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Where do I obtain an Application for Degree/Diploma?
Stop by the Graduation Office in the Benedum Building on the Beckley campus and pick one up personally; see the Director of Student Services at MSU Martinsburg, MSU Orlando or MSU Center Township and pick one up there; telephone or email the Graduation Office and ask for a packet to be mailed to you; OR download an electronic copy of the instructions and application.
How do I know if I should complete an Application for Degree/Diploma? All students are encouraged to reference and be familiar with the requirements of their programs of study and to periodically consult with their Academic Advisors throughout their academic career. By doing so, students should have a clear understanding of the necessary requirements and of their own individual progress towards meeting them. Students are responsible for knowing and meeting their course, program and graduation requirements. Students approaching registration for their final course requirements should also begin the Graduation Application process.
When should I complete an Application for Degree/Diploma?
Traditional students who wish to graduate in the Fall 2010 must have submitted their applications and fee no later than October 9, 2009. Traditional students who wish to graduate in the Spring, Summer 1 or Summer 2 semesters must submit their applications and fee no later than January 22, 2010. Applications for traditional terms, 2009-2010 are no longer being accepted.
Cohort and Independent Study students must submit their applications and fee prior to their last semester of classes and no later than the start date of their final semester. Students with course end dates through August 31, 2010 are eligible to complete the application for degree/diploma this year. Applications must be received prior to the start date of your final semester. In order to participate in the May Commencement Ceremony, applications should have been received no later than February 16, 2010 (regardless of a final semester start date deadline which might be later in the year).
I completed an application and paid the fee; what happens next?
After you apply for graduation, Student Services will conduct a formal degree audit to ensure that you are meeting all requirements for your degree. You will be notified by (certified) letter of the results of your graduation audit. You will need to contact the Registrar’s office or your Advisor immediately if the results of the graduation audit do not agree with your records.
When will my degree be conferred (meaning it will reflect on my transcript?)
Degrees are formally conferred as of the last day of Fall, Spring and each Summer semester for traditional students. Degrees for non-traditional students are conferred on the last day of the month in which their program ends. For both types of students, all program requirements must be complete, all grades must be posted and any transfer, training and/or testing credit must also be completed and posted on the academic transcript.
Will I receive my diploma at the Commencement ceremony?
No, we do not give out diplomas at the ceremony. Students will receive a diploma cover as they walk across the stage and shake the President’s hand.
So, when and how will I receive my diploma?
Degrees are certified once all academic requirements have been fulfilled and all grades, including any transfer, training and/or testing credit, have posted to your transcript. Diplomas are ordered monthly for all students whose degrees have been certified within that given month. Unless special arrangements have been made with the Graduation Office in advance, within 6-8 weeks after your certification date, your diploma and official transcript will be sent to you by certified mail, once all administrative requirements have been fulfilled (student account balances paid and exit interview completed, if applicable).
How do I order a duplicate diploma?
To replace a damaged, lost or stolen diploma, please complete the diploma reorder form.
To replace a Beckley College or College of West Virginia diploma with a Mountain State University diploma, please complete the CWV or BC to MSU diploma reorder form.
How do I graduate with honors?
Bachelor's and Associate degree candidates who have achieved special distinction in academic work are eligible for graduation with honors, as described below. Students eligible to be recognized as honor graduates during the May Commencement ceremony will be determined on April 1. All courses completed through the Fall 2008 semester for which grades have been submitted will be included in this calculation. Final honors designation will be determined based on all MSU coursework completed at the time the degree is conferred and will be recognized on the diploma. To qualify for an honors designation, students must also complete at least 32 hours of coursework at Mountain State University.
Bachelor's Degree Honors Distinctions
Three Latin honors distinctions are recognized at the bachelor's degree level: summa cum laude, or highest honors, for those with a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0; magna cum laude, or high honors, for those with a GPA of 3.7 to 3.84, and cum laude, or honors, for those with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.69.
Associate Degree Honors Distinctions
Associate degree honors distinctions are highest honors, for those with a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0; high honors, for those with a GPA of 3.7 to 3.84; and honors, for those with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.69.
Since I don’t receive my actual diploma at the Commencement ceremony, why should I attend?
The commencement ceremony is a separate process from the degree application process. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee that a student has graduated; it also is not a requirement to graduate. During the ceremony, graduating seniors will be called to the stage, announced as candidates for graduation and be awarded/handed a diploma cover. However, this ceremony is traditionally a rite of passage which family and friends anticipate and which is remembered as a formal marker in a graduate’s life.
How can I participate in the Commencement ceremony?
Students must submit their Application for Degree/Diploma by February 16, 2010 and then return the Commencement Participation Form with their intent to participate by March 30, 2010. The Participation form is to be mailed in by the Graduation Office in March. Both forms are to be submitted to the Graduation office.
How do I get a cap and gown?
If you plan to participate in a commencement ceremony, you must purchase your academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel, and for masters’ candidates only, hoods) through the University Bookstore. All caps and gowns are black in color. Please contact the bookstore directly to place your order. Students may order online at www.cougarshop.org beginning March 2, 2010.
How long does the ceremony last?
Ceremonies have averaged one to one and a half hours in length in previous years, depending on the number of participating graduates.
Is there a rehearsal prior to the ceremony?
No, not for students. Faculty and staff spend the entire day prior to the ceremony getting the site ready and while there, engage in a “mock” commencement. Students are not required to attend. However, students with special needs who would feel more comfortable at commencement by having a preview of the facility will be accommodated. Please contact the graduation office at least one week prior to the ceremony to make special arrangements.
Do my guests need tickets?
Due to the increased numbers of participating graduates, the capacity of the facility, and to preserve the safety of all attendees, tickets are required for admittance to the May 15th Commencement Ceremony. Students are limited to 6 tickets each. There is no cost for these tickets; however, they must be acquired in advance through the submittal of the Commencement Participation Form. Additional tickets, if needed, may be requested through the Graduation office. MSU will try to accommodate all such requests.
Who do I contact if I have any questions regarding graduation?
Autumn Sturgill, Graduation Processing Coordinator
(304) 929-1446
1-800-766-6067,ext 1446
aholley@mountainstate.edu
Michele Waddell, Graduation Coordinator
(304) 929-1513
1-800-766-6067,ext 1513
mwaddell@mountainstate.edu
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