FAQs

• What happens if I graduate in the Summer?

  Because the Summer graduation application windows extends past the Spring Commencement, students applying for summer graduation must submit their applications around the second week of April to participate in Commencement. If you apply after this date, you are eligible for the Spring commencement ceremony for the following academic year. See official deadline at https://registrar.ucr.edu/graduation-guide/deadline.

  Remember: Graduation and Commencement are two different processes. Graduation refers to the completion of all UCR degree requirements and may occur in any academic quarter, including summer. Commencement refers to the ceremony in which students walk across the stage and is held once annually in the spring. Commencement is entirely optinal-but of course, we'd love to celebrate you!

  • Therefore, you would be considered a Summer graduate if you complete your degree requirements in the Summer, regardless of when you participate in Commencement.
• Questions about Commencement?

  Why does my Degree Audit show a 98% for Requirements and 100% for units?

  • This is normal. The 98% will become 100% once your final grades come in for the final quarter. If your audit is below 98% or at 99% please contact your academic advisor at ugradbusiness@ucr.edu as this could indicate something is wrong with your degree audit or you do not meet graduation requirements.
  • If you are pending transcripts or on a waitlist for a class required for graduation, please submit your application for graduation by the deadline even if your audit has not reached 98%. We will not accept late applications for graduation. 
• How can I tell if everything's okay with my graduation application?
  • As long as you’ve submitted BOTH graduation applications and received your confirmation emails, we keep track of your progress from here on out. If something was wrong with your application– you dropped a class you needed, you are missing a requirement– we would reach out to you. Be sure to keep checking your UCR emails so we can catch issues early.
  • If you don’t hear back, that’s technically the end of your journey! Assuming all went well (you passed the classes you needed, etc.), you’ve done all you need to do. 8-10 weeks after your final quarter ends, your diploma will be mailed to your listed address. 
• What happens after I complete all my classes?
  • After you finish your final classes, your graduation is not immediate. Once final grades are posted, the Registrar and the School of Business review your record to confirm all degree requirements, units, GPA, and any pending issues (such as transfer work or grade changes). This review process takes place behind the scenes and can take a few months after your final classes conclude.
  • Your degree becomes official at conferral. You are officially considered a UCR graduate once your degree is conferred (approved and posted by the Registrar). Diplomas are mailed after conferral is complete. Official degree conferral dates are published each year by the Office of the Registrar.
     
• How can I show proof of graduation? When will I get my diploma?
  • In most cases, your diploma will be mailed directly to your permanent address and should be received 8-10 weeks after the end of your graduation term. A shipping notification will be sent to your UCR email address when your diploma is on its way.
  • Choice of Name: When diplomas are ordered, your lived name will be the default name that appears on your diploma. However, you may also choose to have your legal name or a different variation of your name (middle initial, etc.) displayed instead. An email will be sent to your UCR email address toward the end of your graduation term with information on how to provide your preferred name for your diploma.
  • To ensure your diploma is delivered to the correct location, be sure to check and update your permanent address on the “Personal Information” icon in R’Web by the end of your graduation term!
  • Please note that diplomas sent to international addresses can take significantly longer to receive and tracking information may only be available during the time that the package is in the US Postal Service’s possession. If you do not receive your diploma within the expected timeframe above or require assistance with a lost or damaged diploma, please use this form to request assistance from the Registrar’s Office.

  Graduation Term	Diplomas Expected In
  Fall	March
  Winter	June
  Spring	August
  Summer	November

  • If you do not receive your diploma within the expected timeframe above or require assistance with a lost or damaged diploma, please use this form to request assistance from the Registrar's Office.