Graduation and Commencement

Graduation Process & Key Deadlines

• Graduation Application Deadlines & Late Graduation Application
  • Winter Quarter 2026: September 15, 2025*
  • Spring Quarter 2026: January 12, 2026*
  • Summer Quarter 2026: April 6, 2026*
  • Fall Quarter 2026: June 22, 2026
  • Winter Quarter 2027: September 15, 2026
  • Spring Quarter 2027: January 11, 2027

   

  *Missed the deadline? Please apply via the GSSW Late Graduation Application.

• Graduation Process Summary

  Graduation Timing
  Degrees are officially conferred at the end of each academic quarter. This occurs after final grades are posted and the degree conferral process is completed.

  Application Requirement
  Students must apply to graduate for the specific quarter in which they will complete all degree requirements. Applications must be submitted by the designated deadline.

  How to Apply

  1. Log in to MyDU
  2. In the search bar, type “Academic Resources”
  3. Under the Academic Functions section, select “Apply to Graduate”
  4. Choose the CURRENT term
  5. Select your degree
  6. Then select the term you plan to graduate

  Dual Application Note (MSW + Certificate)
  If you are earning both an MSW and a certificate, you must submit two separate graduation applications—one for each credential.

  Dual Degree Application Note
  If you are enrolled in a dual degree program, you must apply for both degrees and graduate at the same time.

  • Example: If you complete MSW requirements in Fall 2025 but finish your second degree in Spring 2026, you must apply for graduation for both degrees in Spring 2026
• Degree Conferral Process

  Graduation Evaluations

  • Start Date: Graduation evaluations begin after registration for your final quarter.
  • Process: The GSSW Registrar team manually reviews each candidate’s academic record to ensure all degree requirements will be met.
  • Notification: All students will be notified of their graduation status by the first week of their final quarter.

  Degree Conferral

  1. After Grades Post: The GSSW Registrar’s Office begins the degree conferral process by reviewing each candidate’s record to confirm that all requirements have been completed and passed.
  2. Degree Awarding Timeline: Degrees are awarded approximately 4–6 weeks after final grades are posted.
  3. Transcripts: Once your degree is awarded, you may order official transcripts through your student profile.
  4. Diplomas: Diplomas will be mailed out 8 weeks after grades post. 
     1. Important: Please ensure that your mailing address is up to date. To update your address, log in to MyDU, search for My Person Profile, and click Personal Information to make changes.

  What If You Don’t Receive Your Diploma?

  • If you do not receive your diploma 8 weeks after grades post, please contact the Registrar's Office by emailing:
    registrar@du.edu Include your name, program, and DU ID in the email.

  Help Us Enhance Career Support!

  • Report Post-Graduate Employment Information: Help enhance career support for current and future GSSW students by reporting your post-graduate employment status to our Career Services team.
    [Link to report information]

Graduation Details by Quarter

• Fall Quarter 2025 Graduation Candidates (November)

  General Process:

  • Graduation evaluations begin at the Mid-August. The GSSW Registrar team will manually review records and degree requirements of each candidate. All students will be notified of their status by Friday, 09/09/2025.
  • After grades post, the GSSW Registrar team begins the degree certification process to award degrees (details below).
    • Grades post Tuesday, 12/02/2025. 
  • Fall Quarter candidates participate in Spring 2026 Commencement, Friday June 12, 2026.
    • Information regarding DU commencement can be found here.

  Degree Certification Process:

  • Fall Quarter 2025 grades are due Monday, 12/01/2025 at 10pm. The next day, the GSSW Registrar team will begin the degree certification process. Your degree will post 4-6 weeks after grades post with the conferral day of November 20, 2025.  
  • You can order transcripts as soon as you see your degree awarded, via your student profile. You will NOT be notified when your degree posts. You will need to monitor your student profile. 
    • ***Be careful when you order transcripts. If you order before your degree is awarded, no degree will be listed and you will have to order again.
    • See your FAQ section below for step-by-step instructions on how to see when your degree posts.  
  • Diplomas are mailed out 8 weeks after grades post (Late-January 2026).
    • Please ensure your mailing address is correct. You may update your address by accessing MyDU. Log in to MyDU, type My Person Profile in the search box. Then click Personal Information to update your mailing address. 
    • If you do not receive your diploma 8 weeks after grades post, please email registrar@du.edu with your name, your program, and your DU ID.
  • Please help us enhance career support for current and future GSSW students, by reporting your post-graduate employment information to our Career Services team via this link.
• Winter Quarter 2026 Graduation Candidates (March)

  General Process:

  • Graduation evaluations begin at the end of October. The GSSW Registrar team will manually review records and degree requirements of each candidate. All students will be notified of their status by Friday, 11/21/2025.
  • After grades post, the GSSW Registrar team begins the degree certification process to award degrees (details below).
    • Grades post Friday, 03/27/2026. 
  • Winter Quarter candidates participate in Spring 2026 Commencement, Friday, 06/12/2026.
    • Information regarding DU commencement can be found here.

   

  Degree Certification Process:

  • Winter Quarter 2026  grades are due Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10pm. The next day, the GSSW Registrar team will begin the degree certification process. Your degree will post 4-6 weeks after grades post with the conferral day of March, 20, 2026.
  • You can order transcripts as soon as you see your degree awarded, via your student profile. You will NOT be notified when your degree posts. You will need to monitor your student profile. 
    • ***Be careful when you order transcripts. If you order before your degree is awarded, no degree will be listed and you will have to order again.
    • See your FAQ section below for step-by-step instructions on how to see when your degree posts.   
  • Diplomas are mailed out 8 weeks after grades post (Late-May 2026).
    • Please ensure your mailing address is correct. You may update your address by accessing MyDU. Log in to MyDU, type My Person Profile in the search box. Then click Personal Information to update your mailing address. 
    • If you do not receive your diploma 8 weeks after grades post, please email registrar@du.edu with your name, your program, and your DU ID.
  • Please help us enhance career support for current and future GSSW students, by reporting your post-graduate employment information to our Career Services team via this link.
• Spring Quarter 2026 Graduation Candidates (June)

  General Process:

  • Graduation evaluations begin at the end of February. The GSSW Registrar team will manually review records and degree requirements of each candidate. All students will be notified of their status by Friday, 03/27/2026.
  • After grades post, the GSSW Registrar team begins the degree certification process to award degrees (details below).
    • Grades post Thursday, 06/18/2026. 
  • Spring Quarter candidates participate in Spring 2026 Commencement, Friday, 06/12/2026.
    • Information regarding DU commencement can be found here.

  Degree Certification Process:

  • Spring Quarter 2026 grades are due Wednesday, 06/17/2026 at 10pm. The next day, the GSSW Registrar team will begin the degree certification process. Your degree will post 4-6 weeks after grades post with the conferral day of June 11, 2026.
  • You can order transcripts as soon as you see your degree awarded, via your student profile. You will NOT be notified when your degree posts. You will need to monitor your student profile. 
    • ***Be careful when you order transcripts. If you order before your degree is awarded, no degree will be listed and you will have to order again.
    • See your FAQ section below for step-by-step instructions on how to see when your degree posts.   
  • Diplomas are mailed out 8 weeks after grades post (Mid-August 2026).
    • Please ensure your mailing address is correct. You may update your address by accessing MyDU. Log in to MyDU, type My Person Profile in the search box. Then click Personal Information to update your mailing address. 
    • If you do not receive your diploma 8 weeks after grades post, please email registrar@du.edu with your name, your program, and your DU ID.
  • Please help us enhance career support for current and future GSSW students, by reporting your post-graduate employment information to our Career Services team via this link.
• Summer Quarter 2026 Graduation Candidates (August)

  General Process:

  • Graduation evaluations begin at the Mid-May. The GSSW Registrar team will manually review records and degree requirements of each candidate. All students will be notified of their status by Friday, 06/05/2026.
  • After grades post, the GSSW Registrar team begins the degree certification process to award degrees (details below).
    • Grades post Friday, 08/28/2026. 
  • Summer Quarter candidates participate in Spring 2026 Commencement, Friday June 12, 2026.
    • Information regarding DU commencement can be found here

  Degree Certification Process:

  • Summer Quarter 2026 grades are due Thursday, 08/27/2026 at 10pm. The next day, the GSSW Registrar team will begin the degree certification process. Your degree will post 4-6 weeks after grades post with the conferral day of August 21, 2026.
  • You can order transcripts as soon as you see your degree awarded, via your student profile. You will NOT be notified when your degree posts. You will need to monitor your student profile. 
    • ***Be careful when you order transcripts. If you order before your degree is awarded, no degree will be listed and you will have to order again.
    • See your FAQ section below for step-by-step instructions on how to see when your degree posts.  
  • Diplomas are mailed out 8 weeks after grades post (Late-October 2026).
    • Please ensure your mailing address is correct. You may update your address by accessing MyDU. Log in to MyDU, type My Person Profile in the search box. Then click Personal Information to update your mailing address. 
    • If you do not receive your diploma 8 weeks after grades post, please email registrar@du.edu with your name, your program, and your DU ID.
  • Please help us enhance career support for current and future GSSW students, by reporting your post-graduate employment information to our Career Services team via this link.

Commencement Details

• Spring Commencement (June 12, 2026)

  Fall Quarter 2025, Winter Quarter 2026, Spring Quarter 2026, and Summer Quarter 2026 graduate candidates participate in Spring Commencement (June 12, 2026)

  Your to do list:

  1. Review DU's Commencement Website
  2. Register for Commencement. Registration link on DU's Commencement Website
  3. Review DU's Graduate FAQ's Website. Review all FAQs but pay close attention to: 
     1. How do I register for commencement? 
     2. How to order my regalia?
     3. How many tickets will I receive? When and how do I receive my tickets?
  4. Bring your DU ID or State ID (for MSW@DEN Online program Students) to commencement. 

   

  What to expect on Commencement day:

  • GSSW Open House from 10-1pm
  • 1pm--start heading over to Hamilton Gymnasium, at the northwest doors adjacent to the Barton Lacrosse Field, for graduate line up. You must be there by 1:30pm. 
    • GSSW will be seated in one large section, and GSSW staff members will be present to guide you. Graduates will line up alphabetically by last name and will receive a name card during lineup. You must have this name card in order to cross the stage.
  • 2:30 commencement begins. 

Graduation (to graduate) FAQs

• How to Verify Your Degree Has Posted

  Step 1: Verify Graduation Application

  • Log in to MyDU and go to your Student Profile.
  • In your profile, look for the section called "Graduation Information".
  • This section will list your active graduation applications. Once your degree has been conferred, it will also appear here.

  Step 2: Verify Your Degree via Unofficial Transcripts

  • You can verify whether your degree has posted by checking your unofficial transcripts, which are accessible in your Student Profile.
  • If your degree is not listed yet, be patient. Remember, it can take 4–6 weeks after grades post for yoru degree to post.

  Step 3: Verify Your Grades

  • If you don’t see a grade posted, reach out to your instructor immediately for clarification or to confirm that the grade has been submitted.

   

  Visual of your student profile before and after your degree is awarded

  

   

• When is it safe to order official transcripts?

  When you see your degree has posted you can order official transcripts.

• Can I take classes after I graduate?

  Yes, you can take classes the quarter after you graduate; however, you must be admitted to a program in order to register for classes. When you graduate, your academic program is considered complete and ends in that same quarter. For example, if you graduate in the Spring quarter, your program officially ends in Spring, and you are no longer admitted to that program—meaning you cannot register for Summer quarter classes.

  If you wish to take classes after you graduate, you must apply as a Non-Degree Seeking Student. To do this, please complete the Non-Degree Seeking Student application for the quarter following your graduation. On the application, you will need to indicate the course number and CRN for the class you wish to take. The course schedule can be found in MyDU.

  If space is available, the GSSW Registrar will manually register you for the class. Please note that financial aid is not available for Non-Degree Seeking students.

  If you have any questions, email us at gsswregistrar@du.edu, and be sure to include your DU ID.

Commencement FAQ

• Where can I find complete details about DU’s Commencement?

  The University of Denver hosts one commencement ceremony in June every academic year. Please note that GSSW does not organize this University-wide event.

  For complete and up-to-date details, please refer to the content on the official DU Commencement website.

• Does GSSW host any commencement-related events for eligible students and their families?

  Yes! GSSW hosts one annual Open House in June to honor all GSSW graduates and graduation candidates for the current academic year. These include:

  Details from the GSSW Office of Community Engagement are typically shared with eligible students by late March/early April each year. 

• How do I register for Commencement?

  It is essential you register for commencement. GSSW Students register for the Gold Ceremony.  

  Registration opens on Friday, March 13 at noon MT. Graduates can click the registration link to sign up for commencement. Registration will remain open through Tuesday, May 12. To guarantee inclusion in the Program, register by May 1, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MST. 

  Please email registrar@du.edu  if you need assistance.

• How many tickets will I receive?

  Upon registering for commencement, graduates will automatically be allocated seven tickets.

  Graduates who need extra tickets should coordinate with friends or classmates who are not using their full allotment. If there are any unclaimed tickets, they will be released the week of commencement.

  All tickets will be distributed directly to graduates. Graduates themselves do not need a ticket.

• When and how do I receive my tickets?

  The week of commencement graduates will receive an email from athletics@tickets.du.edu with a hyperlink to the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal. To access the tickets: 

  1. From a mobile device, click Student Login (do not click “Create Account”) . Graduates who have never accessed this portal before for sporting events can utilize the “Sign In With a Code” option to have a one-time code sent to their DU email.
  2. After logging in graduates will be on the student ticket homepage.
  3. Under My Tickets, graduates will be able to see all tickets available for them to share. Look for the tab Transfer Tickets. From there, graduates should see their ceremony information, their seven tickets, and can then transfer tickets to their guests via email or text.

   

  Recipients of the mobile tickets will accept the tickets via the Ritchie Center’s My Account portal.

• What happens if I have not received my tickets the week of Commencement?

  If you have not received your tickets the week of Commencement:

  1. Email registrar@du.edu and athletics@tickets.du.edu stating you have not received your tickets. Include that you are a GSSW student, your DU ID, and state if you registered for commencement or not. 
• How do I order my regalia?

  Eligible graduates may order regalia through official vendor Herff Jones now -May 5at 9:59am MT. Please click here to order your regalia. Orders shipped to campus may be picked up at the DU Bookstore beginning on June 5. 

For all additional Commencement FAQs, please refer to Graduate FAQ's section on the DU Commencement Website.