Graduation FAQs

UCB’s 2020 Commencement Ceremony for graduates will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2020. We know that this is an important day in the lives of our students and we want to make sure everyone has all the information they need to be ready for the big day!

Should I apply for graduation?

• UCB students should apply to graduate if they believe they have met all the requirements to receive a degree. If you think you are eligible to graduate, please do the following:
          o Speak to an Academic Advisor to ensure that you will meet all UCB requirements for graduation or participation in the commencement ceremony.
          o Confirm that all incomplete “I” and blank grades on your record have been replaced with a grade.

•All UCB students who will have earned between 60-65 credits at the time of graduation can apply to graduate. Please note that UCB policy allows students who have completed 60 to participate in the commencement ceremony.  If you have not completed 66 credits and all other graduation requirements you will need to do so before receiving your diploma. If you think you are eligible to participate in commencement, please do the following:
          o Speak to an Academic Advisor to ensure that you will meet the minimum credit threshold required and make sure you know which course(s) you will need to complete to earn your degree.  We strongly advise that you complete these courses as soon as possible.
          o Confirm  that all incomplete “I” and blank grades on your record have been replaced with a grade.
 

There is a difference between graduation and commencement.  Graduation is the awarding of degrees and certificates while commencement is the annual ceremony UCB has for its graduates.

Can I participate in the commencement ceremonies even if I have not met all my graduation requirements?

• UCB policy states that students may participate in the graduation ceremonies if they have 6 or fewer credits left to complete their associate degree. This means that a student who has between 60-65 credits will not get a diploma and has not completed their program of study, but can walk at graduation and finish their last two classes for their associate degree in the summer or fall. Please fill out a graduation application if you believe you are eligible and wish to participate in this year’s graduation ceremony.
 

If you think you are eligible to participate in commencement, please do the following:
          o Speak to an Academic Advisor to ensure that you will meet the minimum credit threshold required and make sure you know which course(s) you will need to complete to earn your degree.  We strongly advise that you complete these courses as soon as possible.
          o Confirm  that all incomplete “I” and blank grades on your record have been replaced with a grade.

When should I apply?

• You should complete the UCB graduation application as soon as possible. 
• The deadline to apply for graduation is April 3, 2020.

Is there a fee to graduate?

• Yes. All students must pay the graduation fee regardless of whether or not they attend the ceremony. The graduation fee is $30.00. Cap & Gown is an additional charge of $25.00.

I do not plan to attend the ceremony. Do I still have to apply for graduation and pay the commencement fee?

• Yes. All students must apply for graduation and pay the graduation fee in order to have their degree awarded and receive their diploma. Attending commencement is not required or mandatory.

What happens after I submit my graduation application?

• Once a graduation application is received UCB staff will conduct a final degree audit.  Audits will be confirmed by the by the Chief Academic Officer. This will take approximately 5-7 business days.
• After your graduation application is reviewed and processed, the Enrollment Office will email you to either 1) confirm you are all set to graduate or 2) let you know that you are not eligible to graduate and/or participate in commencement.  The Enrollment Office will also let you know what additional steps you will need to take to become eligible to participate in commencement or graduate.

How will I know that I have been approved for graduation?

• You will receive an email from the college. It will let you know that you are all set to graduate and will remind you to come in to the Business Office to pay your graduation fee.

How will I know if I am not ready to graduate?

• You will receive an email from the college that will explain why you are not eligible to participate in commencement and/or graduate and let you know what your next steps should be

How do I apply for graduation?

• Click here for the online graduation application.

The online graduation application will ask for your current contact information and will ask you to select your associate degree and/or certificate(s) programs. You will also be asked to type your name as you wish to have it on your diploma or certificate, review a media release, and select your gown size. Please be sure to enter your information accurately and ask a UCB staff member if you have any questions as you complete the form.  Please remember that the deadline to apply for graduation is April 3, 2020.

• Additional details about the graduation day schedule, picking up your cap and gown, and applying to speak at graduation will be provided in the coming weeks.

Questions?  Please email enrollment@urbancollege.edu.