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Graduate School Graduation FAQs

Graduation FAQs

Yes. All students who wish to graduate must apply for graduation by the application deadline. This is a requirement for each student wishing to graduate. If you do not apply for graduation, you will not graduate. If you plan to walk in the ceremony, even if you are unsure, please choose “yes” to the question about attending the ceremony to ensure you are on the list.

How do I apply for graduation?

Please refer to our Graduation page to apply for graduation and see when those applications open for each term. The instructions are located at the top of the Graduation Application screen in a yellow box.

How do I know my graduation term?

You apply for the graduation term that corresponds to completion of all graduation requirements (coursework, thesis/dissertation/scholarly delivery requirements, comprehensive exam, etc.) as required by your particular program.

May (spring) graduation: Students who will meet all graduation requirements by the end of the January (winter) intersession or spring semester will apply for May graduation.
August (summer 2) graduation: Students who will meet all graduation requirements by the end of the May intersession, summer 1 semester, or summer 2 semester will apply for August graduation.
December (fall) graduation: Students who will meet all graduation requirements by the end of the fall semester will apply for December graduation.

I plan to graduate in August, but there is no commencement ceremony. What are my options?

Students who will meet graduation requirements in August can choose to participate in either the preceding May ceremony or the following December ceremony. If you want to participate in the May ceremony and have your name in the program, you must apply for August graduation by March 15. Do not apply for the May graduation term if you intend to graduate in August. When you apply for August graduation, you will select “yes” to the question about attending the ceremony and indicate either May or December in the “Special Circumstances” comment box.

I missed the graduation application deadline – what can I do?

Please send an email from your WT email account to the appropriate department requesting a late graduation application. Please note that students added late may not have their names included in the program.

Is there a fee to apply for graduation?

No. However, there are costs associated with graduation regalia if you intend to participate in the commencement ceremony. Please contact the University Bookstore for more information on regalia. You will also find information about which regalia you need to purchase on the Bookstore’s website, as each degree requires different colored hoods.

Once I apply for graduation, how long will it take to receive more information?

An official graduation letter will be sent to your university email account during the semester you intend to graduate. This will contain information about your remaining requirements, as well as commencement ceremony information. Any additional information will also be sent to that email.

When and where is the ceremony?

The ceremony is held at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, TX. Please refer to our Graduation page for more information on the specific date and time of the upcoming ceremony.

What airport should I use if I am traveling from out of town?

The closest airport to Canyon, TX is the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA), about 30 minutes from Canyon. You can also fly to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB), about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Canyon.

What are the closest lodging options if I need to stay overnight?

We recommend staying in Canyon, TX (closest to the venue) or Amarillo, TX (15-30 minutes from the venue).

How early should I arrive for the commencement ceremony?

We recommend that students arrive 45 minutes to an hour before the ceremony to allow time for check in and preparation.

How long is the ceremony?

Each ceremony can last up to 2 hours. At the end of each ceremony, graduates will walk in the recessional out of the arena doors. Guests may meet their graduates outside.

What should I do with my personal belongings?

Graduates should leave all personal items in a locked car or with guests. There is no secure place to store these items, and the university is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Do I have to pay for parking?

No. Parking will be available at the First United Bank Center. Overflow parking will be behind the Ag Complex building and the Virgil Henson Activities Center. Please do not park along Russell Long Blvd. as this is a bike lane and not a shoulder. Handicapped parking will be available at the First United Bank Center.

Are tickets required for the commencement ceremony?

No, and there is not currently a limit on guests. Seating is open and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Is there a live stream of the ceremony?

Yes. Please check the Graduation Information page or the main WTAMU page on the day of the ceremony to watch the live stream version. Streaming begins 5-10 minutes before the ceremony.

Are there ADA accommodations at the venue?

There will be handicapped seating available, and sign language interpreters will be at each ceremony.

Is there an official photographer for the ceremony?

The university uses Flash Photography during each commencement ceremony. Students will fill out a photography card before the ceremony if photos are desired. Graduates have their picture taken as they exit the stage.

I am a graduate student - what hood color and regalia should I order?

Graduate students will purchase a cap, gown, black tassel, and appropriate hood from the University bookstore if participating in the ceremony. The hood colors are as follows:

Master of Accounting - drab
Master of Agriculture – gold
Master of Arts – white
Master of Business Administration - drab
Master of Education – blue
Master of Fine Arts – brown
Master of Music – pink
Master of Public Administration – peacock
Master of Science – gold
Master of Science in Nursing – apricot

Doctoral students (Ph.D. Agriculture and Ed.D. Educational Leadership) should contact the University bookstore directly for assistance with specialized doctoral regalia.

NOTE: There are no honor designations at the graduate level.

If I walked in the ceremony, does that mean I've graduated?

No. A final degree evaluation will be completed before a degree is officially awarded to ensure all requirements have been met.

I applied for graduation but will not graduate. Can I still walk? Do I have to reapply?

You can typically walk if you are within three (3) hours of graduation as long as there is ceremony space and you receive approval. However, you must reapply for the term you actually plan to graduate. Students will only be reviewed for graduation if they have an active graduation application for the correct term.

When will my degree be notated on my transcript?

Degrees typically post to transcripts about 2-3 weeks after grades are due for the semester. Once all final grades and requirements are received, a final degree evaluation will be performed before degrees can be posted.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas are mailed about 8 weeks after grades are due for the term you graduate, provided you do not have any holds. Students with holds should contact the appropriate contact for more information.

Where will you mail my diploma?

Diplomas are mailed to the address you provide on your graduation application. You can verify this address on the official graduation letter you receive that semester. If you need to update your diploma mailing address, please send an email to the appropriate contact with the correct mailing address. Please Note: Updating your address with the Registrar's office will not change your diploma mailing address. Contact the appropriate person directly.