Graduation Checklist

  • Use this to-do list to ensure that you complete all the tasks required for graduation at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

  • 1. Submit an Application for Graduation one semester prior to graduating.
    • Print the graduation application and degree audit, then schedule a meeting with your academic advisor.
    • Obtain required signatures and submit the form to the Registrar’s Office.
        

    Effective Graduation Spring 2020

    Starting for Graduation Spring 2020 (May 2020 graduation) a non-refundable $30 commencement fee will be required for students planning to participate in the commencement ceremony.  

    2. Review your Degree Audit Report (DAR) and verify all requirements are complete.
    • Login to eServices using your StarID and password.
    • 'Click Academic Records' 'Degree Audit'.
    • Click on the link for your declared major to view and/or print your Degree Audit Report. If you have declared a double major you may have more than one DAR.
    • Verify that your degree audit shows ALL requirements are completed (including in-progress courses that you will complete by the end of the semester).
    • All Course Exception Forms should be submitted and processed in the Registrar’s Office.
    • Degree requirements include:
      • LASC requirements complete (includes 42 credits, minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA)
      • Writing intensive requirements complete
      • First Year Experience requirement complete (waived for students with 24 college credits)
      • Major/Program requirements complete (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA — some majors require a higher minimum GPA)
      • 40 credits of upper division courses complete (300-400 level)
      • 30 residency credits must be completed at MSUM
      • At least 120 credits successfully completed toward degree
    • Graduation with Honors (45 MSUM credit minimum. Honors only apply to first degree.)
      • Cum Laude 3.4-3.59 GPA
      • Magna Cum Laude 3.6-3.79 GPA
      • Summa Cum Laude 3.8-4.0 GPA
       
    3. Commencement
    • Information along with a participation card will be mailed one month prior to date of commencement.
    • If you plan on participating in the commencement ceremony, you must return the completed participation card to the Registrar’s Office.
    • If participating in the ceremony, purchase your commencement regalia (cap, gown, tassel) through the MSUM Bookstore. If graduating with honors, also purchase an honor cord.
    5. Diplomas
    • Confirm your permanent address in eServices. This is where diplomas will be sent about eight weeks after graduation.
    • Check for holds in eServices. Diplomas will not be sent if you have past due balance holds.
    • Confirm your legal name in eServices. This is what will print on your diploma.
    • Your major will not print on your diploma; only name and type of degree (BA, BS, BFA, MHA, MBA, BSW, BSN, SPEC)
    • If you do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you may pick up a diploma cover in the Registrar’s Office.
    • Additional diplomas can be ordered online for $10 each.
    7. Transcripts

    Official MSUM transcripts must be requested through the National Student Clearinghouse.