Graduation

Follow these Easy Steps to Apply for Graduation

Complete the Master's Degree Application
- Online available through Colleague Self-Service.
- Make sure you are applying for the correct degree.
  - If you apply to the wrong program or change your program you must complete a Request for Change in Degree Option Form.
  - The form can be found by clicking HERE or by going to the Graduate Studies Resources and Forms website page, HERE. (Login to MyECU before filling out the form)
- Make sure you are applying for graduation in the correct semester.
  - Make sure to fill out the diploma application for the semester that you are completing your coursework and not for the semester that you are Participating in commencement.
  - Those completing a degree in May or July will walk in the spring ceremony in May.
  - Those completing a degree in December will walk in the December commencement.
- Be sure to list your name as you want it to appear on your diploma.
  - You may add middle and maiden names as you wish.
  - It is NOT recommended to use nicknames.
- Check your permanent address where your diploma will be mailed if not picked up.
  - If you wish to change your permanent address you must request the change with the Records Office by completing the Diploma Address Change Form, HERE.
- In order for your name to appear in the program, you must have filled out the Master's Degree Application by the application deadline listed below.
Students with Electives (Secondary Education – Academic Discipline - 0834, Human Resources - 0891, Psychological Services - 0860) or 2nd Masters degrees MUST complete a Program Checksheet with their advisor.
- See the bottom of this page for Program Checksheets.
- Meet with your advisor to get approval with a signature from your advisor.
- Turn your approved form into the School of Graduate Studies.
- Make sure that your Student ID# is on your approved Program Checksheet before turning in your form.
Substitutions
- Complete a Substitution form with your advisor for any course that will be taken that is not on your Program Checksheet and make sure that it is on file with the School of Graduate Studies Office.
  - Must login to your MyECU Portal before filling out the form.
Transfer Work
- Make sure that an official transcript with grades posted is on file and has been recorded on your ECU transcript by the Records Office.
- Complete a Substitution form with your advisor and make sure that it is on file with the School of Graduate Studies Office.
  - Must login to your MyECU Portal before filling out the form.
Check Student Email Account
- Check your ECU student email frequently and stay in communication with your advisor and the School of Graduate Studies.
- All communication about graduation will be done through your student email only.

Note: Candidates who submit applications after the deadline will still be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Important Dates

Semester

Fall 2021

Spring 2022

Summer 2022

Fall 2022

Application Available

March 12, 2021

November 1, 2021

February 1, 2022

March 1, 2022

Application Deadline

August 27, 2021

January 24, 2022

April 8, 2022

TBD

Commencement

December 11, 2021 at 10 a.m.

May 7, 2022 at 2 p.m.

TBD

Commencement Information

Candidates who are approved to graduate by the School of Graduate Studies Office after the deadline will not have their name listed in the commencement program.
You may pick up your cap and gown from the ECU Bookstore. Graduation announcements may also be purchased at the ECU bookstore.
Candidates who need special accommodations for the ceremony because of a physical condition should contact the School of Graduate Studies or Records Office as soon as possible.
Commencement exercises for Master's candidates will be held in the Kerr Activity Center. The ceremony will take place for ALL students completing degree requirements.
- Master's Candidates should report to the ECU Cafeteria before the ceremony at the south end (behind the partitions). Instructions relating to the exercises are given at that time. PLEASE BE ON TIME.
- For directions to the cafeteria, please contact the School of Graduate Studies or the Records Office.
- In case of heavy rain, meet in Room 202 Kerr Activity Center. You will be notified of the change by your student email account. Signs will also be posted in the cafeteria.
- Please report to the Master's candidates name card table when you arrive.
We encourage you to wear comfortable, yet professional, dress attire under your gown rather than casual clothing to ensure that our graduates represent themselves and ECU with the utmost respectability.
Honors cords and organizational sashes are allowed. Since Master's students are required to hold a 3.00-4.00 GPA, there is NOT an honors cord.
You can bring your hood and we will help you put it on correctly.
Do not bring personal items with you. You will not be allowed to carry any items during the ceremony. They will be collected and taken to the Records Office for pick up immediately following the ceremony. In the case of cold weather or drizzle, a table will be available for coats and umbrellas as you enter the stairs at Kerr Center.
Master's candidates will receive their degrees as a group prior to the bachelor's candidates. Please be prepared to participate in the entire ceremony. Candidates should not leave until the commencement exercises are completed in their entirety.

* Attendance at commencement exercises is expected of all candidates, but is not mandatory.

For more information about the graduation ceremony, please check the Records Office Graduation Page.

Degree checksheets are in PDF format and will open in a new browser window. Select the appropriate checksheet beginning the year of continuous enrollment.