UMUC Europe Commencement FAQ

Do you have a question about the 2009 Europe Commencement ceremony? Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions. If you still have questions after reading the FAQ's, please contact the Office of the Registrar at DSN 314-370-6762, CIV +49-(0)6221-3780, or e-mail eddiplomas@ed.umuc.edu.

All eligible students will be mailed a graduation packet in March. If you have not received your packet, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

1. When and where does the commencement ceremony take place?
2. Do I have to apply for commencement?
3. Is there a rehearsal?
4. Are guests welcome and how can they get on base?
5. Is lodging available?
6. How do I order regalia (cap and gown)?
7. What if I am still enrolled in courses that will only finish after the commencement ceremony or graduation application deadline?
8. What are the qualifications for academic honors?
9. Where will you send my diploma/certificate?
10. When will I receive my diploma/certificate?
11. Who do I contact if an emergency arises on the day of commencement?

1. When and where does the commencement ceremony take place?
   The commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, 9 May, at 1400 in the Village Pavilion Ballroom on Patrick Henry Village in Heidelberg, Germany.
   
   
2. Do I have to apply for commencement?
   No, but you must RSVP by 16 March to attend. Once you submit a graduation application and have paid the graduation application fee ($50), you will automatically receive commencement-related information, which is usually sent out in March. To RSVP, please contact the Office of the Registrar at DSN 314-370-6762, CIV +49-(0)6221-3780, or e-mail eddiplomas@ed.umuc.edu.
   
   
3. Is there a rehearsal?
   No, but there is a mandatory check-in from 0900-1200 on Saturday, 9 May. During this time commencement portraits are taken (0915-1215) which is followed by a line-up and final roll call at 1230.
   
   
4. Are guests welcome and how can they get on base?
   Tickets are required for guest seating. Ballroom tickets for the commencement ceremony are limited to three per graduate. All guests are also invited to join you after the ceremony for the post-commencement reception.
   
   If your guests do not have valid military ID cards, please make sure you have submitted the security information. It is important they are on the access roster to enter Patrick Henry Village.
   
   
5. Is lodging available?
   If you or your guests are arriving from out of town to attend commencement, you may wish to reserve overnight accommodations in the Heidelberg area. Lodging information is available for download here.
   
   
6. How do I order regalia (cap and gown)?
   You may now order your regalia online at www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation. The vendor is only able to ship to APO/FPO addresses. To ensure you receive your cap and gown in time for the ceremony, the final day to order regalia online is 3 April. We recommend that you place your order prior to 3 April, if possible.
   
   
7. What if I am still enrolled in courses that will only finish after the commencement ceremony?
   If you will be finishing your degree requirements in Spring 2009 Session 2 and would like to participate in the ceremony in Heidelberg on Saturday, 9 May, be sure to submit a completed Graduation Candidate Course Enrollment Form. You will receive this form from the Graduation Services Office along with your graduation review.
   
   
8. What are the qualifications for academic honors?
   Academic honors for excellence in scholarship are determined by the student's cumulative GPA calculation at UMUC. The distinction of summa cum laude is conferred on those students with a cumulative GPA of 4.000, magna cum laude on those students with a cumulative GPA of 3.901 up to 3.999, and cum laude on those students with a cumulative GPA of 3.800 up to 3.900. To be eligible for any of these categories of recognition, students must have earned at least 45 credit hours at UMUC in courses for which a letter grade and quality points were assigned. For honors to be conferred with a second bachelor's degree, students are required to have a total of 45 credit hours of new UMUC credit and the requisite GPA.
   
   
9. Where will you send my diploma?
   Your diploma will be sent to whatever diploma mailing address you have listed in your MyUMUC student portal account. To update, change, or verify your address, please go to: MyUMUC Student Portal > MyInfo > Contact Information > Address.
   
   
10. When will I receive my diploma?
    All associate's and bachelor's degree graduates can expect to receive their diplomas by mail from the Office of the Registrar approximately four to six weeks after the graduation date. Students requiring verification of their degree prior to the graduation date may request a "Letter of Completion" from the Office of Graduation Services in Heidelberg until the degree is posted on the official transcript. All master's degree recipients can expect to receive their diplomas by mail approximately three months after the graduation date if all financial obligations with UMUC Europe have been satisfied. If students need special verification of meeting master's degree requirements prior to receiving the diploma, they may request a "Letter of Completion" from their program director.
    
    
11. Who do I contact if an emergency arises on the day of commencement?
    In case of an emergency on the day of commencement, contact the UMUC Europe headquarters information desk at +49-6221-378367 (international) or 06221-378367 (Germany).

Last updated: 17 February 2009