Graduation

Degree Audit Report (DAR)

• Review your degree audit report (DAR) and verify all requirements are complete.
• All graduation requirements are met when your DAR shows "All requirements complete-in progress courses being used."
• Schedule a meeting with your advisor or success navigator to review your degree audit and make sure you are set to graduate.
• How to run the audit

Other planning

• Apply for graduation one semester before degree requirements are completed and after you register for your last semester. Review graduation requirements at Degree Completion (Graduation) Policy
• Find honors information at Graduate Academic Honors Policy
• All course exceptions/substitutions must be approved by your advisor and submitted and processed in the Registrar’s Office.

To graduate and receive your diploma, you must complete the graduation application, available below. The M State Registrar's Office receives and reviews submitted applications. You will receive an email from gradapp@minnesota.edu informing you whether your graduation application has been approved or is on hold. 

Spring 2026

If you plan to participate in the spring 2026 commencement ceremony, submit your application by March 13, 2026. All applications must be received no later than July 1, 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered summer semester applications.

Summer 2026

If you plan to participate in the spring 2026 commencement ceremony as a summer graduate, submit your application by March 13, 2026. All applications must be received no later than Sept. 30, 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered fall semester applications.

Late applications

A timely application helps ensure your name can be printed in the commencement ceremony program, gowns and recognition cords (if applicable) can be ordered, and other ceremony plans made. If M State receives your application after the deadline, we will try to review and approve it in time for your participation in the commencement ceremony. However, we are unable to guarantee a completed review in time to include your name in the printed program and/or plan for your participation in commencement.
 

All students must complete the commencement signup form to participate in the ceremony. If you are cleared for graduation and your request is approved, you will receive an email with campus-specific ceremony information.

Complete the sign-up form for your campus:

• Fergus Falls
• Moorhead
• Wadena
   

If you plan to attend an in-person commencement event, you must order graduation apparel. Graduates wear a traditional black gown and a mortarboard cap and tassels are navy and forest green. The cost is $40 for the cap and gown package, which includes one tassel. Your order can be shipped to your campus of choice for pickup or to a specified address for an additional fee.

Order at Herff Jones-M State.

Optional items

• The Kente Stole symbolizes cultural significance, historical roots, and pride. Traditionally, this stole was created for the African heritage but has become a universal representation for all cultures.
• The Serape Stole symbolizes cultural pride of accomplishment. Traditionally, this stole was created for the Hispanic and Latino heritage but has become a universal representation for all cultures.
• The International Stole represents the academic accomplishment of students who have studied abroad and can be specified to any country of origin.
• Diploma frames, souvenir tassels, and announcements are also available for purchase.

Ordering will close March 31 to ensure delivery on time for commencement.

Receiving your diploma

Once your degree has been conferred, your diploma will be added to Parchment. You'll receive an email and text message from Parchment to your personal email address/cell phone with a link to access your digital diploma and verify your mailing address. Please verify your mailing address within 72 hours; otherwise, your diploma will be sent to the permanent address M State has on file. Paper diplomas are sent 10-15 business days later.

Other diploma to-dos

• Check for holds in eServices. Diplomas will not be sent if you have past due balance holds.
• Confirm your name in eServices. The preferred name is what will print on your diploma.
• Use the Replacement Diploma Request to request additional diplomas for a nominal fee.

Please complete a short survey:
 

As a brand-new M State alum, career resources are available to you!

• Find support, job listing sites and more at Career Services
• Visit the Handshake M State Job Board