Frequently Asked Questions
Degree Works FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning Degree Works can be viewed on the Degree Works page.Commencement FAQs
For questions concerning Commencement, visit the Commencement FAQs page.Graduation FAQs
How do I apply for graduation?
Applying for graduation is done through ASSIST. The priority Application deadline information and instructions on how to submit your graduation application is available at https://www.utrgv.edu/commencement/graduation/apply-for-graduation/. However, students are eligible to apply for graduation in ASSIST once they meet the following criteria:
- Undergraduate Students will be eligible to apply for graduation upon completion of 100 credit hours and achievement of a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and must be following a degree-seeking program.
- Master Students will be eligible to apply for graduation upon achievement of a minimum Master's Level GPA of 3.0 or higher and must be following a degree-seeking program.
- Doctoral Students will be eligible to apply for graduation upon achievement of a minimum Doctoral's Level GPA of 3.25 or higher and must be following a degree-seeking program.
Is there a graduation application fee?
A nonrefundable nontransferable graduation application fee of $50 is charged for undergraduate and graduate level graduation applications. The fee is payable online on ASSIST or at the Bursar’s office inside UCentral on either campus, Brownsville or Edinburg. The fee is applied towards costs associated processing of applications for graduation, auditing for degree completion, printing, packaging and shipment of diplomas as well as the cost of facilities for the Commencement ceremonies along with other related expenses.
What is the difference between Commencement and Graduation?
Applying for graduation is required whether or not you attend the Commencement ceremony. Participation in the Commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on the official transcript. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree
Where do I see my degree progress?
Degree Works is a student advisement degree audit system used for undergraduate and graduate degree plans.
Degree Works is an automated degree plan that performs some of the following functions:
- Allows students and advisors to view a student’s progress toward degree completion
- Review pending coursework to assist in planning future coursework
- Ability to run “What-If” audits scenarios for students interested in changing their major or adding a minor.
You may view your degree audit on Degree Works through ASSIST: https://my.utrgv.edu. Please keep in mind however, that the Degree Works degree audit is not intended to replace the requirement that you meet with your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator as it is a guide to help you with course selection and degree progress. For assistance interpreting your degree audit on Degree Works, please contact your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator.
I have applied for graduation, when will I know my graduation application status?
Graduation application status is provided via UTRGV e-mail, it’s highly recommended for students to stay current with their UTRGV e-mail to avoid missing important communication.
UTRGV Faculty/Staff who are also students: I have applied for graduation, however I am unable to view my submitted graduation application in Assist. What can I do?
To view your active graduation application, log in to ASSIST and click on View Application to Graduate. The form will display the term of which you have applied for graduation.
Academic Advisors and Graduate Program Coordinators can look up their own student record through the Advising Student Profile tile in Assist by entering their student ID, then clicking View Graduation Application.
What if I want to continue to take classes and delay my graduation even if I am meeting all graduation requirements?
The Degree Audit Team reviews degree audits for students with 100% degree progression each semester. If the student did not file a graduation application by the published graduation application deadline, the degree auditor will submit a graduation application internally and a $50 graduation application fee is charged to the student’s UTRGV account. It is highly recommended that students who wish to continue to take undergraduate or graduate courses meet with an academic/faculty advisor, graduate program coordinator and the Financial Aid Office for appropriate guidance.
What if I have already met graduation requirements and have not applied for graduation?
The Degree Audit Team reviews degree audits for students with 100% degree progression each semester, if the student did not file a graduation application by the published graduation application deadline, the degree auditor will submit a graduation application internally and a $50 graduation application fee is charged to the student’s UTRGV account. Students are notified via UTRGV email if a graduation application was filed internally.
What if I need to change my graduation term/date?
If you have an active graduation application and you need to make a change to the term/date in which you will be completing your degree requirements, you are required to complete and submit a Transfer Graduate Date form as soon as possible.
- Transfer Graduation Date Form for Undergraduate Students
- Transfer Graduation Date Form for Graduate Students
I complete my degree in a summer term, but there is no summer commencement ceremony! Am I allowed to participate in the Fall (December) or Spring (May) commencement ceremony?
- Students who are lacking 6 or fewer credit hours for degree completion in the Summer and are enrolled for the summer are permitted to participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremonies.
- Students who are lacking more than 6 credit hours for degree completion in the Summer are permitted to participate in the Fall Commencement Ceremonies.
- For additional information about Commencement Ceremonies, please contact the Office of the University Registrar via email commencement@utrgv.edu .
How many hours are required for my degree?
Most Undergraduate Degree Plans require a minimum of 120 credit hours and 42 advanced hours; however, some degrees programs may require additional hours in both areas.
- For example, Engineering and some Health Profession programs require additional hours in both areas.
The minimum number of Graduate Degree Plans vary by degree.
Visit UTRGV Catalog Page to view graduate and undergraduate catalogs as well as archived degree plans in catalog years 2015-2022.
My course is not offered in the semester I am planning to take it and I need it to graduate, what do I do?
Contact your department for course recommendations. If you need further assistance, please e-mail the Graduation Help Desk at: graduationhelpdesk@utrgv.edu. Explain your situation, please provide your Student ID Number, and a contact phone number.
How do I submit a petition request (course substitution or waiver)?
For Undergraduate Students:Meet with your academic advisor/faculty advisor to discuss your options. Your academic or faculty advisor will initiate your petition if one is needed. To schedule an appointment with your academic advisor, please visit https://www.utrgv.edu/advising/.
For Graduate Students: Meet with your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) to discuss your options. Your GPC will initiate your petition if one is needed.
What if I need to set-up an appointment ASAP, due to graduation, and my academic advisor is not available?
Undergraduate Students: If you are unable to schedule an advising session with your academic advisor online, please call their office at (956) 665-7120 to speak with the Academic Advising Center representative for further assistance. Explain your situation and your upcoming graduation date to see if you are able to get an appointment due to the circumstances.
How do I clear a hold?
You may view any academic holds on-line
- Log in through ASSIST: https://my.utrgv.edu
- Select the Student Services tab
- Click on the Student Account link
- Click on View Holds to see any active holds.
For general information you can visit https://www.utrgv.edu and search “Account Holds” for a listing of the different type of student holds along with respective contact information for each office.
When will I get my diploma after I graduate?
The Office of the University Registrar issues diplomas once a student is recommended for degree certification. For questions regarding your diploma, please contact registrar@utrgv.edu. Please keep in mind that a student must first apply for graduation, wait for end of semester grades to post, and allow four (4) to six (6) weeks for final degree processing time. For timely delivery of diplomas, students must have a correct mailing address on file with the Office of the University Registrar.
Contact us
Degree Audit Systems Team: degreeauditsystems@utrgv.edu
Undergraduate Certification Email: certification@utrgv.edu
Graduate Certification Email: gradcertification@utrgv.edu