Graduation
Graduation, the goal for all students, is a time of celebration with a gathering of fellow classmates, families, friends, and the faculty and staff at Wayland Baptist University. It is a time to take a place of honor for having accomplished a task that many begin and not all finish. So it is important to make sure that you have prepared yourself appropriately. You want to get everything lined up in advance so there will be no (sad) surprises. Please consult the information linked to this page in order to get everything primed for a wonderful graduation ceremony.Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from the time I submit the application to the confirmation that I will graduate? When will I know if I got honors recognition?
Tell me about the graduation ceremony.
When will I get the announcements I ordered?
Tell me about the diploma.
What can I do if lose or damage my diploma?
When can I get transcripts?
What is a "Letter of Completion"?
What if I am too late for this graduation and can't wait for the next one?
How long does it take from the time I submit the application to the confirmation that I will graduate?
The confirmation will be made when the degree is conferred to the students official academic transcripts. It takes approximately 12 weeks after the graduation term to confirm the student has successfully graduated. Students are expected to submit the application for graduation packets while enrolled in the GRAD 4101 Exit Seminar or GRAD 0001 Senior Seminar courses. The course instructor will guide the students to complete the application forms accurately. When the course instructor forwards all applications to the university's main campus, the resulting process involves the combined effort of several university officials. All credits that are applied to a student's degree(s) will undergo evaluation and final auditing, and a final grade point average (GPA) will be calculated. The ultimate goal is for Wayland to maintain academic integrity in each degree that is conferred.
When will I know if I got honors recognition?
Actual degree conferral and honors designation is determined during the week before the Graduation Commencement ceremony. We have to make sure that all grades have been turned in and records are clear.
Tell me about the graduation ceremony.
The commencement ceremony is a memorable event that features a keynote speaker, music, special awards, and the presentation of degrees. An informal reception with light refreshments follows the ceremony. Guests should arrive at least fifteen minutes early and should also dress comfortably. The entire ceremony and reception lasts for about 1½ hours.
Graduates MUST arrive at the commencement location no later than 8:30 a.m. This early arrival allows time for professional photographs of the spring class, honor cord distribution, and for the Graduation Commencement Marshal to instruct you on the appropriate line-up during the entry and exit marches and the presentation of degrees at the ceremony. There will be no other practice.
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When will I get the announcements I ordered?
Announcement orders will be distributed about 4-6 weeks prior to the graduation and can be picked up at the Mililani office. Even in absentia students may order announcements. They will be sent to the address listed on the announcement order form.
Tell me about the diploma.
A diploma is printed with the name you indicated on your Application for Graduation form and is included in your graduation fee (paid at the time you applied). Diplomas are distributed to graduates approximately 12 weeks after the end of the graduation semester. Students in the Hawaii area are required to pick up their diploma packages at the Mililani Mauka campus.
The diploma for a bachelor's degree will display only the degree title earned by the student (e.g., Bachelor of Applied Sciences). The major, minor, and any related specialization will be printed on the official academic transcript (e.g., Major: Business Administration, Minor: Occupational Education, Minor Specialization: English Studies).
You may only receive a diploma for the degree under which you are admitted. In other words, in order to receive an Associates of Applied Science degree and diploma, you must have indicated when you originally applied for admission that you wanted an Associates program or have completed a Change of Degree/Major/Specialization form to add an Associates program to your degree plan. The latter must be done no less than 8 weeks before you apply for graduation, to allow for the admittance process to take place. You can be concurrently enrolled in both a Bachelor's and an Associate's program.
Diplomas measure 8x10 inches and are accented with blue and gold.
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When can I get transcripts?
One complimentary official transcript is included in each diploma package.
Additional transcripts may be ordered by the graduate at a cost of $5 each by accessing this form: Transcript Request Form. Transcript requests submitted before or immediately following the graduation date should be marked "Hold for Degree Posting."
The posting date of the degree will be the last day of the graduation semester. This is also the deadline to have all Wayland coursework completed. Degrees will be posted to the transcripts 12 weeks following the end of the semester.
What is a "Letter of Completion"?
A Letter of Completion is available on a need-only basis to provide proof of coursework completion and impending degree granting. Potential graduates who have completed their coursework, are in good standing with the university, have applied for graduation and paid the fee, and have a $0 balance may request a Letter of Completion to submit for job procurement or advancement, admission into a Master's program (other than Wayland's), candidacy for military advancement, etc. Letters are requested through a WBU advisor and are usually available within one week.
Letters of Completion will NOT be issued within 4 weeks of the end of the semester or following the graduation semester.
What can I do if lose or damage my diploma?
Duplicate copies of awarded diplomas cost $50 each. Replacement Diploma forms are available at the Mililani campus. Duplicate diplomas requested along with the submission of an Application for Graduation will be included in the diploma package. Otherwise, diploma orders are processed within 4-6 weeks.
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What if I am too late for this graduation and can't wait for the next one?
So that graduates do not have to wait until a graduation ceremony to receive their degrees, Wayland designates a graduation posting in December and in June. The Application for Graduation must be completed, but the diploma and regalia may be picked up or mailed (student pays shipping cost) after the posting date.
Degrees are conferred on a quarterly basis. Students will have the opportunity to apply for graduation and have their degrees conferred four times per year. However, there are only two graduation ceremonies: one in May and one in November. The chart below details the appropriate deadlines for the next available non-ceremony graduation:
| Spring posting | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Turn in application | Feb. 24, 2013 |
| Degree plan change | March 28, 2013 |
| Last term to take classes | Spring (HI and VC) |
| Transfer and assessed credit due | May 3, 2013 |
| LOC* request deadline | May 10, 2013 |
| Posting date | June 7, 2013 |
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