Getting Ready for Graduation

End Goal: Graduation

Graduation isn't as simple as showing up and walking across the stage; it takes several steps to complete your college experience. In fact, you need to take four primary steps to graduate, and it's not just about finishing your classes.

Step 1: Applying for Graduation

Every degree and certificate has a set list of requirements that needs to be met is listed in Cat Tracks. At the bottom of each student’s course requirements is a section called graduation sign-off. Next to this subsection, there is a note that states: 

“At the beginning of the semester you plan to graduate, please visit with your department chair before the application deadline for graduation.”

This section is used to make sure that all requirements are met, including some that are not necessarily listed in Cat Tracks. 

Graduation standards: 

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all work completed at Weber State University must be attained; some majors and minors may require a higher GPA.
2. Each degree program allows only so many grades as low as a D. Colleges or departments may reject any or all "D" grade work in major or minor course requirements.
3. All financial obligations to the university must be cleared

There are several ways to stay on top of graduation requirements. Meeting with your program advisor, for example, can help with:

• Course planning 
• Checking grade requirements for your degree
• Understanding which courses are offered in fall or spring
• Checking GPA requirements
• Support meetings throughout the year

Other support programs include:

• Tutoring 
• Mentoring
• Academic Peer Coaching 
• Counseling services 
• Financial Aid Office 
• Registrar's Office 
• And many more 

Another important tip is that if there are any grade disputes, you have 45 days from when grades are posted to dispute them before they are finalized.

Step 2: Grad Finale

Grad Finale is where you can pick up your cap, gown, and cords. Grad finale takes place twice, once at the Dee Events Center and once on the Davis campus for each semester graduation.

Dates for each grad finale are posted on Weber State's Graduation page for the semester a student plans to graduate. The grad finale is a great place to celebrate your accomplishments with fellow students and pick up free swag!

Step 3: Attend Commencement Ceremony

Next up is Commencement - the moment you finally walk across the stage and celebrate your hard work with family and friends. When you are getting ready for commencement, apply to be in the commencement program for recognition of your major accomplishment. Once you apply for graduation, Weber State will send you information on:

• Graduation location
• Graduation time 
• Deadlines
• Important dates 

This information will also be listed on Weber State's Graduation page and each department's website.

Step 4: Get Your Diploma

When you attend graduation, you won't receive your diploma in the diploma case you're given at the event. Diplomas can actually take several weeks to mail once a student graduates. Diplomas are sent out once graduation requirements and final grades are processed. If you have not received your diploma 3-6 weeks after commencement, contact Weber State's Records Office. 

The Unofficial Step 5: Celebrate!

You did the work, you earned the grades, you applied, went to the Grad Finale, walked across the stage at your commencement ceremony, and received your diploma in the mail. You did it! You might start thinking about what comes next, but first, give yourself some time to celebrate yourself and be proud of your achievement.

Graduation is a major achievement and looks different for everyone, but Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” Congratulations to every graduating student!