Commencement 2020
When will I receive my diploma?
The Registrar’s Office forwards applicant names to the appropriate academic department for careful review and certification that all requirements have been met after final grades are posted.
- Undergraduate students: Once all final grades have been posted, the department will review your degree requirements and send your degree certification to the Registrar’s Office for posting of your degree on your transcript. If the review determines you have not met your requirements, you will be notified by your academic department.
- Graduate students: Once all final grades have been posted, the department will review your degree requirements and send your degree certification to the Registrar’s Office. The paperwork will be sent to the Graduate Studies Office for review. When all relevant authorizations have been issued, the Registrar’s Office will post the degree on your transcript. If the review determines you have not met your requirements, you will be notified by your department.
- Law School students: Once all final grades have been posted, the law school will send the degree certification to the University Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office will post the degree on the transcript.
Diploma: Diplomas are ordered after your degree is awarded and posted on your transcript. Your diploma will be mailed to your COIN mailing address. Please allow 8-10 weeks after semester final grades for processing and delivery.
Important note: You should check your graduation status and transcript through COIN to verify your degree has been awarded. Also, all financial holds must be resolved before a diploma and/or official transcript can be released by the University
Will there be a refund of graduation fees?
No, there will not be a refund of graduation fee as an in-person ceremony is scheduled to be held in the fall, and all students have an opportunity to receive graduation regalia.
Which college do I choose if I have a double major?
Students in double majors are to choose one of the colleges they are graduating from and receive that color tassel. It typically is the college the student would choose to walk with at the ceremony. The student will receive one tassel but be recognized in the program book in both colleges.
When will the graduation regalia be shipped?
Commencement regalia [cap, gown, tassel, honor cords (if earned, Spring 2020 GPA) and diploma covers] will begin shipping at the end of June. All orders will receive a tracking email once the package has been sent. Shipments will be based on when the order is received and correct completion of forms.
Will students be allowed to enter campus to take pictures in their cap and gown?
If you come to campus to take photos when you receive your cap and gown, you must abide by all CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines and protocols. These include 6-feet of social distancing from other people and the use of face coverings.
Why is Commencement being held in October?
UMass Dartmouth is abiding by all CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines and protocols during the pandemic. Governor Baker has restricted gatherings to no more than 10 people. The decision to host Commencement in fall 2020 was based on data collected via the Class of 2020 survey sent out in April. All decisions are based on keeping all out students, families, and staff safe in accordance to the proper social distancing guidelines.
Will cords be included with the cap and gown?
Cords will be sent with caps and gowns. Spring 2020 grades will determine honors. This information will be sent to the vendor prior to regalia being shipped.
What is the due date to complete the regalia order form?
The due date is June 15, 2020.
