Graduation steps

Before you complete your degree and graduate, you’ll need to be prepared. Knowing what your degree requirements are and if you are fulfilling them, when to apply to graduate, and talking to your advisor will help you prepare for the final steps of your academic experience at the University of Minnesota.

Prepare, apply, and commencement

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Preparing to graduate

  1. Check graduation dates and deadlines on the Academic calendar.
  2. Verify your degree information and requirements.
    1. Check your APAS report to verify your degree requirements. Speak to your advisor about any remaining requirements you may need to complete your degree. This could include transfer credits.
  3. Check for holds.
  4. Talk to your advisor(s) about completing your degree.

Applying to graduate

  1. Set your degree name by updating your personal information.
  2. Add, verify, or update your diploma address to make sure you receive your diploma.
  3. Schedule your graduation if you have completed 90 degree credits and wish to apply early (see step-by-step instructions below).
    • If you are eligible to apply early, the 'Apply to Graduate' link will appear in MyU: Academics
    • If you do not apply early, you will be automatically scheduled to graduate when you have completed 75% or more of the credits applicable toward your degree. Degree applicable credits include:
      • Major requirements
      • Liberal education requirements
      • Elective requirements to meet minimum degree credits
    • If at any point in time this information becomes incorrect or your plans change, submit a Request to Change Expected Graduation Term form.
  4. Complete your financial aid requirements.
    • Online exit counseling is required of all borrowers of federal and University-administered student loan programs. You will be provided information about the rights and responsibilities of a borrower, and how different financial aid programs handle repayment.

How to apply to graduate

Text instructions
  1. Log into MyU and select the Academics tab.
  2. Select the Degree Progress sub-tab.
  3. Click the Apply to Graduate link at the bottom of the page.
  4. Select the Apply for Graduation link.
    • Complete this step for each degree program if you have more than one.
  5. Choose your Expected Graduation Term from the drop-down menu.
  6. Read the graduation instructions, and then click Continue.
  7. Verify the information is correct, and then click Submit Application.
  8. View the confirmation screen.
  9. Go to the My Info tab in MyU and check that your name and address are correct for your diploma.
    • Your primary name and home address will be used unless you enter a different degree name and diploma address.
Visual guide

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Commencement and after

Commencement is your graduation ceremony. These events are typically planned by your campus. Visit the UMR Commencement page for additional information. 

  1. Attend your campus graduation fair.
    • Watch for an invitation to your campus graduation fair in spring. Find additional information about and purchase commencement regalia through the University Bookstore
  2. Complete your loan exit counseling and learn about loan repayment.
  3. Learn about your diploma.