OTHER ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Requirements for Graduation

It is the responsibility of the department to publish clearly defined degree requirements (see university catalog).  Responsibility for knowing and meeting all degree requirements for graduation in any curriculum rests with the student.  Students should check with their departmental academic advisor to ascertain their standing in this respect by the close of the junior year.  Near the end of the junior year, the advisor will complete a Program Evaluation form which will be signed by the advisor, the student, department chair and the dean, and forwarded to the assistant registrar. The student is responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation.  Make sure you review your Program Evaluation document carefully before signing, and maintain a copy for your files.  In addition, the student should be sure to maintain the semester grade report issued by the Office of Admissions and Registrations at the close of each semester.

In order to earn a baccalaureate degree, the last 30 semester credits of any curriculum must be taken in residence at the UMES campus.   Academic requirements for graduation are a minimum of 120 semester credit hours with a “C” (2.00) cumulative average.

Application for Degree

Students who expect to complete the degree requirements at the end of a semester should fill out an Application for Degree at the time of pre-registration for the semester. Students who expect to graduate and are not enrolled at the pre-registration period must file the Application for Degree according to the date which appears in the University Calendar for pre-registration. The student will be billed for the diploma fee after his record has been reviewed and his eligibility to graduate has been determined. In addition to the Application for Degree form, other documents incidental to graduation include the Student Information Form, Permanent Address Form, and the Graduation Clearance Form. Failure to adhere to the graduation guidelines and deadlines will delay your diploma (Check with the Office of Admissions and Registration for deadlines).

Caps and Gowns

Information regarding caps and gowns as well as personal cards and announcements will be available in the campus bookstore.  You will receive information from the bookstore regarding ordering procedures and prices.  Please contact the bookstore for further information.

Participation in Commencement Exercises

It is the policy and practice of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that all participants in commencement exercises must have completed all academic requirements as set forth by the departmental faculty for the appropriate degree.  If for any reason the candidate cannot be present, he/she must write a letter to the Office of the Registrar stating the reason and request that the degree be conferred in absentia.  Please adhere to all of the deadlines for graduation, as it will make for a smooth and successful commencement activity.