Our key responsibility in the Office of Records & Registration is to serve our students the best possible way we can and to provide them with a continuously exceptional experience. This includes the process of preparing our undergraduate students for graduation. By educating and encouraging students to take the following steps, we hope their pathway towards graduation is a success! (Graduate students, please visit the Graduate School website for graduation information.)
Students should begin the graduation process upon having 35-37 hours remaining to complete your degree.
Be sure to check your Wingspan/Degree Works to be sure that the following information is accurate.
If the information is incorrect, please visit your Student Services office to update
your information.
Application DEADLINES: Completed forms must be received in the Office of Records and Registration, 126 Tillman, by:
February 1st for August and December graduation
September 15th for May graduation
Application for Graduation filing fees:
Undergraduate $50
Undergraduate $50 PLUS $25 Late fee after first established deadline
Undergraduate $50 PLUS $50 Late fee after established deadline during semester of anticipated graduation
Once your application is processed, a receipt of your graduation application will be noted on your Degree Progress Report under graduation status: i.e. "GRADUATION STATUS: Application Filed".
NOTE: Diploma orders are based on the information provided on your application. Please
make sure you list the "Name to appear on diploma" is correct.
In preparation for meeting with your advisor and registering for your final term, a PRECLEAR REVIEW EMAIL will be sent to all degree applicants with instructions to check the Degree Works worksheet to ensure that all degree requirements will be met.
The degree requirements that are “Still Needed” will need your attention to plan your course schedule accordingly.
“Still Needed” requirements can be resolved through registration for those courses, substitutions, and/or petitions, etc.
Please discuss with your advisor or student services best action if you are unsure.
In order to graduate, you must successfully complete all of your degree requirements, including:
Your status on your Degree Works progress report will change to "GRADUATION STATUS: PreClear Review Completed", once this email is sent to you from our office.
If you find our records do not agree with yours, please visit or call the Office of Records & Registration for additional assistance.
A Graduation Term Check will be completed during your final semester.
Once the Graduation Term Check is completed a phrase will be noted on the bottom of
your Degree Progress Report "Graduation Term Check has been completed for Graduation".
Your status will change to "GRADUATION STATUS: Graduation Term Check Completed".
You and your advisor will be emailed once the term check is completed.
Applicants with problems (i.e. if a student has not enrolled in courses still needed)
or with any outstanding/pending issues (i.e. substitutions, transfer work, incomplete
grades, etc.) will be notified by email.
NOTE: If you receive an email from our office regarding pending issues, please be
sure to resolve your issue as quickly as possible.
Students will be cleared for graduation in the Fall and Spring semesters beginning
the Thursday prior to the commencement ceremony.
The graduation applicant will be notified of their graduation status on DegreeWorks.
Your status will change to "GRADUATION STATUS: Undergraduate Degree Awarded".
All August graduates will be cleared and a notification on your Degree Progress Report
will be posted the day of graduation.
Click here to review the latest Commencement Information on your upcoming commencement day.
The Grad Finale is held in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students may attend these events during the semester in which they are preparing to graduate. Students are able to order their cap, gown, announcements, and ring, as well as receive information about the commencement ceremony.
An important part of Winthrop's commitment to provide the best possible education, experiences, and services is the evaluation of our programs from the perspective of our students. The Graduating Senior Survey provides you with an opportunity to give Winthrop University feedback so we can continue to meet that commitment. Your responses are confidential and will help Winthrop improve learning opportunities for others.
You will receive an e-mail containing a hyperlink to the Graduating Senior Survey by the Monday prior to the commencement ceremony. The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes. Questions about the survey should be directed to the Office of Assessment at (803) 323-4576 or assessment@winthrop.edu.
Only graduating candidates who successfully complete all requirements will be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. We make every attempt to inform you prior to commencement if you have not met requirements for graduation.
All August graduates are invited to attend the December Commencement Ceremony.