Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Spring Graduation,

May 20, 2012.

What do graduates have to do?

• Potential graduates will receive a message in their Message Center in their student center informing them about the graduation process at the beginning of the semester.
• Grads should check the spelling of their name on the letter. If it is wrong, they should contact the Enrollment Center at Truax or their Regional Campus Administrative Office.
• If a student thinks they should be graduating and did NOT receive a message, they should speak to their advisor in Academic Advising Services immediately to resolve any discrepancies.

How do I apply for graduation?

• Students who anticipate graduating need to apply for graduation, as early as when registering for their last semester. (The deadline to apply online for graduation through the student center account is October 31 for a December graduate. March 31 for a May graduate.)
•  In the Student Center account:
  • Click on the drop down arrow for "Other Academic"
  • Select "Apply for Graduation"
  • Click on the circle with ">>"
  • Find the student's program, which should be underlined and click on it
  • Select the "Expected Graduation Term" from the drop down list
  • Click on the green "Continue" button
  • Click on the green "Submit Application" button
  • Confirmation should appear

If records indicate that a student is fulfilling all requirements by the end of the term they will receive correspondence regarding the next steps toward graduation status, including information on the graduation fee and participating in the graduation ceremony. (Students who miss the deadline to apply and are at 100% completion status will also receive this correspondence). 

How much does it cost?

• The graduation fee is $20.00 Graduates need to pay the fee at the Welcome Center, Room 129F at the Truax Campus, or go to their Regional Campus Office.
• The graduation fee is an administrative fee that all graduates pay. 
• Student accounts must be paid in full prior to receiving their diploma or transcripts. 
• Graduates will receive a Graduate Card upon payment; complete this card to ensure your diploma is mailed to the correct address.

Where do they get their caps and gowns?

• Turn in the Graduate Card to the Student Life Office, room 140 Truax or D125 at DTEC by May 17, 2012 (at the Madison campuses) or your Regional Campus Office to immediately order/obtain a cap, gown, tassel, invitations, and information sheet.
• Students do not return the caps and gowns; they are theirs to keep.

Is there a limit to the number of guests a student can invite?

• Yes, students will be able to have up to 5 guest tickets. Students will be able to request additional tickets, if there are extra tickets they will be distributed by a random draw on Friday, May 18, 2012.  There is no charge for tickets.

When is Graduation?

There will be two ceremonies on Sunday, May 20, 2012. 10:00AM for the Schools of Applied Technology, Health Education, and Human & Protective Services, 1:00PM for the Schools of Agriscience & Technologies, Arts & Sciences, and Business & Applied Arts.

Where is the Ceremony?

• The Overture Center for the Performing Arts, 201 State Street, Madison, WI.

What about parking?

• Parking is available in the Madison Municipal Parking areas and on the streets in the downtown area. Please see the Overture Center website for more information. www.overturecenter.com/visit/directions-parking

When do graduates need to arrive?

• Graduates should arrive by 8:30AM for the 10:00 ceremony and by 11:30AM for the 1:00 ceremony.  Graduates should go to the atrium at the DTEC campus (located on the northwest side of the building(Wisconsin Avenue), where they will line up for the ceremony. Guests should go to the Overture Center directly. Doors to seating areas will open at 9:30 for the 10:00AM ceremony and at 12:30 for the 1:00PM ceremony.

How long will it take?

• Each ceremony will last approximately 1 1/2 hours.  

Will pictures be taken?

• Yes, Empire Photography will be taking photos of all graduates as diplomas are awarded. Empire Photography will contact you with proofs of your professional photos.
• Pictures may be taken by your guests from the designated photo areas while receiving your diploma or following the ceremony.

Will the ceremony be online?

• Yes, the college will be broadcasting the ceremony "live" online as well as upon request for 30 days following the ceremony. To view the ceremony online, go to the Madison College web site and click on the link.