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General | Deadlines | Exit Seminar | Announcements | Guests | The Ceremony | Cap and Gown Honors | Diplomas | Graduating in Absentia | Transcripts
Q. I think I'll be eligible to graduate soon. What do I do?
A. You will want to make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to go over your degree plan and make sure you are on track to graduate. If you think you will be eligible for an upcoming graduation, please let us know by either 1) completing the Required Questions on the IQ Web link during Registration, 2) answering the questions on your Permit to Register, and/or 3) notifying your advisor. Your file will be flagged and an initial audit will be performed on your degree plan by the Graduation Auditor.
Q. Now that I'm done with my classes or in my last term, what do I have to do to get on the list for graduation?
A. You must submit an Application for Graduation form and pay the graduation fee. Forms are available at the IH 35 campus, on this website, or by contacting the Graduation Secretary. A separate application form is required for each degree you are requesting.
Q. I only have one more class, and I'm planning to take a CLEP® or DSST® test for that credit. Can I go ahead and apply for graduation?
A. We recommend that you wait until you receive your test results before you apply. The most common thing that prevents a person from graduating is a failed CLEP® or DSST® (DANTES) test. When you take a computer-based CLEP® or DSST® test, your score will be shown to you at the end of the test and the score report will be mailed to Wayland (if requested by you) in 2-4 weeks. For tests requiring scanned answers sheets or essays, score reports will be mailed to you and Wayland (if requested) 4-6 weeks from the test date.
On most credit-by-examinations, we accept the ACE recommended score listed on the score report. Check with your Academic Advisor for the specific score and essay requirements and the number of hours awarded for the test you are considering. Tests must be taken by the coursework completion deadline and an official score report must be received by Wayland by the documentation deadline in order to qualify you for graduation.
Q. Does the Graduation Fee change if I won't be attending the ceremony?
A. No.
Q. I have a major and a minor, does that affect the fee?
A. No, the fee is based on the total degree earned, not the elements completed within the degree. The fee will increase if you are requesting to receive two degrees at the same graduation (such as an Associate's and a Bachelor's).
Q. Do I have to buy my cap and gown separately?
A. No, the cap and gown are included in the graduation fee and are ordered specifically for you, based on the height and weight information you provided on your Application for Graduation. Caps and gowns are available for pickup beginning two weeks before the ceremony date.
Q. Since I've completed a Bachelor's degree, I automatically qualify for an Associate's degree, right?
A. No. In order to receive an Associate's diploma and have the degree posted as earned to your transcript, you must have been admitted into an Associate's degree program. This is accomplished by either requesting the program when you first apply for admission or by adding the program through an Academic Advisor. Depending on the major requested, the Associates program may mirror the Bachelor's program, or it may require additional courses.
Once you have completed the requirements for the Associates degree, you must submit an Application for Graduation - AAS in order to receive the diploma and degree posting. Once you have graduated with a Bachelor's degree, you may not apply for an Associate's degree.
Q. What if I want to change my major or minor before graduation?
A. Applying for graduation locks your degree program(s) into place. Be sure to make any changes through your Academic Advisor well before graduation and allow at least six weeks for the changes to be made and a new degree plan to be generated before applying for graduation.
Q. What correspondence should I be expecting from you?
A. The graduation department and bookstore send out several letters and notices in the months leading up the graduation. They include the following:
Q. When I view my record in IQ Web, it says I have an "External Program Graduation Hold." Am I still OK to graduate?
A. The graduation hold is a flag that is placed on the accounts of all graduation applicants about two months before the ceremony. It does not affect your graduation status.
Q. What about other holds? What do they mean?
A. The offices at WBU use a variety of holds, flags, and notes on student accounts to communicate with the other database users and block certain actions. Here are some flags and holds you may see on your record:
"Non-critical" flags are used to inform other database users. They should not prevent the student from registering, receiving a transcript, etc.:
Business Office Memo - A notation made by officials in the Business Office or Financial Services. The contents of this memo determine the actions taken by Wayland officials.
FERPA - Indicates the student has requested additional privacy of their record contents under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Wayland never sells its students' information to outside entities, but may release certain directory information to authorized persons (such as a phone number to an instructor, or a verification of graduation to a potential employer) unless requested otherwise in writing by the student.
"Critical" holds - used to prevent certain actions on student accounts. Will prevent the student from receiving semester grades, an official or unofficial transcript, a Letter of Completion, a diploma, or from registering for additional classes.
Academic Probation/Suspension - See the current Academic Catalog for more information about Academic Probation and Suspension.
External Programs - Usually means the student's academic file is incomplete and they should contact the Academic Records department for assistance.
Not Clear - Usually means the student has an unpaid balance on their account and should contact the Financial Services department for assistance.
Written Off - The student's account has been delinquent for an extended period of time and has been sent to a collection agency and they should contact the Financial Services department for assistance.
Q. By when do I need to have all of my coursework completed in order to graduate?
A. In order to graduate in February, you must have all of your coursework completed by the end of the fall semester; for June, the spring semester. This includes Wayland classes, courses at other colleges, CLEP® and DSST® (DANTE) exams, comprehensive examinations, and work experience credit. There is no exception to this policy.
Q. What if I can't complete my degree requirements by the deadline, but I've already turned in an application to graduate?
A. Contact the Graduation Auditor or Graduation Secretary; we may be able to move your application and fee to the next graduation. Otherwise you will have to re-apply for another graduation date and pay the re-apply fee.
Q. What if I still owe money after the deadline given? Will I still be able to graduate?
A. Potential graduates with monetary balances will be placed on a Not Clear hold. This is a hold that prevents students from receiving final grades, transcripts, registration rights, and ultimately their diploma. Accounts that have been delinquent for 120 days or more may be sent to a collection agency.
Since check payments can take up to six weeks to process through the banking system, payments made after the stated deadline should be made by cash, money order, or credit card. Keep in mind that your diploma, final transcript, etc., will be held until the payment clears and the account hold is removed. You may still participate in the graduation ceremony, but will receive your diploma at a later date.
Q. What is Exit Seminar?
A. Exit Seminar (GRAD 4101) is a one-credit hour course used to complete the Bachelor's degree and assess the students' level of education attained. There is no book required for this course, but there is a writing project and several standardized tests. Information about the upcoming graduation, class rings, and the Alumni Association is also provided during the course.
Because of the testing requirements, it is imperative that the student attends all scheduled class meetings and arrives on time. Allowance is provided that if a student cannot attend a meeting of the section he or she is enrolled in, they can and should attend another section meeting that same week.
Associate's and Master's degree candidates are not required to take Exit Seminar.
Q. When should I take Exit Seminar?
A. Exit Seminar must be taken in one of your last two terms. Since part of the information given is centered around the upcoming graduation, we recommend that potential February graduates enroll in the course in either the Summer or Fall semester, and that potential June graduates enroll in either the Winter or Spring semester.
Q. What is the cost of Exit Seminar? Does it include the Graduation Fee?
A. Since GRAD 4101 is a one-hour course, it costs $170 ($185, beginning in the Fall 2008 term). The Graduation Fee is not included, since that fee is paid at the time you submit an Application for Graduation.
Q. How do I prepare the graduation announcements for mailing?
A. The graduation announcements are treated similarly to wedding and other formal invitations.
1. Fold the announcement into quarters with the seal facing the outside and the writing on the inside. Insert the announcement into the inner envelope with the seal facing the flap and the fold at the top.
2. Using blue or black ink, address the inner envelope to all of the recipients, using titles and excluding first names of adults: Mr. and Mrs. Doe Jack and Jill Or for very close relatives and friends: Aunt Jane and Uncle John
3. Insert the inner envelope, unsealed, into the outer envelope with the flap of the inner envelope facing away from you. Seal the outer envelope.
4. Neatly address the outer envelope, eliminating all abbreviations except for Mr., Mrs., Sr., Jr., and the two-letter postal state abbreviation. Use full names (James, not Jim). Do not put "and family" or the names of children. Add the return address in the same manner. Mr. and Mrs. John Doe 123 Anywhere Street San Antonio, Texas 78232
Adapted from Finishing Touches by Anne Oliver, ©1990, New York: Bantam Books; and Emily Post on Weddings by Elizabeth L. Post, ©1987, New York: Harper & Row.
Q. Whom should I send announcements to?
A. As with any other invitation or announcement that may carry with it the obligation of a gift, graduation announcements should be sent only to close relatives and friends.
Q. When should I mail announcements?
A. Two to four weeks before the ceremony date, or up to two weeks after the ceremony.
Q. Do my guests have to bring their announcements in order to enter the auditorium?
A. No. However, depending on the venue, tickets issued by WBU may be required of your guests. If this is the case, tickets will be allotted to each graduate based upon seats available and the number of graduates attending.
Q. How many guests can I bring?
A. Up to 15, or if tickets are required, the number of tickets you have been allotted. At present only Laurie Auditorium requires tickets.
Q. Do my guests have to bring their announcements in order to enter the auditorium?
A. No. However, depending on the venue, tickets issued by WBU may be required of your guests. If this is the case, tickets will be allotted to each graduate based upon seats available and the number of graduates attending. At present only Laurie Auditorium requires tickets.
Q. When and where do I get tickets, if required?
A. If required, your allotment of tickets will be provided to you when you pick up your cap and gown. At present only Laurie Auditorium requires tickets.
Q. Can my children come?
A. We strongly discourage bringing children who are less than 5 years old and do not provide nursery facilities. If you do bring children, they must bear a ticket (if we are requiring tickets for entrance into the ceremony) and they should be removed from the auditorium if they begin to cry or otherwise distract other audience members from the ceremony. Children should not be left unattended or allowed to run in the halls or enter restricted areas. Parents with unruly children may be asked to leave the auditorium.
Q. What time should my guests arrive?
A. Doors will open to the auditorium approximately one hour before the start time indicated on the graduation announcement and in the instructions. Guests will not be allowed into the auditorium while the group picture is being taken. Guests should plan to arrive no later than twenty minutes prior to the start time in order to secure a seat before the graduate processional begins.
Q. Can my guests take pictures?
A. Yes, with the following caveats: Guests are not allowed to enter the graduate seating or staging area, are asked not to interrupt the flow of the processional by having their graduate stop and pose for pictures, and may not use tripods.
A professional photographer will be hired to take a group photo, as well as pictures of each individual graduate as they cross the stage.
Q. How long does the graduation ceremony usually last?
A. Approximately 2 - 3 hours, depending on the number of graduates.
Q. Will there be any kind of rehearsal beforehand?
A. No, however you will receive a packet of instructions in the mail about one month prior to the ceremony, and that same information will be available on this website at the Commencement Instructions link. During the graduate assembly time you will be given additional, verbal instructions. Please make every effort to be on time and in place at the times listed in the instructions.
Q. What if I'm running late?
A. We ask that you make every effort to be on time, as the logistics of the day require the coordination of a large number of people and resources. If you are late, proceed directly to the area in which the graduates are supposed to be meeting at that time (say, the auditorium for pictures, or the assembling area for line-up) and locate a Wayland staff member for assistance. Refer to the Commencement Instructions link on this website or to the letter you received in the mail for specific meeting times and locations.
Q. Where do I put my purse during the ceremony?
A. Wayland does not provide a secure location to leave purses, bags, coats, and the like and is not responsible for items left unattended. Please make arrangements beforehand for a friend or family member to care for your belongings during the ceremony. If you must carry belongings with you during the ceremony, please bring a small handbag or clutch that will not be distracting during the ceremony and which will fit underneath your seat. Tip: A snack- or sandwich-sized zip-top bag pinned to your waistline under your gown is a discrete way to carry your lipstick, keys, and cell phone (please turn cell phone off during the line-up and ceremony).
Q. Do I have to wear stockings and closed-toe shoes?
A. Neither are required, although you should dress in a fashion suitable for the dignity of the day and that does not detract from the unified look of the gowns. Your shoes should also be comfortable, as you will be standing, walking, and navigating stairs.
Q. Do I have to wear a suit jacket?
A. No, however a dress shirt and tie are required.
Q. Can I decorate my hat?
A. No. To keep the unified look of the regalia, we ask that you do not append or modify your cap or gown.
Q. I will be in a wheelchair or on crutches, can I still participate in the ceremony?
A. Absolutely! Just contact the Graduation Secretary in the weeks prior to the ceremony so that we are aware of your needs. At the ceremony, you will be given specific instructions as to where to sit and when to enter the line to cross the stage.
Q. What if I cannot attend the ceremony?
A. Complete a Request to Graduate in Absentia form, available on this website or at the IH 35 center and return it to the Graduation Secretary no later than eight (8) days before the ceremony. The diplomas of absentia graduates will be mailed out or held for pick-up, based on the instructions given in the absentia form. Diplomas will not be available until after the graduation ceremony.
Q. Do I have to buy my cap and gown separately?
A. No, the cap and gown are included in the graduation fee and are ordered specifically for you, based on the height and weight information you provided on your Application for Graduation.
Q. When and where do I pick up my cap and gown?
A. Cap and gown packages are available for pick up in the two (2) weeks prior to the ceremony. The package includes the gown (sized according to the height and weight information you provided on your application), cap (one size fits most), tassel, hood (Master's graduates only), and ceremony tickets (if required). Often, the photographer's information and order blank is also provided.
To retrieve your cap and gown package, come to the IH 35 campus during normal business hours and bring your student ID card. Be prepared to try the gown on before you leave to make sure it fits.
Q. Can someone pick up my cap and gown for me?
A. We prefer that you pick up your gown, so that you can try it on. However, someone else can retrieve your package, provided you have made arrangements with the Graduation Secretary, or that you provide your proxy with a permission letter to give to the Wayland official.
Q. Can I decorate my hat?
A. No. To keep the unified look of the regalia, we ask that you do not write on, append, or modify your cap or gown.
Q. How do I wear my tassel at the ceremony?
A. Undergraduates wear their tassel on the right side, Masters recipients wear their tassel on the left side. During the ceremony, baccalaureate candidates will be asked to stand and ceremoniously move their tassel from the right to the left.
Q. What are the criteria for graduating with honors?
A. You must be earning a baccalaureate degree and have at least 60 hours of graded classes (As, Bs, Cs, etc), a 3.50 or higher cumulative GPA (including courses not transferred to your degree plan), and a 3.50 or higher Wayland GPA.
Q. What do honors graduates receive?
A. Honors graduates wear a gold cord over their gown and are recognized as they cross the stage. They also receive a certificate of honor in addition to their diploma and their honor status is posted to their official transcript.
Q. When do they receive the honors cord?
A. Honor cords are distributed during the line-up prior to the ceremony.
Q. I think I'm eligible for honors, but what if I get to the graduation ceremony and they don't recognize me as such?
A. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do at the ceremony. Once we are back in the office during normal business hours, we can pull your file and official transcript to determine what, if any, criterion was not in place to receive honors. Contact the Graduation Auditor to have your file re-audited. Tip: In the weeks prior to the graduation ceremony, you can check your Unofficial Transcript using the IQ Web system and see your GPAs, honor status, and any transcript notes.
Q. How will my name appear on my diploma?
A. The name on your diploma must be your legal name. When you apply for graduation, you may specify if you want to include your middle name/initial or maiden name. If you wish your name to be changed in our database, you must submit an official change of name request.
Recognized accent and pronunciation symbols may be included in your name (i.e. Treviño). Names in all capital letters; super- or subscript letters; and punctuation marks other than commas, periods, and hyphens are not allowed. Please write your name clearly and carefully on your Application for Graduation to avoid printing errors and replacement diploma fees.
Q. Will my major(s) be listed on my diploma?
A. No; only your degree title. For instance: Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education, or Master of Arts in Management.
Q. Will I receive my diploma as I cross the stage?
A. To avoid giving the wrong diploma to a student, you will receive only a diploma cover or parchment scroll as you cross the stage. Your diploma package will be given to you either after you leave the stage or after the ceremony has concluded.
Q. If I'm not attending the ceremony, will that affect the Graduation Fee?
A. No.
Q. Even though I won't be attending, I'd like to go ahead and pick up my cap and gown. Can I do that?
A. Sure. The caps and gowns are available for pick up during the two weeks prior to the ceremony. Bring your Student ID card to the front office at the IH 35 campus to obtain yours. If you do not pick up your gown, it will be given to you along with your diploma.
Q. I'm not attending the ceremony and I don't want my cap and gown. Will I receive a refund?
A. No. The Graduation Fee is a flat fee that covers all aspects of Graduation, including the cap and gown package. As outlined in the Academic Catalog, a cap and gown is ordered for each graduate, regardless of attendance status. Please understand that if you opt not to receive your cap and gown package, you are essentially donating it to Wayland for use as needed in future ceremonies.
Q. When will I receive my diploma if I do not attend the ceremony?
A. Diplomas will not be available until after the ceremony. Depending on the instructions you provided on your Request to Graduate in Absentia form, diploma packages will be available for pick up at the IH 35 campus or mailed to the address you provided. Packages are usually mailed within three weeks of the ceremony.
Q. How soon do I need to inform you if I will not be attending the ceremony?
A. As soon as you know, but at least 8 days prior, so that we may finalize the seating arrangements and prepare your diploma accordingly.
Q. What if I find out at the last minute that I cannot attend the commencement ceremony?
A. We understand that last-minute crises and illnesses do arise. Please call (210) 826-7595 ext. 211 if you find out during the week before the ceremony that you will not be able to attend.
Q. What if I find out that I can attend the ceremony after all?
A. Please call the number above. If you call at least eight days prior to the commencement exercises, you will receive your diploma at the ceremony and be assured of a seat in the proper place in line.
Q. How do you pronounce "absentia"?
A. ab-SIN-shuh
Q. How can I order official transcripts?
A. There is a Transcript Request Form available at all Wayland centers or for download from this website. Transcripts cost $5.00 a piece and are processed out from the Registrar's Office in about 2 weeks. In order to prevent release to unauthorized parties and to adhere to Federal law, telephone and email requests are not accepted.
Q. When can I order a transcript that shows my graduation?
A. After the graduation ceremony. Degrees earned are posted to transcripts in the weeks leading up to the commencement exercises. Official transcripts showing the degree as earned cannot be released by the Registrar until the degrees have actually been conferred, which occurs at the ceremony.
Q. What can I do in the meantime when a potential employer or military committee wants proof that I've completed my degree?
A. Request a Letter of Completion through your Academic Advisor. Allow 2 weeks for the LOC to be processed.
Alumni Information
Q. What are the school colors?
A. Royal blue and gold.
Q. What is the school mascot?
A. Pioneer Pete.
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