Wichita State University
Business Seniors and Graduation
Seniors
WSU students reach Senior status when they have earned at least 90 credits toward their degree. Graduation is a process that starts approximately 12 months before your final day at WSU. As a Barton Senior, you are nearing the end of your time here with us and there are a few very important steps that you must complete during your final year at WSU in order to graduate.
You will find three tables below: one for Spring graduates (students planning to complete all degree requirements at the end of a Spring semester), one for Summer graduates (students planning to complete all degree requirements at the end of a Summer semester), and one for Fall graduates (students planning to complete all degree requirements at the end of a Fall semester).
Each table explains exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it in the order that it needs to be done. Please choose the table that best fits your graduation timeline and refer back to this page frequently to make sure you complete the steps on time and in order for a smooth and successful graduation.
Important additional information regarding checking your degree progress, graduation terminology, ordering transcripts, requesting degree completion letters, and frequently asked questions (FAQ) is also provided below the tables. Please make sure to read through this information thoroughly.
Spring Graduates
(Planning to complete ALL degree requirements at the end of a Spring semester)
| When: | What: | What that means: | Where to find: |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1st | Submit Spring Application for Degree (AFD) |
Your AFD should be on file at least 2-3 months before the first day of your final semester at WSU, so please make sure your Spring AFD has already been submitted by this date. You can always make changes to your AFD in the future if necessary (i.e. add/remove minors, update diploma name, etc.) by emailing the Graduation Coordinator at business.graduation@wichita.edu, but we must have your AFD on file for your correct graduation semester as far in advance as possible to make sure you are on track to graduate. Reminder: students cannot graduate without an AFD so please make this a priority! |
AFD: In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Graduation Links" box. For step-by-step instructions explaining how to submit an AFD, please visit: How To Submit An AFD. |
| Mid-October | Spring MGMT 681 Clearance Request |
MGMT 681 is the Senior Capstone course and students must be approved by an advisor to enroll in this course during their final semester at WSU. If you are planning to take MGMT 681 in the Spring semester, please submit your MGMT 681 Clearance Request form around this time. You will receive an email within 2-3 business days with your results. On this email will also be an unofficial audit of your degree progress that lists your missing degree requirements. |
MGMT 681 Clearance Request Form |
| Early November | Spring Enrollment Opens |
As a Spring grad, your Spring semester should be your final enrollment as an undergrad student at WSU. Please check your MGMT 681 clearance email or meet with an Academic Advisor to ensure you are enrolling in the correct courses that will result in a successful graduation. |
In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Registration Tools" box. |
| Mid-January | Official Spring Degree Audit |
1-2 weeks before Spring classes start, you will be sent an official audit of your degree progress that will confirm if the courses you are taking in the Spring semester will meet all missing degree requirements and result in a successful graduation at the end of the semester. This is a VERY important email, please read through carefully and thoroughly. |
Audit results will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| March 1st | Last day to submit a Spring Application for Degree (AFD) |
If you submit an AFD after March 1st, your name will automatically be excluded from the Spring Commencement program booklet and you will not receive an RSVP email from the Commencement Office. If you are planning to graduate in May, you must have an AFD on file by this date. |
AFD: In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Graduation Links" box. |
| Early March |
Spring Commencement Regalia Available |
WSU Shocker Store begins selling Spring Commencement regalia (cap, gown, tassel, stoles, class rings, announcements & invitations, etc.). | Shocker Store Commencement Regalia |
| Mid-March |
Spring Commencement RSVP Portal Opens |
Spring Commencement RSVP portal opens and a link to RSVP will be emailed to all Spring and Summer graduates with an AFD on file as of March 1st. |
RSVP link will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| Early April | Spring Commencement RSVP Portal Closes |
If you have not received a RSVP link to your WSU Shocker email by this time, please check your spam folder and if it is not there, then email the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu. |
|
| Mid-May |
Spring Commencement Ceremonies |
There are typically two Spring ceremonies over the course of two days. Students will walk at the ceremony that their college is scheduled to attend. |
|
| June 10th |
Official Graduation Status Email |
This email will either confirm that you have officially graduated or explain what still needs to be done in order for you to graduate. If you have NOT received any emails regarding your graduation status by this date, please contact the Barton School's Graduation Coordinator immediately at (316) 978-3203 option 2 or business.graduation@wichita.edu. |
Official Graduation Status will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| July 1st |
Spring Diplomas Available |
Spring diplomas can either be picked up in person at the Transcripts Window on the 1st Floor of Jardine Hall anytime between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday after this date (please bring photo ID) or students can request their diploma be mailed to them (Diploma Release Forms). |
Summer Graduates
(Planning to complete ALL degree requirements at the end of a Summer semester)
Note: Because there are no Commencement ceremonies offered during the Summer, all Summer graduates are invited to attend the Spring Commencement ceremonies. Attending a Commencement ceremony does not mean you have graduated.
| When: | What: | What that means: | Where to find: |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1st | Submit Summer Application for Degree (AFD) |
Your AFD should be on file at least 2-3 months before the first day of your final semester at WSU, so please make sure your Summer AFD has already been submitted by this date. You can always make changes to your AFD in the future if necessary (i.e. add/remove minors, update diploma name, etc.) by emailing the Graduation Coordinator at business.graduation@wichita.edu, but we must have your AFD on file for your correct graduation semester as far in advance as possible to make sure you are on track to graduate. Reminder: students cannot graduate without an AFD so please make this a priority! |
AFD: In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Graduation Links" box. For step-by-step instructions explaining how to submit an AFD, please visit: How To Submit An AFD. |
| March 1st | Last day to submit a Summer Application for Degree (AFD) |
If you submit an AFD after March 1st, your name will automatically be excluded from the Spring Commencement program booklet and you will not receive an RSVP email from the Commencement Office. If you are planning to graduate in August, you must have an AFD on file by this date. |
AFD: In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Graduation Links" box. |
| Early March |
Spring Commencement Regalia Available |
WSU Shocker Store begins selling Spring Commencement regalia (cap, gown, tassel, stoles, class rings, announcements & invitations, etc.). | Shocker Store Commencement Regalia |
| Mid-March |
Spring Commencement RSVP Portal Opens |
Spring Commencement RSVP portal opens and a link to RSVP will be emailed to all Spring and Summer graduates with an AFD on file as of March 1st. |
RSVP link will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| Mid-March | Summer MGMT 681 Clearance Request |
MGMT 681 is the Senior Capstone course and students must be approved by an advisor to enroll in this course during their final semester at WSU. If you are planning to take MGMT 681 in the Summer semester, please submit your MGMT 681 Clearance Request form around this time. You will receive an email within 2-3 business days with your results. On this email will also be an unofficial audit of your degree progress that lists your missing degree requirements. |
MGMT 681 Clearance Request Form |
| Early April | Summer and Fall Enrollment Opens |
As a Summer grad, your Summer semester should be your final enrollment as an undergrad student at WSU. Please check your MGMT 681 clearance email or meet with an Academic Advisor to ensure you are enrolling in the correct courses that will result in a successful graduation. |
In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Registration Tools" box. |
| Early April | Spring Commencement RSVP Portal Closes |
If you have not received a RSVP link to your WSU Shocker email by this time, please check your spam folder and if it is not there, then email the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu. |
|
| Mid-May |
Spring Commencement Ceremonies |
There are typically two Spring ceremonies over the course of two days. Students will walk at the ceremony that their college is scheduled to attend. | All Commencement Information |
| Late May | Official Summer Degree Audit |
1-2 weeks before Summer classes start, you will be sent an official audit of your degree progress that will confirm if the courses you are taking in the Summer semester will meet all missing degree requirements and result in a successful graduation at the end of the semester. This is a VERY important email, please read through carefully and thoroughly. |
Audit results will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| August 15th | Official Graduation Status Email |
This email will either confirm that you have officially graduated or explain what still needs to be done in order for you to graduate. If you have NOT received any emails regarding your graduation status by this date, please contact the Barton School's Graduation Coordinator immediately at (316) 978-3203 option 2 or business.graduation@wichita.edu. |
Official Graduation Status will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| September 8th | Summer Diplomas Available |
Summer diplomas can either be picked up in person at the Transcripts Window on the 1st Floor of Jardine Hall anytime between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday after this date (please bring photo ID) or students can request their diploma be mailed to them (Diploma Release Forms). |
WSU Diploma Information |
Fall Graduates
(Planning to complete ALL degree requirements at the end of a Fall semester)
| When: | What: | What that means: | Where to find: |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 1st | Submit Fall Application for Degree (AFD) |
Your AFD should be on file at least 2-3 months before the first day of your final semester at WSU, so please make sure your Fall AFD has already been submitted by this date. You can always make changes to your AFD in the future if necessary (i.e. add/remove minors, update diploma name, etc.) by emailing the Graduation Coordinator at business.graduation@wichita.edu, but we must have your AFD on file for your correct graduation semester as far in advance as possible to make sure you are on track to graduate. Reminder: students cannot graduate without an AFD so please make this a priority! |
AFD: In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Graduation Links" box. For step-by-step instructions explaining how to submit an AFD, please visit: How To Submit An AFD. |
| Mid-March | Fall MGMT 681 Clearance Request | MGMT 681 is the Senior Capstone course and students must be approved by an advisor to enroll in this course during their final semester at WSU. If you are planning to take MGMT 681 in the Fall semester, please submit your MGMT 681 Clearance Request form around this time. You will receive an email within 2-3 business days with your results. On this email will also be an unofficial audit of your degree progress that lists your missing degree requirements. | MGMT 681 Clearance Request Form |
| Early April | Summer and Fall Enrollment Opens |
As a Fall grad, your Fall semester should be your final enrollment as an undergrad student at WSU. Please check your MGMT 681 clearance email or meet with an Academic Advisor to ensure you are enrolling in the correct courses that will result in a successful graduation. |
In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Registration Tools" box. |
| Mid-August | Official Fall Degree Audit |
1-2 weeks before Fall classes start, you will be sent an official audit of your degree progress that will confirm if the courses you are taking in the Fall semester will meet all missing degree requirements and result in a successful graduation at the end of the semester. This is a VERY important email, please read through carefully and thoroughly. |
Audit results will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| October 1st | Last day to submit a Fall Application for Degree (AFD) |
If you submit an AFD after October 1st, your name will automatically be excluded from the Fall Commencement program booklet and you will not receive an RSVP email from the Commencement Office. If you are planning to graduate in December, you must have an AFD on file by this date. |
AFD: In your myWSU portal, on your myClasses tab, in the "Graduation Links" box. |
| Early October |
Fall Commencement Regalia Available |
WSU Shocker Store begins selling Fall Commencement regalia (cap, gown, tassel, stoles, class rings, announcements & invitations, etc.). | Shocker Store Commencement Regalia |
| Mid-October |
Fall Commencement RSVP Portal Opens |
Fall Commencement RSVP portal opens and a link to RSVP will be emailed to all Spring and Summer graduates with an AFD on file as of March 1st. |
RSVP link will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| Early November | Fall Commencement RSVP Portal Closes |
If you have not received a RSVP link to your WSU Shocker email by this time, please check your spam folder and if it is not there, then email the Commencement Office at commencement@wichita.edu. |
|
| Mid-December |
Fall Commencement Ceremonies |
There is typically one Fall ceremony that is attended by all of the colleges. | All Commencement Information |
| January 20th | Official Graduation Status Email |
This email will either confirm that you have officially graduated or explain what still needs to be done in order for you to graduate. If you have NOT received any emails regarding your graduation status by this date, please contact the Barton School's Graduation Coordinator immediately at (316) 978-3203 option 2 or business.graduation@wichita.edu. |
Official Graduation Status will be sent to student's WSU Shocker email. |
| February 8th | Fall Diplomas Available |
Fall diplomas can either be picked up in person at the Transcripts Window on the 1st Floor of Jardine Hall anytime between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday after this date (please bring photo ID) or students can request their diploma be mailed to them (Diploma Release Forms). |
WSU Diploma Information |
Additional Information
Check Your Degree Progress
Routinely look over your Degree Works to check your progress. If you notice something missing or if you have any questions regarding your degree requirements, schedule an appointment with an advisor as soon as possible.
Official transcripts of all work done at other postsecondary institutions must be sent to WSU before a degree will be posted, even if these courses are not needed to meet WSU degree requirements. For transcripts to be official, they must be sent directly from the college or university to WSU's Office of the Registrar by mail or electronically (a certified copy of a student's permanent academic record saved in an Adobe PDF format and sent through secure email links from the National Student Clearinghouse). Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Mailing Address: Office of the Registrar, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, KS 67260-0058
Email Address: academic.records@wichita.edu
Phone Number: (316) 978-3055
Transcript Information: Incoming Transcripts
Graduation Terminology
Although often used interchangeably, "Graduation" and "Commencement" are two different terms.
Graduation: achieved only when all degree requirements have been satisfied and student has 100% completed their degree. Often finalized one month after the student's last day of classes.
Commencement: a ceremony to celebrate students, the hard work they put into their education, and the memorable time spent at the institution. Often held around the final week of classes.
Because Commencement happens BEFORE Graduation, it is very important to note that attending a Commencement ceremony does not confer Graduation. Graduation is only officiated when all degree requirements have been met, regardless of whether or not a student chooses to attend the optional Commencement ceremony. AFDs must be filed for the semester you plan to complete all degree requirements and officially graduate whereas Commencement RSVPs must be submitted for the semester you wish to attend the ceremony.
Ordering Official WSU Transcripts
Graduating Seniors are eligible to order 5 free transcripts after their degree is posted. Graduates need to mark their order: "Hold until degree statement is posted."
All transcripts and diplomas are distributed from the Registrar's Office. See their webpage for ordering deadlines. Orders will not be filled until degrees are verified and posted.
Transcripts showing your degree are usually available 3-4 weeks after the end of finals week.
If you have holds on your account/student records, your transcript will not be released.
Degree Completion Letter for Current Seniors
Since it takes a few weeks to post degrees, the Barton School of Business can provide a Degree Completion Letter to verify that you are in your final semester and are expected to complete all graduation requirements.
Note: A letter stating you have COMPLETED all graduation requirements cannot be issued until after final grades post AND end-of-term processing has occurred, which is about three weeks after Finals Week.
Degree completion requests can be made to the Barton School's Graduation Coordinator by emailing: business.graduation@wichita.edu.
The Degree Completion letter is only for current seniors and current graduates. If you have graduated more than one semester ago, please contact the Registrar's Office at (316) 978-3055 for assistance.
If you have holds on your account/student records, your diploma will not be released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diploma?
A diploma is a commemoration of your degree completion that is suitable for framing. A diploma is NOT an official document that proves you earned the degree.
Why does my diploma say "Bachelor of Business Administration'?
All business majors are awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Your diploma will state you were awarded the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration and your major(s), minor(s), and/or honors will be stated on your transcript.
What is the correct phrasing of my degree for my Resume/CV or Commencement invitations?
(Name) has earned (his/her) Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in _____.
(Name) has earned (his/her) Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in _____ and a minor in _____.