Graduation with Honors: The Process and the Paperwork

Sometime after you have completed 75 credits, make an appointment with your Honors advisor for a "graduation balance sheet." In this meeting, your advisor will review all requirements for graduation, and explain the graduation process. As you get closer to graduation, you may wish to make a follow-up “graduation check” appointment to be sure everything is on track.

Students must apply to graduate at the beginning of the term in which they expect to complete all degree requirements. Upcoming dates are:

Semester --- Graduation Application Deadline

Spring 2007 --- January 30, 2007
May Session 2007 --- March 21, 2007
Summer 2007 --- June 4, 2007
Fall 2007 --- September 18, 2007
Spring 2008 --- February 5, 2008
May Session 2008 --- March 27, 2008
Summer 2008 --- June 10, 2008
Fall 2008 --- September 16, 2008
Spring 2009 --- February 3, 2009
May Session 2009 --- March 6, 2009
Summer 2009 --- June 9, 2009

Applications for degree are available on the web at http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/Graduating/Degree_Application_Procedures.html (new window). These forms are turned in to the CLA Student Information Office, 49 Johnston Hall.

Thesis Grant Application

If you are completing an Honors thesis or project, you must also verify completion of that project before you graduate. HCLA provides workshops to assist you with planning. Handouts: Thesis Preparation and Worksheet are available. If you are finishing your project during your final term, turn in an "Honors in Progress" form (new window), signed by your faculty advisor, to the Honors office by the degree application deadlines noted above. When the project is completed (ideally by the end of the term), submit a "Graduation with Honors" form (new window), signed by your faculty advisor (and faculty readers, if required), and turn it in to the Honors office. Those completing a thesis or project at summa cum laude level must also submit a bound copy of the thesis to the Honors office. If you have completed your project by the beginning of your graduation term, you need only submit the signed "Graduation with Honors" form (new window) and the thesis (if required).

Some majors require that you meet with a departmental advisor to review your record and complete a final clearance or final program. The "Graduating without Surprises" summary (new window) lists these majors. It is always a good idea to check in with your department if you have any questions or concerns regarding completion of your major(s).