Commencement is held twice each year during May (Spring) and December (Fall/Winter). The Physical Therapy commencement is held during Founder’s week in September (Summer). It is the policy and practice of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that all participants in the commencement must have completed all academic requirements as presented in the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment at the University as a degree seeking student and approved by the degree granting department. Once a student interrupts his/her program for five years or more, it may be necessary to satisfy the degree requirements as outlined in the University catalog or published curriculum in effect at the time of re-enrollment as a degree seeking candidate. A student who has an approved registration at another institution during the semester of anticipated graduation will receive his/her degree once an official transcript is received by the Registrar’s Office and all academic and financial obligations are met. Each student is approved for graduation when the appropriate academic department, school, and the Registrar’s Office complete an official graduation audit. Beginning Fall 2005, Commencement is typically held on the third Friday in May and December but subject to change without notice.
For commencement ceremony logistics and more information please visit www.umes.edu/commencement. Click here for student graduation application instructions.
Graduation Eligibility Requirements
The minimum requirements for graduation clearance are all degree program requirements must be potentially met in the term the student is applying for graduation.
A review, by both the academic department/dean and the Registrar’s Office, is conducted for each candidate’s status towards completion of the degree requirements. All majors, minors, and certificates are reviewed, as well as the general education requirements. In-progress coursework, including incomplete grades, will be included in the calculations when determining a student’s eligibility graduation. Students who have not officially applied to graduate will not be reviewed for graduation clearance.
All students must apply and pay the non-refundable $75 graduation application fee.
Note: Under exceptional circumstances, the Provost or designee may authorize an additional review for degree conferral eligibility for students. Any such review shall require supporting documentation and approval to the Registrar’s Office prior to final consideration for degree conferral.
Eligibility for Commencement Participation
Students who are enrolled and expected to complete all degree requirements by the end of the spring/summer semester may participate in the Spring commencement ceremony in May.
Students who are enrolled and expected to complete all degree requirements by the end of the fall/winter semester may participate in the Fall commencement ceremony in December.
Physical Therapy students only who are enrolled and expected to complete all degree requirements by the end of the summer semester may participate in the Summer commencement ceremony in September.
Students may only participate in one commencement ceremony based upon the semester in which all degree requirements have been met.
Exceptions for commencement participation will not be considered.
Degree Audit (Academic Advisement Report-AAR)
Frequently Ask Question on AAR/Degree Audit
