Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I apply?

If you have completed or in progress of taking your last few classes before completing you would apply for graduation in order to receive your degree(s)/certificate(s) both posted to your transcript and receive a diploma.

If you do not apply for graduation your degree(s)/certificate(s) are not automatically awarded.

Please apply by the posted priority graduation application deadline to ensure that you will be processed as a graduate for the correct term. During high volume times, applications received after the priority deadline may be posted as graduates of the next semester.

2. Can I apply for more than one degree and/or certificate?

Yes! For online applications, you will need to fill out the form for each degree or certificate that you are earning. Make sure ceremony information is NOT conflicting between applications. In the event of conflicting information, we use the most recent application.

3. After I apply, what comes next?

Once your application has been received you should receive a confirmation email within 2-3 business days letting you know that the records coordinator has received your application and that they will process a degree audit within 2-3 weeks.

Once a degree audit has been processed you should receive the audit via email for you to review. If any course work is in process or still needs to be complete it will be noted on the degree audit.

Once final grades are posted for the semester a final audit is completed to ensure any remaining courses required have been completed.

After final audits have been completed your degree will be conferred and awarded. Degrees are typically posted to transcripts within 4-6 weeks after final grades are posted.

Diplomas are typically ready for pick up 4-6 weeks after final grades are posted. After a 2 week pick up time period all diplomas are mailed to the student’s address on file to students who have no financial holds on their student accounts.

Graduation applications are typically processed after diplomas for the previous semester have been completed. This may mean a slower response time at the beginning of each semester, but if you have applied by the priority deadline for the current term, every effort will be made to supply you with a preliminary degree audit showing what is in progress or remaining on your degree plan.

4. My advisor, faculty member, or dean has said that a course will substitute for another requirement in the degree plan. How do I make sure the Registrar’s Office knows to add that to the degree plan?

The Registrar’s Office will need a course substitution form FROM THE DEAN of the appropriate division. This form will come directly from the dean to the records coordinator in the Registrar’s Office. Please contact your dean if this is the case.

These substitutions are typically for non-transfer programs in Business, Allied Health, Technical and Industrial, Culinary Arts/Baking and Pastry/Hospitality, and Computer Information Systems.

5. When are the graduation ceremonies for each term?

At this time, there is only ONE graduation ceremony per year in May. Graduates from the previous fall, the current spring, and upcoming summer participate in that ceremony. As a general rule, no more than 7-8 hours (other than what is in progress) should be remaining on a degree plan of someone who walks at the May ceremony.

6. Will I get my degree or certificate on the last day of classes or at the graduation ceremony?

No. It takes at least 4-6 weeks to conduct final degree audits to verify that all coursework for degrees and certificates were actually completed by students who applied on time. Diplomas are typically ready for pick up 4-6 weeks after final grades are posted. After a 2 week pick up time period all diplomas are mailed, to the student’s address on file, to students who have no business office holds on their student accounts. Please make sure you have a valid mailing address on file with the Registrar's office at the end of your last semester.

7. Is there anything else that will hold up my diploma?

Walking at graduation ceremony does not officially mean that you graduated.

You MUST complete all degree or certificate requirements, including the minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Be aware that some programs may require a higher GPA or specific grades.

If you have a business office hold for any reason your diploma will not be printed. You will be required to take care of the hold by contacting the business office, (501) 812-2278, and then completing a diploma reprint request to obtain a copy of your diploma.

8. My application was “rolled over” since I didn’t finish. What does that mean?

Your application for graduation will remain on file for up to ONE YEAR from the time you applied. You do not have to reapply to graduate during that time since your record will be checked every semester during that year. After one year, you will need to reapply when you complete the requirements.

9. “I finished my last class already, where is my degree/certificate?”

If you do not apply for graduation your degree(s)/certificate(s) are not automatically awarded.

Degrees can only be posted for the current or following semesters, degree(s)/certificate(s) are not back dated to when your last class was taken.

10. Graduation application available dates:

SPRING - 8 Week and 16 Week terms
Opening Date: January 1
Posted Priority Deadline: February 10
Closing Date: Friday before final grades are posted. (See Academic Calendar)

SUMMER - 5 Week and 10 Week terms
Opening Date: May 1
Posted Priority Deadline: June 10
Closing Date: Friday before final grades are posted. (See Academic Calendar)

FALL - 8 Week and 16 Week terms
Opening Date: August 1
Posted Priority Deadline: September 10
Closing Date: Friday before final grades are posted. (See Academic Calendar)

11. What if I have a business office hold?

Once student has taken care of the hold with the business office they will need to complete a diploma reprint request (processed within 1-2 weeks).