Degree Conferral
The University of Delaware confers degrees at the end of the fall, spring, winter and summer sessions. Commencement ceremonies are held in May and in January. The May Commencement Program includes the names of those students who completed degree requirements in summer, fall, winter or spring. The January Commencement Program lists the names of students who completed degree requirements in summer or fall. Commencement Program listings reflect information available approximately 6 weeks before the ceremony.
Spring Semester 2011: May 28, 2011
Summer Semesters 2011: August 12, 2011
Fall Semester 2011: January 8, 2012
Winter Session 2012: February 10, 2012
Spring Semester 2012: May 26, 2012
Summer Semesters 2012: August 10, 2012
Approximately four to six weeks after the date of degree conferral, diplomas are mailed to the permanent address listed in the Student Information System (UDSIS). Addresses may be viewed and changed online through UDSIS. Also, please check in UDSIS Quick Bio to verify that your name appears in Diploma Name correctly. Students are responsible for ensuring that their names and addresses are listed correctly. There is a charge to reprint a diploma. Any changes should be directed to the Registrar@udel.edu prior to graduation.
Students must clear any financial obligation with the university before they may receive their diplomas.
The actual size of the diploma is 16 inches by 12 inches. It lists the degree earned at the University of Delaware (see picture below). The academic transcript is what provides details concerning majors, concentrations and minors.
For more information regarding Commencement, please visit the
Office of the Vice President
and University Secretary's Commencement site.
The attainment of a scholastic average of C (cumulative index of 2.0) in all work taken at the University. The satisfaction of the residence requirement by completing either the first 90 credits or 30 of the last 36 credits at the University of Delaware. All necessary transfer credit must be posted before a student can graduate. It is the students responsibility to ensure that the university has received the transfer credit from other institutions.
One semester of Freshmen English (ENGL 110), completed with a minimum grade of C-.
Three credits in an approved course or courses stressing multi-cultural, ethnic, and/or gender related content. This course may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
Summa Cum Laude. The top 1 percent of each undergraduate college's graduating class for an academic year will receive the degree Summa Cum Laude.
Magna Cum Laude. The next 4 percent of each undergraduate college's graduating class will receive the degree Magna Cum Laude.
Cum Laude. The next highest 8 percent of each undergraduate college's graduating class will receive the degree Cum Laude.
For example, the Summer (2105), Fall (2108) and Winter (2111) graduation honors degree minimum grade point averages are as follows:
| COLLEGE: | Summa | Magna | Cum |
| Asociates in Arts | 3.816 | 3.623 | 3.349 |
| Agricultural Sciences | 3.921 | 3.785 | 3.570 |
| Arts and Sciences/Earth, Ocean & Environment | 3.937 | 3.823 | 3.681 |
| Business and Economics | 3.864 | 3.770 | 3.599 |
| Engineering | 3.960 | 3.894 | 3.646 |
| Health Sciences | 3.949 | 3.850 | 3.722 |
| Education and Human Development | 3.912 | 3.821 | 3.671 |
Graduate students should contact the Graduate Studies Office, (302)831-8697, about the proper procedures for completing graduation requirements.
Periodic mailings concerning graduation are sent to students in their last semester. If you are not receiving graduation mailings please contact Registrar or call (831-8924). Caps and Gowns, invitations, diploma frames and other graduation related items are available through the university bookstore.
General graduation questions can be addressed to Registrar@udel.edu or
call (302)831-8924.
