Graduation for Undergraduate Students

When to Apply

The application deadlines can be found below.

How to Apply

To apply for graduation, go online to Wingspan (see instructions).

Students will be charged a $50 application fee, plus an additional late fee of:

• $25 for applications submitted after the deadline

• $50 for applications submitted after the deadline and during the graduation term

If you previously applied for graduation and need to change your graduation date, please e-mail UGgraduation@winthrop.edu to update your application.

Failure to apply for graduation may result in the following:

• Not being cleared for graduation, resulting in the degree not being awarded

• Not having your name printed in the Commencement program

• Not being able to participate in the Commencement ceremony

• Not having a diploma available

• Not being admitted on a timely basis to graduate programs, or at all if missing requirements

Graduation applicants will receive a PRECLEAR REVIEW E-MAIL from the Office of Records and Registration during the semester prior to their final term reminding them to review their degree audit (Degree Works worksheet). During this step, you should meet with your advisor to prepare for registering for your final semester, using the e-mail as a guide. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all requirements for their respective degrees.

Graduation applicants will receive a GRADUATION TERM CHECK E-MAIL from the Office of Records and Registration during their final term notifying them of any unmet or "Still Needed" degree requirements. During this step, if you are notified of any pending issues related to your graduation, please contact your advisor or Student Services Office for assistance.

Deadline to Complete Degree Requirements

In the fall and spring, degree candidates will be cleared for graduation during the week of Commencement. The deadline to complete all degree requirements is that Thursday. In the summer, degree candidates will be cleared on the day of graduation; the deadline to complete all degree requirements is that day.

During the clearing process, the Records Team in the Office of Records and Registration will contact students if there are any issues related to their graduation.

During your final semester at Winthrop, you will be invited to attend the Grad Finale hosted by the Alumni Office. The Grad Finale, held at the Winthrop Bookstore, is a celebration during which graduating seniors may order their academic regalia (caps and gowns) and graduation announcements, learn about alumni resources, and more.

In this video, seniors will learn more about the graduation process from start to finish, including the steps to graduation, honors eligibility, awarding of degrees, diplomas, and more!

GRADUATION 101

During your final semester at Winthrop, you will be asked to complete the Senior Survey. The purpose of this survey is to collect information about seniors' experiences at Winthrop. The survey will be e-mailed to all graduation applicants during the week of graduation.

Pursuant to Winthrop University policy, students with a balance on their account will not be allowed to receive their diploma, grade report, or transcript until the account balance is paid in full. Remember to check your account frequently in the weeks leading up to graduation in case any miscellaneous charges are made to your account (e.g., print quota purchases, parking tickets, etc.). This will ensure that you have enough time to pay your balance prior to graduation.

If you have a balance, payment may be made in the Cashier's Office by cash, check or money order. Payments can also be made by e-check or by credit card online, through Wingspan at Account Summary and Payment Gateway. MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Discover are accepted.

Honors awards will be indicated on the graduate's diploma and official transcript.

Notification of Honors Awards

Graduates who receive Latin Honors or Honors Recognition will receive an e-mail from the Office of Records and Registration during the week of graduation notifying them of their honors award.

Printed Diplomas

Diplomas for December graduates will be given out at the end of the fall Commencement ceremony. Those that are not picked up at the ceremony will be available for pick up from the Office of Records and Registration the following week after the ceremony -beginning at noon on that Monday until Wednesday.

Diplomas for May graduates will be given out at the end of the spring Commencement ceremonies. Those that are not picked up at the ceremonies will be available for pick up from the Office of Records and Registration the following week after the ceremony -beginning at noon on that Monday until Friday.

Diplomas for August graduates will be available for pick up from the Office of Records and Registration the day after August graduation- beginning at noon on that Tuesday until Friday.

Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed to the graduate's permanent mailing address listed on Wingspan.

If you will not be picking up your diploma, please check to make sure that your permanent mailing address is up to date: Login to Wingspan, select Personal Information TAB >> Personal Information Dashboard >> Personal Information, and enter your current permanent address.

Digital Diplomas

Each graduate will receive a digital diploma e-mailed from our vendor Parchment the week following graduation. This e-mail will contain instructions on claiming your digital diploma. See more on digital diplomas.

Note: Graduates with financial holds will not receive their diplomas (printed or digital) until after their account balances are paid.

Winthrop celebrates its graduates during the Commencement ceremonies.

• May graduates are invited to paricipate in the spring ceremony.

• August and December graduates are invited to participate in the fall ceremony.