Office of the Registrar

Graduation vs Commencement Information

Graduation and Commencement

What’s the difference?

The terms Graduation and Commencement are often used interchangeably. As a University of Wyoming graduate, we want you to be aware about these two similar yet different terms.

Commencement is a ceremony held twice per year (winter and spring) honoring students who have recently or will soon graduate, which means completing all requirements of their degree program. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated. In order to graduate, a student must complete all requirements and apply for graduation.

**If you wish to participate in Commencement activities please visit the UW Commencement site.

For information on Honors distinctions for Undergraduate Graduation please click here: Honors Graduation

For information on the steps on how to apply for graduation

 

Spring 2025 Graduation Deadline - May 9, 2025

The Office of the Registrar, in conjunction with all undergraduate colleges, operates a computerized degree evaluation system through software called DegreeWorks. The DegreeWorks system contains many useful tools for tracking your progress towards degree and planning your path towards degree completion.

DegreeWorks includes a degree progress report/advising support system that matches your completed and current UW course work (and any transfer courses you might have) with your degree requirements to determine your progress toward earning your degree. The Degree Evaluation audit powered by DegreeWorks is available on WyoRecords to students and faculty advisors.

To access your Degree Evaluation, log on to WyoRecords and find the tab for Registration. A link for Degree Evaluation will be listed under the Registration options. This link will direct you to the audit of your requirements within DegreeWorks.

The Degree Evaluation does not apply to students who entered the University prior to fall of 2009. The students should contact the Office of the Registrar to have the audit updated to reflect requirements in effect from before fall 2009. If you have questions about your Degree Evaluation, please contact your advisor for assistance. You may also contact the Office of the Registrar by calling (307) 766-5272 or by coming to the West Wing of Knight Hall.

Be sure to log into WyoRecords to declare your anticipated graduation date. Please stop by our office for assistance, or contact us at [email protected]. You will need to notify the Office of the Registrar if your anticipated graduation date changes.

 

Graduation/Diploma Information

NOW - All undergraduates must declare their graduation dates by logging into WyoRecords.

Effective Fall 2022, a Graduation Fee will be charged onto a student's account during the semester they anticipate graduating, a few days after they have declared a graduation date through their WyoRecords account.

• Thesis/Dissertation Defense Deadline: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
• Deadline - last day to submit properly completed / approved paperwork to the Office of the Registrar: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 5:00PM

Any change in your graduation date should be reported in writing immediately to your Degree Analyst.

 

Registrar's Office Contact Guide for Advisors