Degree List & Conferral

The degree list is the official record of students who intend to complete all degree requirements and graduate in a specific semester. The degree conferral process is initiated by the learner to formally indicate their intent to complete a degree within a specific term by adding themselves to the degree conferral list via Self Service. Both degree programs (iMBA, iMSM, iMSA) and Graduate Certificate learners must officially apply to graduate to confer their credential within the Graduate College deadlines.

There will be a separate registration process for any on-campus convocation ceremony.

Late add to degree list

Learners must add their name to a pending degree list through Student-Self Service by the Graduate College’s published deadline for the specified graduation term that they expect to be awarded their degree. Learners who miss this deadline must petition the Graduate College to be late added. Late adds are not permitted beyond the last day of the term for embedded graduate certificates.

Learners are responsible for initiating the petition to be late added to the degree list. This includes:

• Providing a written explanation for the late addition request.
• Completing the Late Add/Remove to Degree List form.
• Ensuring all required documentation is submitted to their department for initial review.

Participation in Graduation Ceremony

Gies College of Business has three graduation terms: May, August, and December; but only two graduation ceremonies: May and December.

• May graduates are expected to attend the May ceremony
• August graduates may attend either the May or December ceremony
• December graduates typically attend the December ceremony but have the option to defer to the May ceremony

Participation in ceremonies is optional but provides a celebratory opportunity for learners and their supporters. Learners who have fewer than eight credit hours are eligible to participate in the ceremony prior to their degree conferral semester. For example, August graduates with eight or fewer credit hours to complete may request to participate in the May ceremony.

Graduation Term Extension

A Graduation Term Extension is when a learner requests to delay their graduation beyond the term in which they complete their degree requirements. As our programs are designed to support timely degree completion, learners are expected to graduate in the earliest term in which they fulfill academic requirements. Extensions are generally not permitted unless exceptional circumstances apply. Learners requesting a graduation term extension should email i-support@illinois.edu and clearly detail the circumstances prompting the request, including a proposed new graduation timeline.