Graduation

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. In the next-to-last semester, students should apply for graduation via myBama for the term in which they expect to complete all degree requirements.
  • Caps and gowns can be purchased through the Supe Store. Participation in the commencement ceremony is not required for degree candidates.
  • Undergraduate honors designation at the time of commencement ceremony are calculated based on students cumulative UA GPA at the end of the semester before the semester of graduation. The Latin Honors Designation standards are established by the University and enforced by the College. Eligible students will receive email communication from the A&S Registrar Team closer to graduation with instructions to pick up their honors regalia at no cost. Honors regalia will not be mailed.

A&S College Registrar Team

The A&S College Registrar Team is comprised of three college registrars and a program assistant. Together, they work to make sure graduation requirements are clearly communicated, the processing timeline for degree applications remain efficient, and accurate communication regarding the entire graduation process is timely.

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 anticipated graduation date. Be sure to regularly check your crimson email address for communication on your degree audit and to communicate with your college registrar if you are completing coursework at a different institution (proof of registration and equivalency will be required).

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.

Registrar Team

Wendy McMillian

Wendy Bolton McMillian

College Registrar
Majors Audited
African American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Art History, Criminal Justice, Dance, English, Foreign Languages and Literatures, History, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spanish, and Theatre
wendy.mcmillian@ua.edu

Ashley Thomas

Ashley Newsome Thomas

College Registrar
Majors Audited
Biology, Chemistry, Communicative Disorders, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, and Physics
ash.thomas@ua.edu

Royce Garrison

Royce Garrison

College Registrar
Majors Audited
Economics (AS), International Studies, Neuroscience, Political Science, and Psychology
royce.garrison@ua.edu

script A on red background

Brittany Coulter

Program Assistant
Manages the A&S Registrar Team email account, facilitates the processing of College forms found on the Academic Policies and Procedures website, responsible for communication regarding honors regalia pick up, and coordinates the College check in process for commencement.
asregistrar@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.

Walk Out of Turn Request

The University expects students to participate in the commencement ceremony for the term in which they will complete all degree requirements and have applied to graduate. If a student has extenuating circumstances that will prevent them from participating in their commencement ceremony, they can send an email to asregistrar@ua.edu to request the “Walk Out of Turn” petition. Requesting and submitting your information through this request form does not guarantee approval. If your walk out of turn request is approved, your name would NOT appear in the commencement program book (since you would not complete your degree requirements in the requested term).

Commencement vs Graduation

Commencement is a ceremonious occasion honoring important educational accomplishments of graduation candidates. Commencement occurs prior to the final grade deadline and functions on the assumption that students will successfully complete their degree requirements prior to the final grade deadline. Walking at a commencement ceremony does NOT guarantee graduation status. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements and receipt of your diploma.

First Destination Survey for Graduates

After the degree application is submitted, graduation candidates are encouraged to complete the First Destination Survey. The information gathered in the survey will inform the College how to help prepare future legends for life after graduation.

Access the First Destination Survey with your crimson email address.

Career-Readiness

Students should prepare for their careers by taking advantage of the numerous services available to A&S students by the ICUE Connector and the Career Center. To gain more experience before graduation, 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. UA students have lifetime access to Handshake and the Career Center and they are encouraged to activate their Handshake account today to launch the next steps in their career.

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 the A&S Registrar Team at asregistrar@ua.edu including their name, CWID and intended programs of study.

Incomplete Grades: Students with active degree applications are advised against Incomplete “I” grades in their final semester to avoid denial. 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.