Graduation

Your Path to Graduation

We're excited that you're preparing for the next step of your academic journey!

Carefully review this page to ensure you follow the essential steps, deadlines and requirements needed to complete your degree and participate in commencement. Here, you'll find guidance on the graduation application process, academic and financial clearance, honors eligibility, diploma distribution and key resources to support a smooth transition from student to graduate.

Graduation Procedures

Graduation Application Deadline

Spring – January 31
Summer – May 31
Fall – September 30

Apply to Graduate

Follow these steps to submit an application to graduate:

• Visit myUDC
• In the QuickLinks section, click Student Banner-Self Service
• In Banner, click on Apply to Graduate

Request for U.S. Embassy Letter

International students should request a U.S. Embassy Letter.

Complete the Request Form

Graduation Clearance Process

After the graduation application period has closed:

1. Graduation applications are reviewed and processed by the Office of the Registrar.
   • The student's record is prepared to be sent to the academic department for clearance.
2. Academic departments review graduation candidate records to determine clearance status.
   • View the academic calendar for the clearance forms deadline.
3. Graduation Status letters are emailed to graduation candidates by the Office of the Registrar within 3-5 business days of receipt of the clearance form.
   • Students who are not on track to graduate must submit a new application.

University Honors

Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree must have received 60 percent of the credits required for graduation at the University of the District of Columbia.

Honors Standards for Bachelor’s Students

• Summa cum laude - 3.8 or higher cumulative grade point average in all hours attempted.
• Magna cum laude - 3.60 cumulative grade point average in all hours attempted.
• Cum laude - 3.30 cumulative grade point average in all hours attempted.

Undergraduate students pursuing an Associate degree must have received 60 percent of the credits required for graduation at the University of the District of Columbia.

Honors Standard for Associate Students

• Honors – 3.30 cumulative grade point average in all hours attempted.

Graduating Students

Commencement

Visit the Graduating Students page to learn about ordering photos, invitations and more.

Only students who have met all academic requirements and have satisfied all financial obligations will be permitted to participate in commencement exercises.

Diploma

All financial obligations must be cleared before a diploma can be released. Diplomas are issued by the university diploma vendor, Parchment, and distributed as follows:

• Electronic diplomas will be sent to the student's personal email address on file.
• A paper diploma will be mailed within 4-5 weeks to the mailing address listed in the student portal. Students are responsible for verifying that their address is accurate and up-to-date.
• Diploma covers are distributed at the commencement ceremony.