Graduation Guide for Undergraduates

Did you know that you need to apply to graduate?

Before you can graduate, the Registrar's Office needs to make sure that you have completed all of your degree requirements. We do that using the Application for Graduation. All degree- and certificate-seeking students must submit an Application for Graduation.

What's the difference between graduation and Commencement?

  • Graduation: At FLC, you have not officially "graduated" until the Registrar confirms that you have completed all of your degree requirements and the College awards your degree. This process is not generally complete until about 6 weeks after the semester has ended.
  • Commencement: Commencement is the ceremony where we celebrate students who are graduating. Graduating students invite their friends and families, wear their regalia, walk across the stage, shake hands with the College president, and celebrate. Participating in Commencement is sometimes called "walking", which refers to the tradition of walking across the stage to be recognized for your achievement.

Apply for Graduation (Step-by-Step Guide)

Application for Graduation Deadlines

  • Fall Graduation (December): May 1
  • Spring Graduation (May): December 1
  • Summer Graduation (July): December 1

Step 1: Register for Your Last Semester of Classes

Under most circumstances, you have to be registered for the last of your degree requirements before you can apply to graduate.

If you are taking a final requirement at another school, testing out of a course, or substituting one course for another, you can still apply to graduate. Still, you need to provide documentation explaining how you intend to fulfill those final requirements email the appropriate paperwork to us.

Step 2: Run a Degree Audit

Once you have registered for your final classes, it's time to make sure you're ready to go. Your WebOPUS degree audit is the best way to do this. Your degree audit tells you what your degree requirements are, including requirements for your major(s), minor(s), and certificates, and it tells you whether or not you have fulfilled those requirements.

Run a Degree Audit

Your degree audit should have the following statement at the top if you are on track to graduate:

When you are missing requirements, your degree audit displays the following statement at the top. You must meet with your advisor to resolve your missing requirements before submitting your application for graduation. 

Exceptions and Substitutions 

Do you have questions, or do you need assistance figuring out your degree audit?

Come by Skyhawk Station! Skyhawk Station staff are here to help. You can also meet with your advisor.

Step 3: Submit Your Application for Graduation

Once you've confirmed that you will have fulfilled all of your degree requirements by the end of your final semester, it's time to submit your Application for Graduation.

Current Undergraduate Students 

Please read these important messages below before going to Apply to Graduate. 
 
Changes to program:  If you need to add or drop any majors, minors, or certificates email Registrar's Office at gradcheck@fortlewis.edu with your name, last four digits of student id, and that you are applying to graduate and tell us what you want changed in your program.  We will notify when to complete the Apply to Graduate Instructions. 
 
Apply to Graduate
  • Go to the Fort
  • Search for WebOPUS
  • Select WebOpus
  • Select My Student Profile
  • Select Apply to Graduate (link is second from the bottom of page on left hand side)

Commencement/Walking

Students who need to take a summer course(s) need to select the summer conferral/ graduation date when applying to graduate. Spring and summer graduates walk in the commencement ceremony in April/May. No particular action is needed for summer students to participate in the Spring ceremony student are automatically included.   We do not offer a summer commencement ceremony. 

Commencement ceremonies are held twice per year: one in December following the fall semester and one in late April or early May following the spring semester. A student with an approved Application for Graduation for spring and summer may participate in the April/May commencement ceremony. Those approved for fall may participate in the December commencement ceremony.

Exceptions and Substitutions 

Review Process and Timeline

  • Applications submitted by the deadline will be processed within 7 weeks. When a decision has been made, you will receive an email at your FLC email address notifying you of the final status of your application.

Step 4: Check Your FLC Email!

Last but not least, make sure you are checking your FLC email regularly. All official communications about your application and graduation-related announcements will be sent to your FLC email.

 

Check the Status of Your Application

You can view the status of your Application for Graduation on WebOPUS.

  • Log in to WebOPUS
  • Click "My Student Profile"
  • Click "Active" under Graduation Applications (only available if you applied to graduate)
  • Your status will be listed under "Application Status"

Understanding Your Status

  • Pending Application: Your application has been received by the Registrar’s Office and awaits review.
  • Application Approved: Your application has been reviewed and approved. You are officially eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony that corresponds with your graduation term.
  • Application Denied: Your application has been denied. You may appeal (see below) or submit a new application for a later graduation date.
  • Degree Awarded: You degree has official been awarded by the College.
  • Failure to Complete: You degree was not awarded because you did not complete all of your degree requirements as expected. You need to re-apply once you have completed your requirements, or you are registered to complete your requirements.

Application Denial Appeal

If your application was denied, you may appeal that decision. To appeal, you just need to submit and new Application for Graduation. On your new application, make sure that you document how you will complete all missing degree requirements by the end of the semester during which you would like to graduate.

What if my appeal is denied?

You will need to wait until the next semester to submit another application.

Appeal Deadlines

  • Fall (December) Graduation: The Friday before Fall Break in November
  • Spring (May) Graduation: The last business day of March
  • Summer (August) Graduation: The last business day of July (you will not be permitted to participate in Commencement)

Questions & Assistance

If you have any questions, or if you would like assistance with your application, stop by Skyhawk Station, send us an email, or give us a call at 970-247-7301. We’re here to help!