Download a PDF of the Graduate Checklist to Prepare for Graduation
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Graduate Checklist
Download a PDF of the Graduate Checklist to ensure that you are ready to go when it comes time to participate in commencement.
Apply to Graduate
Students must apply to graduate to indicate their degree completion and intention to attend a commencement ceremony in the MyUW Student Center “My Academics” tab. Students must apply by November 6, 2020 to ensure that their name will appear in the commencement program. Learn more here.
Rent Your Attire
Ready to reserve your academic attire? Visit the University Book Store Graduation Timeline for all the details to get ready!
Accessible Assistance
Graduates who require additional assistance or need an accommodation should contact the commencement office directly at commence@chancellor.wisc.edu.
Apply to Graduate
Students must apply to graduate and indicate their intention to attend the commencement ceremony in the MyUW Student Center “My Academics” tab. Students must apply by April 9, 2021 to ensure that their name will appear in the commencement program. Master’s and PhD students can find additional information on the Graduate School’s “completing your degree” webpage. Due to printing deadlines your name will not appear in the printed Commencement Program if you indicate your intention to graduate after this date. Learn more here.
Special diacritical (accent) marks cannot be entered into the system when you apply to graduate. Names will not appear with diacritical marks in the program unless the commencement office is contacted ahead of time by the apply to graduate date. Please email commence@chancellor.wisc.edu to request the placement of accent marks. Please send this email after you apply to graduate with specific instructions on what accent marks are needed and where they should be placed. The commencement office will then manually add the marks into the printed program.
Rent Your Attire
Candidates should wear academic attire — cap and gown for all candidates, with a hood for master’s and doctoral candidates — appropriate to the degree to be conferred. To ensure that your academic regalia is reflective your intended degree, please place your reservation order through the University Book Store. View the University Book Store’s timeline for picking up attire. Call (608) 257-3784, extension 5924 if you have questions.
Plan for Accessible Assistance
Graduates who require additional assistance or an accommodation should contact the commencement office directly at commence@chancellor.wisc.edu. Please let us know as many details as possible to assist us with best addressing your needs to ensure equal opportunity to participate in the commencement program.
For guests in need of accessible assistance at commencement, please visit our accessibility page for further information regarding seating and parking options.
Email Communications
Commencement Information Emails will be sent throughout the semester with information relating to graduation.
Senior Class Office
Get involved with your Senior Class Office by attending commencement themed events or make a donation to the senior class gift!
Outstanding Holds?
Students should check MyUW Student Center for any holds, such as outstanding library fines, and follow the corresponding instructions. Some types of hold will prevent diplomas and transcripts from being available until the hold is cleared.
Graduate Plans Survey
Please take a few minutes to update us online about your post-graduate plans. All responses will be aggregated so that we can communicate the important contributions and accomplishments of UW-Madison graduates. This information will also be used to improve our academic programs.
School & College Events
Each school, college, division or program may host its own event during commencement weekend. For questions related to these events, please contact your school or college. Check to see when the special recognition event for your major or program will be hosted.
Get Your Diploma
Diplomas are mailed to the Diploma address in your MyUW Student Center. To receive their diploma, international students must add a Diploma address in MyUW Student Center. The Diploma address can be the same as their home address, but some address needs to be listed in Student Center with an address type of “Diploma.”
Student Loan Borrowers
An exit interview is required for students that borrowed an institutional loan from UW—Madison (i.e. Perkins Loan, Nielsen, Dohmen, etc). Failure to do so will delay the mailing of a diploma. Learn more about the institutional loan exit interview process. If your student instead received Federal Direct Loans (subsidized or unsubsidized), they will be invited to complete similar exit counseling online.
Return Your Gown
View the University Book Store’s timeline to return your attire. Call (608) 257-3784, extension 5924 if you have questions.
You're Done!
Celebrate
Congratulations on your graduation! The university salutes your achievements and extends its best wishes for your future success. Spend time celebrating with friends and family and make sure to use #UWGrad on your social media posts to share with us!
Welcome to Alumnihood
Visit the Alumni Association website to learn how you can stay connected to fellow Badgers after graduation.
