Are you an undergraduate getting ready to graduate? Follow the steps for a stress-free graduation and commencement.
Students no longer have to apply for graduation
In Winter 2019, the Registrar began a new process called Institutional Awarding. The Degree Completion team identifies undergraduate students who have completed or are in the process of completing their degree requirements and advances them to graduation candidacy without requiring the student to apply for graduation. We ask that students only apply to graduate if they will be taking required courses at another college or university in their last term before graduating and transferring in the transfer credits at the end of their final term. All other students should not apply to graduate and instead will be moved to the graduation candidate pool per their advisor and the Graduation Team. Want more information? Visit the Registrar's webpage on Graduation. There are still a few important steps you need to take to prepare for graduation.
Step 1: Check your plan.
Students should use the MyDegrees Audit button while in the planner mode to see if all of their requirements will be met in the term they plan to graduate.
Step 2: RSVP for Commencement
Beginning spring term 2019, OSU transitioned to institutional awarding for all undergraduate degrees. With that, the application for graduation feature for undergraduate students was de-activated. The Registrar's office will be communicating with those students who we’ve identified will complete their degree requirements this term letting them know to check their diploma name and program of study. Further, they will communicate how to confirm their attendance at commencement or you can use the link below. If you have questions about institutional awarding, please contact the Registrar's office.
The annual Commencement ceremony happens once a year in June.
Graduates should watch for emails to their ONID account announcing the dates for the Grad Fair, in April, where they can purchase regalia and invitations. Alternatively, students can make purchases online through the OSU Beaver Store.
Step 3: Contact your Academic Advisor
Students need to schedule a degree audit with an advisor at least one term prior to the term they plan to graduate. The degree audit ensures a student is meeting all requirements necessary for graduation. Corvallis students should contact Head Advisor, Misty Donaghy Cannon at fw.advising@oregonstate.edu, and Ecampus students should contact their assigned advisor. Ecampus students who do not know who their advisor is should email fw.advising@oregonstate.edu.
Step 4: Monitor your Progress
Check ONID email regularly for communication from advisors and the Registrar’s Office for any issues that may come up regarding meeting degree requirements. To check for graduation holds, login to MyOSU, select the "Student" tab, and click "View Holds." Students should also monitor their MyDegrees Checklist and Notes for unmet requirements throughout their final term.
Graduation and Post-graduation
FW Exit conversation
We want your feedback about your experience as an undergraduate in the department including what you liked and how we can improve. Please complete this brief Exit Survey to record your experience. We will use this information to improve our program. Students may also elect to schedule a time to share their thoughts with Selina Heppell, our Department Head, during their last term. This can be done in person or over the phone.
Transitioning Out of College
The Center for Leadership and Development has added a new page to their website to support students in their post-college transition. The information here is designed to help you better understand this new chapter on your path to success and has valuable information regarding starting a career, managing personal finance, and developing your identity.
Looking for a job?
Make sure to check the FW job board.
These Job and Graduate School Listservs are most appropriate for students who have graduated or are just about to graduate. They have announcements for permanent jobs and graduate school opportunities. A listserv is different than a job board in that it updates you through email. Also, you can reply to people on the list depending on list rules. Some lists are designed to create community and discussion.
Survey of Graduates
The department sends a survey to recent graduates every three years. This helps us evaluate our undergraduate and graduate programs. View our latest Survey of Graduates for reported information.
Post-Graduation Email Addresses
To help us stay in touch with you, please set up either a lifetime email address or connect with the OSU Alumni Association.
• Lifetime Email Address
• OSU Alumni Association
FW Graduation Celebration
We will have a graduation celebration the Friday before Commencement. Watch for an email to your ONID address with details and directions. All department students and family members or friends are invited.
Ecampus Graduation Breakfast
Ecampus hosts a breakfast for Ecampus graduates and guests on Saturday morning prior to Commencement.
Degrees and Transcripts
Transcripts are the official record of a degree. Visit the transcripts webpage or the Office of the Registrar for more information.
It takes one month after the term ends for degrees to be awarded. For specific degree award dates by term, please refer to the Graduation Important Dates and Deadlines webpage. Some employers request verification of degree completion. Learn how to verify your degree.
Prior to degrees being awarded, once final grades appear in your MyDegrees audit, you may request a Statement of Degree.
Diplomas
Starting in Summer 2019, diplomas for summer, fall, and winter term graduates are mailed free of charge. This service will be provided by the Michael Sutter Company, our vendor that prints all OSU diplomas. See information here diplomas.