Preparing to Graduate

Congratulations!! You have reached your senior year and are nearing completion of your college degree. Review the following information to be sure you are ready to graduate.

Graduation Requirements:

To graduate with a Plymouth State University degree, you must have the following requirements fulfilled:

Complete all course requirements as outlined in the University Catalog for your program, including major courses, minor courses (if applicable), and general education coursework.
Be sure you have met the total number of credits required for your degree program. The minimum number of credits to graduate is 122; however, some programs have a higher credit requirement.
Be sure you have met the major average, discipline average (if applicable), minor average (if applicable), and cumulative grade point average for your degree program. Every major, discipline, and minor requires a minimum 2.00 average, but some require a higher average.
Be sure you have filed all appropriate paperwork.
- Are you completing a major and/or option in your major, but not filed the Academic Major and/or Option Declaration or Change form?
- Is the Academic Catalog you are following the one in which you are actually declared? For instance, are you listed with the Registrar’s Office as following the 2001-2002 Catalog, but actually following the 2002-2003 Catalog? If so, submit a Request to Change Catalog form to the Registrar’s Office in Speare Building.
- Are you completing an academic minor, but not filed the Academic Minor form?
- Did you file an Academic Minor form, but now are not going to complete the minor? If this is the case, submit a Request to Remove An Academic Minor or Option form with the Registrar’s Office in Speare Building.
- If you are substituting a different course for a course required in your major or minor, have you filed a Student Request form?
- Have you taken a course at another institution, but haven’t filled out a Transfer Credit Approval form, or had an official transcript sent to Plymouth so the course appears on your Plymouth State University transcript?
Be sure to take care of any financial obligations. Do you have an outstanding library book or fine? Do you have any unpaid parking tickets?
File your Undergraduate Degree Request by October 1 if you will be completeing your degree in May or Summer; or March 1 if you will be completing your degree in December.

Commencement Participation:

If you are a current degree-seeking student and have earned a minimum of 90 credits by October 1 of the year preceding the Commencement Ceremony, you are automatically eligible to walk, and will be notified of such. You will receive directions on how to file for commencement participation during the fall semester.

If you have less than 90 credits earned as of October 1 and wish to “walk,” you must submit a written request, by the end of the fall semester, to the Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies for permission to participate in the commencement ceremony. The letter should include the following:

Your credit situation: how many credits you currently have, what you are currently enrolled in for courses, and how and when you plan to complete your remaining coursework.
You will be contacted regarding the decision. If approved, you will be given directions on how to file for commencement participation.

Graduation Filing Deadlines:

Undergraduate Degree Request: This form is filed to indicate to Plymouth State University when you are intending to complete your degree. It is not the form to file for participation in commencement ceremonies. Plymouth State University graduates students three times per year—December, May and August. The deadlines for submitting the Degree Request are as follows: Students completing their degree in May or August must file their degree request no later than October 1. Students completing their degree in December must file their degree request no later than March 1. The form may be obtained in the Undergraduate Studies Office in Speare Building 208, or online at www.plymouth.edu/registrar/forms.

Any degree requests filed between October 1 and March 1 to be completed that academic year will have a $50 late fee imposed. March 1 is the absolute deadline to file for graduation for that academic year.

Commencement Participation: If you are currently a degree-seeking student and have a minimum of 90 credits, you are automatically eligible to file for commencement participation. This is not the form you file for graduation, only participation in the commencement ceremony. If you have less than 90 credits, you may file a written request to participate in commencement ceremonies, and if approved, file the appropriate form.

Commencement participation forms must be filed before the end of the fall semester.

Career Advising

Do you wonder where your college degree can take you in the job market? Do you know all the career opportunities available to you? Explore this area more in-depth with your major department as well as The Bagley Center. For more information go to www.plymouth.edu/career/career/options.html or www.plymouth.edu/career/career/grad/employment/ or stop by Bagley House.

Graduate School

Have you thought about furthering your education once you graduate from Plymouth State University? The Bagley Center has a listing of graduate schools to explore. Go to www.plymouth.edu/career/career/grad/index.html or stop by Bagley House to explore your opportunities.

Resume Building

Job hunting? Have you thought about building your resume? If not, would you like help? If so, would you like someone to review it? The Bagley Center can help you. Go to www.plymouth.edu/career/career/resume/ or stop by the Bagley House for assistance.