Graduation and Beyond

Commencement

Diplomas are issued six times each year, and a formal commencement ceremony is held once each year in Fayette, Iowa, in May. UIU encourages students to participate in its formal commencement ceremony even if their graduation date falls earlier in the academic year. If students graduate in July or August, they may participate in the preceding May commencement.

Note: Students at military installations should contact UIU center staff for commencement information regarding both Fayette Campus and local graduation ceremonies. Students find it a meaningful and rewarding experience to participate in either or both of these ceremonies. Students may qualify for participation in the ceremony even when the degree is granted at another point during the year.

Application for Graduation

As a candidate for graduation, regardless of whether the student plans to participate in the commencement ceremony, the student must file an application for graduation. There is an application fee of $70 (even if a student chooses not to attend commencement). Students planning to participate in the commencement ceremony should complete a participation form on myUIU.

Deadlines for submitting applications for graduation are as follows:

Applications not received within the two-month application window may be moved to the next conferral month. Students should apply for graduation 16 weeks before the conferral month.

Transcripts from other institutions need to be received within three weeks after the proposed UIU graduation session ends for a student to have that session’s conferral date posted to the record. If transcripts are not received, the conferral date will move to the next session provided transcripts are received within three weeks after the appropriate session end date.

Students must complete requirements for graduation in the session for which they apply for graduation. If they are unable to do so, they will be moved to the next graduation date. If requirements are not met by that date, the application will be considered void and the student will need to submit a new application for graduation. An application fee will be assessed each time an application is submitted.

Graduation Honors

Graduation with honors signifies recognition of a student’s achievement in scholastic excellence as the baccalaureate program of study is completed. A student’s diploma will bear one of the following inscriptions to recognize this excellence: Summa Cum Laude, if the student’s grade point average (GPA) is at least 3.9; Magna Cum Laude, if the student’s GPA is at least 3.7 but less than 3.9; or Cum Laude, if the student’s GPA is at least 3.5 but less than 3.7. A total of 60 or more graded semester credits must be earned at Upper Iowa University before Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors may be granted.

If a transfer student has not completed 60 graded credits at Upper Iowa University, the diploma will bear one of the following inscriptions to recognize this excellence: Cum Laude Meritum if the student’s grade point average (GPA) is at least 3.7 or greater and a minimum of 30 graded credits are earned with Upper Iowa University or Cum Laude if the student’s GPA is at least 3.50 but less than 3.70 and a minimum of 30 graded credits are earned with Upper Iowa University.

Experiential learning credit does not apply to the 30 graded credits for Cum Laude or Cum Laude Meritum honors. Grades earned in courses accepted for transfer will not be included in the GPA maintained for purposes of determining graduation honors at Upper Iowa University.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts may be requested at www.getmytranscript.org using any major credit card. A student’s card will only be charged after the order has been completed. Students can track orders online on the Transcript Ordering website. A transcript request form may also be printed from the uiu.edu website. Complete the information and fax (563-425-5287), email (transcripts@uiu.edu), or mail (SEC Transcript Processing, PO Box 1857, Fayette, IA 52142) the request form to us. The student’s signature is required. Transcripts sent to the student will be stamped “Issued to Student.” If you have an outstanding balance on your account, your transcript may not be released. To potentially allow a temporary release of your transcript, please complete the Request for Temporary Release of Financial Transcript Hold form available at uiu.edu/transcripts in the FAQ section. The completed form will be reviewed, and a formal decision will be made regarding your request. For further assistance, contact Student Accounts at businessoffice@uiu.edu.

Transcript Fees

There is a $10 processing fee per copy for transcripts that are mailed or emailed. There is a $25 minimum charge for requests for rush/priority processing. All fees are in U.S. dollars.

Career Development

Career Development, located at Fayette Campus, is available to provide students from all programs and at all locations with career-related assistance including, but not limited to: general career guidance, choosing a major, resume/cover letter advice, internship and job search, interview preparation, professional networking and branding, and applying to graduate school.

Neither Career Development nor Upper Iowa University guarantees employment.

Career Development information is available at uiu.edu/careers. For additional information, email careers@uiu.edu or call 563-425-5229.

For Wisconsin students, referrals to prospective employers are not based on direct contact with the employer regarding current job openings. Wis.Admin.Code SPS 409.03(2)

Transferability of Credit

Upper Iowa University credit is transferable to other two-year and four-year colleges and universities based on their transfer policies.

Record Retention

Student records are kept a minimum of 6 years after a student leaves. Student transcripts are kept permanently.