Graduation. noun | grad·u·a·tion | \,gra-jə-‘wā-shən\ : the awarding of degrees
So, you’re getting ready to graduate? Congratulations! Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions about graduation.
What do I need to do to graduate?
A student cannot be awarded a degree or certificate without filing an application for graduation with the Registrar’s Office and paying the appropriate graduation fees. The degree application is available in the Student Center of UAConnect and should be submitted for the semester in which the student expects to complete all requirements for the degree or certificate.
Also, make sure you review the latest Guide to Preparing Theses & Dissertations if you’re submitting a thesis or dissertation to graduate.
Is there a graduation checklist that I could use?
When should I send a copy of my thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School?
Send an electronic copy of your thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School (gradtad@uark.edu) for a formatting pre-check prior to defending and at least TWO WEEKS prior to the final submission deadline.
Where is the graduation office?
We are located in Gearhart Hall 207/208 or by phone at 479-575-4401.
When should I schedule my defense?
Schedule your thesis/dissertation defense as soon as possible to avoid delays with scheduling all committee members. We recommend defending your thesis at least TWO WEEKS prior to the submission deadline to allow enough time for required revisions. If you’re graduating in the fall, we also recommended that you defend prior to the Thanksgiving break.
When will I see the option to apply to graduate in UAConnect?
Students eligible to apply must meet one of the following criteria before the option to apply appears in their Student Center under Other Academics:
- Graduate student with one completed semester.
- Law student with 60 or more earned hours.
What are the degree requirements to graduate from graduate school?
We’ve got you covered. Here is the link to information for certificate students, education specialist students, master’s non-thesis students, master’s students, and doctoral students: https://graduate-and-international.uark.edu/graduate/current-students/student-resource/commencement-graduation.php.
What’s on my diploma?
Your diploma has your name, graduation date, the degree awarded to you, the university’s seal and official signatures. The diploma shows the full name of the degree awarded, such as Master’s of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy. Majors and minors are not shown on the diploma but are listed on your official transcript.
When will I receive my diploma?
Degrees are posted to transcripts 4-6 weeks after graduation date. Diplomas are mailed by the Registrar’s Office approximately 8-10 weeks after graduation date.
When will I find out information about Commencement?
There are commencement ceremonies at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Fall commencement is held on the third Saturday in December and is a single event for all undergraduate, graduate and law students who graduated the previous summer or who will graduate in the fall.
Spring commencement is held on the second Saturday of May with All-University Commencement as the main ceremony where graduate students are individually recognized.
See more information about commencement at https://registrar.uark.edu/graduation/commencement/index.php.
How do I make sure my name is on Senior Walk?
To have your name inscribed on Senior Walk and included in the Commencement program you must submit your consent in writing. This consent should be completed on your graduation application.
Want to know more? The Guide to Preparing Theses and Dissertations, the Graduation Checklist, graduation forms, and other information regarding graduation and commencement can be found at: http://graduate-and-international.uark.edu/graduate/current-students/commencement-graduation.php