. Processing test scores can take up to 4–6 weeks and can delay graduation if not completed by midterm of your final semester.
Double major vs dual-degree: To learn the difference between a double major and dual-degree, students are encouraged to review the informational page and email student.services@as.ua.edu with their name and CWID if they have any questions.
Incomplete Grades: Students are advised against taking Incomplete “I” grades in their final semester. If you have an “I” grade, you must work with your faculty to complete missing work for the course as soon as possible. The change of grade takes time to process in the system which can delay graduation, so it is crucial to proactively communicate with your professor, complete missing work, and allot enough time for the faculty to grade your work to submit a change of grade.
Study Abroad: It is important not to plan to study abroad for your final semester. It typically takes 3–4 months to receive, process, and post international transcripts, which will delay graduation. If you plan to study abroad in your final semester, you should focus on UA faculty-led programs since you can register for those classes through UA.
Transfer Coursework: The undergraduate transfer credit deadline is posted each semester in the Academic Calendar. Be sure to request your transcript from the other school be sent to UA after all final grades at that school have been posted to your transcript. The University of Alabama will not post classes that are still showing “In-Progress” on the transfer school’s transcript.