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UMass Law

Graduation Guidelines

Eligibility

Students with the following Expected Graduation Term in COIN will be eligible to apply for graduation based on the following:

Expected Graduation Term

Degree Conferral Date

2022 Fall 

1/31/2023

2023 Spring

5/12/2023

2023 Summer

8/31/2023

How to apply

Step 1: Verify your expected graduation term in COIN

Log into your COIN Student Center > My Advising Center > Academic Summary to confirm your Expected Graduation semester is correct.  If incorrect, send an email to lec@umassd.edu with your name, student ID, and expected graduation term so that we can update it accordingly in COIN.

Step 2: Review your academic requirements

Review your current Advisement Report and transcript in COIN, or request a degree audit in the LEC to ensure that you are on target to meet all program requirements. In addition to program requirements you must satisfy the Law School graduation requirements.

Step 3: Apply for graduation in COIN

Log into your COIN Student Center using MOBILE VIEW:

  • Select Apply for Graduation, then select UMDAR Graduation Survey.
  • Upon completion of the UMDAR Graduation Survey, select Apply for Graduation.
  • If the expected graduation term is incorrect, select correct term from the dropdown. If unable to select the correct term, please email LEC@umassd.edu for assistance.
  • If expected graduation term is correct, select Continue.
  • Select Submit Application.
  • Return to My Academics > Graduation >View My Graduation Status. Review all information for accuracy. Diploma/Certificate Name and Diploma/Certificate Address can be added or edited as necessary.

If you experience any issues with applying, please email your name and student ID to lec@umassd.edu so that we can troubleshoot.

After you apply

You may view your appliation status at My Academics > Graduation > View My Graduation Status. Your status will change as your application is processed:

Graduation Application Status Description
Applied for Graduation Application has been received but not reviewed.
Eligible for Graduation Application for Fall, Spring, or Summer term has not been submitted. You must submit an application.
Needs to Finish Pending Work Additional information required by student and/or department to determine eligibility for graduation.
Application in Review by Department Identified as a prospective graduate based on the number of potential earned credits and GPA. Note: Status remains in review until degree has been certified by law school.
Contact Your Department (LEC) Application has been denied based on the number of earned credits, GPA, and/or other missing requirements. Contact the Law Enrollment Center for Assistance.
Degree Awarded Department has certified that all requirements have been met and degree has been recorded on transcript.


The Registrar’s Office forwards applicant names to the appropriate academic department for careful review and certification that all requirements have been met.

Once all final grades have been posted, the law school will send your degree certification to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office will post the degree on your transcript.

Diploma

Diplomas are ordered after your degree is awarded and posted on your transcript. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing and delivery. Diplomas are not handed out at Commencement.

Important Note: Diplomas will not be released if your degree has not been certified and posted to your transcript. You should check your transcript through COIN to verify your degree has been awarded. In addition, all financial holds must be resolved before a diploma and/or official transcript can be released by the University.

Summer graduates

If you will not complete your degree requirements by the spring semester but wish to participate in the May Commencement Ceremony, you must meet the following conditions:

Juris Doctor Degree: A maximum of 9 credits to be completed by August 31, 2023

Law students completing in the summer term must file a Permission to Participate in Commencement 2023 form. The deadline for submission is April 14, 2023. Please contact the LEC for assistance.

Other important university/degree requirements

  • Confirm your personal information is current in COIN (i.e. degree/diploma name, deploma/permanent address, personal email address, etc.).
  • Clear all financial obligations to the university, including but not limited to: full payment of your entire university bill, emergency loans, parking violations, borrowed library books, electronic equipment, and sports equipment. All borrowed university property must be returned to the appropriate place, and any late fees must be paid. Check your COIN account regularly for holds.
  • Complete your Federal Direct Loan exit counseling requirements with UMass Law Financial Aid Services: Federal Unsubsidized and/or Graduate PLUS borrowers: Student Loans.gov
  • Complete your career services post-graduation planning appointment and graduation placement survey.
  • PILF recipients: Complete your exit interview, post-graduation includes a four-year public interest law employment commitment.
  • Learn about the UMass Law Alumni Association. Once you graduate, make sure you stay up to date: