Advising FAQs – Graduation

• Students are encouraged to schedule a “graduation check” with their advisor the semester BEFORE they intend to graduate. Call 303-556-2279 to schedule an advising appointment.

• Students will receive an e-mail from the College that their graduation application has been received. 

• All students who submit a graduation application will have a courtesy check of their file completed. Students will receive an e-mail with the results of this check. For students who are missing requirements, all efforts will be made to accommodate requests, but the College of Arts & Media does not approve late adds. Therefore, students are encouraged to schedule a graduation check the semester BEFORE they intend to graduate. 

• A final check for completion of academic requirements is done the week that grades are posted, which is typically two weeks after the last day of finals.  Students will receive written notification of their graduation status. 

  • Students who are missing requirements or did not achieve satisfactory grades in the semester will be notified of these missing requirements and encouraged to fill out a new application for graduation.

  • Students who have successfully completed their requirements will have their names forwarded to the Board of Regents by the College so that the Regents may confer the degrees.

• Transcripts with degree confirmations are available about 2 weeks after the student has been confirmed to graduate.
• Diplomas will be mailed to the student at the address provided on their Diploma Card. Diplomas are typically mailed about 3 months after graduation.

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Commencement Ceremony

• The CAM Advising Office has a “Commencement Fact Sheet” available for all students that lists the specific dates and times for commencement activities. It is also available on-line at www.cudenver.edu/Academics/Commencement

• Specific questions about the ceremony itself should be directed to the Commencement Office: 303-556-GRAD.

• Attendance is optional.  Guest seating is first-come/first-served (there is no reserved seating), and it is free to all guests.  Students who have guests with disabilities should consult the Commencement Office for specific instructions.

• Cap and gown measurement is usually done about a month before the ceremony.  Call 303-556-GRAD for details.

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Exit Interviews

• The College of Arts & Media conducts informal exit interviews with graduating students. These interviews are designed to gather information about the strengths and weaknesses of the College, the curricula, the facilities, the faculty, and the staff.  For students’ convenience, exit interviews are usually conducted during Senior/Capstone course meeting times.

• Students receiving Financial Aid, scholarship, or involved in campus programs (ex: Chancellor’s Scholars & Leaders) may also be required to complete an exit interview.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid (303-556-2886), your scholarship provider, or your campus program director to inquire about exit interviews.

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Alumni

• Upon graduation, students are officially considered alumni of the University. UCD alumni enjoy several perks, including a graduate school application fee gift certificate and use of the Career Center. Consult the UC Denver Alumni Relations Office (303-556-2549) for more information on alumni benefits.

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When and where will I receive my diploma?

• Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your Application for Diploma card (included in the Graduation Application) about two or three months after the end of the term of graduation. You may specify an alternate mailing address by contacting the Records Office at 303-556-2389.

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What is the GPA needed to graduate with honors?

• Graduating seniors who have successfully completed all core, major, College and University degree requirements are eligible for university graduation with honors. These distinctions are based on students' GPA, as follows:
  • 3.650-3.749 = cum laude
  • 3.750-3.849 = magna cum laude
  • 3.850-4.000 = summa cum laude (highest honors)
• The College of Arts & Media also grants honors for its Outstanding Senior, and a separate honor for Outstanding Service to the College.  These students are recognized at the Commencement Reception in the Fall, and Night at the CAMmy’s in the Spring.

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Can I graduate in fewer than 4 years?

• You may graduate any semester that you have completed all of your degree requirements, met with a CAM Advisor, and filled out a Graduation Application in a timely manner. Completion of degree requirements, not time, is the criterion.

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Can I "walk" at graduation if I lack a few credits?

• The College of Arts & Media may allow a student to walk in the Spring Commencement Ceremony if they have 6 or fewer credits to complete during the Summer semester, as there is no ceremony for Summer graduates.  Students must consult a CAM Advisor, as this permission is not automatic.
• Students with outstanding credits to complete after the end of the Fall semester are invited to walk in the Spring ceremony.  Exceptions may be made for International students, or students with family traveling internationally.  Contact a CAM Advisor for specifics.
• Commencement ceremonies are held in Spring and Fall semesters only.  If you graduate in the Summer semester, you are eligible to participate in the Fall Commencement Ceremony, provided you meet the criteria.

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Are there any special celebrations for graduates?

• Yes, the College of Arts & Media holds a Commencement Reception, immediately following the Commencement ceremony.
• All CAM students will be notified of the dates and times of these events.  Graduating seniors will be sent personalized invitations.  Please contact the CAM Advising Office for details.

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For more information, see our handout “All About Graduation” at: http://www.cudenver.edu/cam/advising/forms/allaboutgraduation.pdf

More questions? 
Contact a CAM advisor:
CAMAdvising@cudenver.edu