Graduation and Degree Conferral Frequently Asked Questions

Graduation is the act of completing all program requirements so that UMGC can award you a credential. Students who have completed their program must initiate the certificate/degree award process by applying for graduation by the stated deadline for each term.

Commencement is the ceremony recognizing graduates who have earned an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. Visit UMGC Asia Commencement for details about UMGC Asia commencements.

For questions related to applying for graduation, Letters of Completion, diplomas, or academic honors, please contact Student Services at studentservices-asia@umgc.edu.

For inquiries related to UMGC Asia Commencement, including regalia or on-site ceremonies, please contact commencement-asia@umgc.edu.

Remember, at UMGC, graduation and commencement are different. (Commencement comprises the special events hosted by UMGC, both in person and online.)

But applying for your diploma and applying for graduation are the same thing; both refer to the same administrative process.

You must apply for your diploma via MyUMGC by the appropriate deadline. All students who apply for graduation from Summer 2025 to Spring 2026 will automatically be placed on the list to be invited to the Spring 2026 Commencement.

Apply through the Graduation page in MyUMGC. Submit the form and pay the $50 graduation fee.

A Letter of Completion (LOC) can serve as proof that you have satisfied your academic program before credentials are officially conferred at the end of each term. To request a Letter of Completion, please send an email to graduationserv@umgc.edu. Be sure to include your name, student/EMPL ID, mailing address, and how you would like to receive your LOC (email, mail, or fax). If your letter needs to be sent to a third party, please include that information in your email.

Update your postal or email address in your Profile in MyUMGC.

If your name has been legally changed, you need to send a copy of your driver's license and a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or divorce decree (as appropriate) to Graduation Services at graduationserv@umgc.edu. You must include your student ID number on the request. Contact Graduation Services for instructions on sending your documents.

After taking the above steps, if you have any remaining questions about how your name will appear on your diploma and in the commencement program book, contact commencement-asia@umgc.edu.

You will be able to participate in the ceremony. However, all required coursework for your degree must be completed by 30 May for undergraduate and 3-term graduate programs or 30 June for 4-term graduate programs. If you have questions about your remaining coursework, contact your academic advisor.

Credentials are awarded on the appropriate conferral date for the term and will appear in our system 24-48 hours of the specified conferral date. There is the possibility of a delay in the review of your application if grades have not been posted or if UMGC is awaiting additional documentation in relation to a program requirement. You will be notified via email once your credential has been conferred. If you would like to check the status of your application, you can visit Graduation in MyUMGC. Diplomas are mailed two weeks from the conferral date. You can review conferral dates on the graduation to-do list. You can request a copy of your transcript or a degree verification letter showing the date your credential was awarded after the conferral date.

Your diploma will be mailed two weeks after conferral of your credential.

To ensure the correct name appears on your diploma, visit your Profile in MyUMGC and click the edit icon next to the Personal Information heading. Under the name type, you can add or edit your Diploma Name. Please note, only your middle name, prefix, and suffix can be changed through the portal. Your first and last name must match your legal name.

If you had a legal name change, you must provide proof (for example, driver's license, divorce decree, etc.). Documentation can be emailed as a scanned copy to graduationserv@umgc.edu. Please note that active-duty military IDs are not acceptable as proof and should not be submitted due to federal regulations related to the copying of such information.

The Replacement/Duplicate Order Form should only be used to request a copy of a UMGC diploma or certificate that was issued previously by any UMGC division (U.S., Europe, or Asia). The cost is $50 per replacement credential, and payment information is included on the form. The request can be mailed, faxed, or emailed; contact information is on the form. Processing time for replacement credentials is four to six weeks from the receipt of the form.

All students who complete a certificate or degree from UMGC will be issued an electronic diploma after their credentials have been awarded. Prior graduates interested in receiving an electronic diploma can submit a request to graduationserv@umgc.edu. There is a $10 charge to obtain an electronic diploma.

To qualify for the President’s List, students must graduate with a cumulative GPA of 4.0.

(Effective Spring 2024)

The President's List award will be given to bachelor's degree recipients and graduate degree recipients who complete their program with at least 30 credits of UMGC graded coursework and a cumulative GPA of 4.0. The President's List award will be reflected on student transcripts.

Joining the UMGC Alumni Association keeps you connected to a global network of alumni while offering resources, events, and opportunities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s a chance to give back, stay involved, and remain part of the UMGC community for life.

For more information and to activate your free membership, visit the UMGC Alumni Association.