Home > Student Life > Student Services > Graduate Students Graduation Process
Graduate Students Graduation Process
Before completing the online application for graduation, please review the list of Frequently Asked Questions, so you can ensure your application is filled out completely and accurately. Once you have read through the list of FAQ's, click on the Apply Online Now link.
NOTE: Please note that you are unable to start the application, save it, and come back to it at a later time. It has to be completed in one session.
Frequently Asked Questions for Online Graduation Application
What name can I list on my diploma?
The name on your diploma can only be your given, legal name (version of your legal name as it appears in our records). We cannot list nicknames or prefixes (Dr., Mr., Mrs. Cpt., etc.). However, we can add suffixes to the end or your name, such as John Smith, Jr. or John Smith, III.
What is the difference between my completion date, posting date, and ceremony date?
The completion date is the date that you complete your last graduate course, and therefore, have completed all degree requirements. For example, if your last course ends on May 18, 2020, the completion date would be May 18, 2020.
The posting date is the date (determined by the University calendar) that will read on your diploma and transcript as the date you completed all degree requirements. Wayland Baptist University offers three (3) posting dates a year (fall, winter, and summer). In most circumstances your completion date (i.e. the date in which you complete all degree requirements) is the same as your posting date. For example, an online student completing all degree requirements at the end of the spring term which is May 18, 2020, would apply for the spring posting date, which is also May 18, 2020. There may be exceptions to this. Please contact the Graduate Studies Office at 1-877-844-4544 or your campus, for more information concerning these exceptions.
The ceremony date is the date you will walk and participate in a commencement ceremony.
When is the deadline to apply for graduation for a particular posting date?
As graduation dates and deadlines change with each academic term and year, please refer to the University Calendar, found within the Academic Catalog link on the WBU website homepage, for these dates and deadlines.
What does it mean to be a "Walk Only" in a graduation ceremony?
For external campus graduations, students who are within one term of finishing graduation requirements may, at the discretion of the executive director/campus dean "walk‐only" (without having fulfilled degree requirements) at the respective external campus graduation. Students must request in writing to the executive director/campus dean by the deadline issued by the campus for consideration to "walk‐only" in a ceremony. Students are allowed to participate in a graduation ceremony only once for each degree.
For Plainview campus graduations, students must contact the office of graduate studies by the application for graduation deadline for consideration to "walk‐only" in the respective Plainview graduation. This request must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Students approved will be allowed to participate in a graduation ceremony only once for each degree.
Walk only participants will not receive their diploma or official transcript until they have successfully completed the comprehensive examination for their respective degree and the final degree audit verifies that all degree requirements have been met.
If I don't plan to walk in a commencement ceremony, do I have to pay the entire fee when I apply for graduation?
Yes, the graduation fee covers many things and is required of each graduate, even if you do not wish to participate in a commencement ceremony. The fee for master's degrees encompasses the cost of your diploma, diploma jacket, and your regalia (cap, gown, hood, and tassel). In addition, you will also receive one complimentary transcript, as part of your graduation package. We will order your regalia for you even if you do not participate in a graduation ceremony, since you pay for it in your graduation fee, unless you specifically request that we not order it.
The graduation fee for doctoral degrees is $250. This fee encompasses the cost of your diploma, diploma jacket, and your regalia (cap, gown, tam). In addition, you will receive one complimentary transcript (not part of the $250 fee), as part of your graduation package. We will order your regalia for you even if you do not participate in a graduation ceremony, since you pay for it in your $250 graduation fee, unless you specifically request that we not order it.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas and complimentary transcripts are typically sent to the campuses around 4-6 weeks after the posting date. The campus will then distribute these items to their students. For WBUOnline students, your diploma and complimentary transcript will be mailed to the address indicated on your graduation application, again, generally around 4-6 weeks after the posting date.
***Before filling out your graduation application, do you have any further questions? If so, contact the graduate studies office or your local campus advisor.
Apply For Graduation Now - This link will take you to the Student Services log in page. Please log in and the graduation application will appear in the next window.