{ Frequently Asked Questions }
Who can participate in commencement?
You may participate in the May 2009 University Commencement if you have earned your degree in Spring/Summer 2008, Fall 2008, are going to earn your degree in Winter 2009 or will finish your degree in Spring/Summer 2009.
How will my name appear in the commencement program?
You must apply for graduation for your name to appear in the program. We invite all students graduating in August 2008, December 2008, May 2009 and Spring/Summer 2009 terms to participate.
Please read the information below. Also, when applying to graduate, please read the application carefully and fill out you name as you want it to appear in the commencement program.
August 2008 Graduates
If you did not participate in the May 2008 ceremony, you are eligible to participate in the May 2009 ceremony. If your name was not listed in the 2008 program book it will be listed in the May 2009 program book.
December 2008 Graduates
You are already on the May 2009 commencement program list if you applied to graduate by the September 26, 2008 deadline. If you are unsure or have questions about your application you may want to check with your advisor in your school or college.
May 2009 Graduates
You are required to apply to graduate the first 4 weeks of the term in which you expect to complete degree requirements. Winter 2009 degree applications are due by Friday, February 6, 2009. If you miss the deadline, you can no longer apply for graduation for Winter 2009 without approval from the dean of your college/school by March 20, 2009.
Spring/Summer 2009 Graduates
For those completing their degree in Spring/Summer 2009 and who wish to participate in the May commencement, applications are due by March 6, 2009. Applying by this date will ensure your name will be listed in the program book. If you do not apply by March 6 but you wish to participate in the May Commencement ceremony and have your name appear inthe program book, you must have a form signed by your academic advisor from your college/school by March 20, 2009. For students who do not wish to participate in the May Commencement ceremony, the regular Spring/Summer deadline to apply for your degree is June 5, 2009.
I did not receive notice about my application, how do I know if I am able to graduate?
If you have any questions in regards to the status of your application to graduate you must call your graduate officer/advisor before taking any other steps.
I am graduating with honors; do I receive anything special?
Honors of cum laude or higher receive notation in the Commencement program only. Honors Program students wear honors cords over their cap and gown. Students in the Honor’s Program will receive the cords from the Honor’s Program.
Will my school or college host a Convocation ceremony (referred to by some students as commencement or dean’s ceremony)?
Please contact your individual school or college’s Dean’s office for information.
How do I order a duplicate copy of my diploma?
To order a duplicate copy of your diplomas, ail a written or typed request to:
Office of the Registrar
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202
Include you name, address, phone number, WSU identification number or social security number, year graduated, type of degree (Bachelor's, Master's Ph.D., certificate) and a processing fee of $40.00 per copy (payment by check or money order made out to Wayne State University). Credit cards are not accepted. A request for a duplicate copy of a diplomas usually takes five (5) business days to process.
What steps do I take to purchase my cap and gown and pick up tickets?
For details on caps and gowns please click on Caps, Gowns and Hoods. For details on tickets please click on Tickets.
Participating/Walking in Commencement does not constitute graduation, please check with your school or college to confirm that you have met all requirements of graduation.