Registrar Services : Degree Checkout FAQs

Q: Where do I get an Application for Degree?
A: Applications can be picked up in Degree Checkout (Mitchell Hall), at the CWU Centers, or printed from the CWU homepage:
http://www.cwu.edu/~regi/Forms/Forms/GradApp.pdf

Q: Who can "walk" in the June Commencement ceremony?
A: Students who have earned their degrees Fall 2007, Winter 2008, Spring 2008, and those who will be finished by the end of Summer 2008 term may all participate in the June ceremony.

Q: Where do I get Commencement ceremony information?
A: Watch the Commencement link on the CWU homepage for information as it becomes available:
http://www.cwu.edu/~commencement/ is usually updated by the end of January for the upcoming ceremony.

Q: Where do I register for commencement?
A: Go to http://cwubookstore.collegestoreonline.com and register for commencement beginning the first of April.

Q: Can I walk in the spring Commencement Ceremony, if I still have credits to take, an internship to complete or my student teaching left to do the following fall quarter?
A: No, we do not have facilities large enough to accommodate students graduating in the fall, even if you need just one class, your internship or student teaching.

Q: How long will it take for Degree Checkout to process my degree application?
A: Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Winter and spring are the busiest terms so it may take up to 4 weeks before your application is processed.

Q: How will I know when my application has been processed?
A: You will receive a hard copy letter by US Mail to the home permanent address you have listed on Safari - so be sure it is a current address! All further correspondence from Degree Checkout will be sent to your CWU e-mail and to your TO DO list on Safari.

Q: My TO DO list says "Pending" - what does that mean?
A: Degree completion items stay at "Pending" status until they are totally finished. Your TO DO list will say "Pending" until every grade has been posted and every requirement for the major, minor, specialization, and CWU degree requirements have been met and posted to your transcript and CAPS report.

Q: I transferred from a semester school and some of my classes were only 4 credits (or 4.5 credits). Who can fix the credit deficiencies on my CAPS report?
A: When transfer credits do not meet the credit requirement in your major or minor, in some cases the missing credits can be fulfilled with other transfer or CWU credits not being used elsewhere in the major or minor; in other cases you may need to enroll for additional CWU credits to make up the deficit. Either way, the determination of what courses can be used to fulfill the missing credits is determined by the department with a department signed Permit to Substitute Form sent to Degree Checkout for processing. Every CWU graduate must earn the number of credits listed in the catalog for all major, minor, specialization and degree requirements.

Q: What problems are most likely to prevent students from graduating?
A: Students are denied most often for the following reasons:

1. Not completing general education requirements or a transferrable AA-DTA degree
2. Not having completed pre-requisites for major or minor classes if required
3. Not meeting the 180 credit university degree requirement (no exceptions are made)
4. Not Meeting the 45 credit residency university degree requirement (no exceptions are made).
5. Not meeting the 60 credit upper division university degree requirement (no exceptions are made)
6. Not meeting the upper division GPA requirement, if necessary in your major
7. Not meeting the 2.00 Central Washington University cumulative GPA requirement
8. Not meeting the minimum GPA requirements for majors and minors
9. Not clearing all financial accounts with CWU

Q: What if I realize that I will not be finished in the quarter that I have applied for?
A: Fill out a Graduation Application Withdraw Form (available on-line, at the Centers, and in Degree Checkout) and a new Application for Degree form for the correct quarter. There is a $20.00 fee for re-applying.

Q: Whom can I talk to in person if I have other problems or questions?
A: There are several units that are here to assist you: they are listed below:

1. For General Education problems - call Academic Advising 963-3523. General Education Petition forms may be picked up on the first floor of Mitchell Hall, and should be submitted to Registrar Services prior to applying for your degree.
2. For questions pertaining to your major or minor, contact your department.
3. For course substitution problems - see your major or minor advisor within your academic department
4. For CAPS problems - call Degree Checkout at 963-3524

For past due financial problems - call Student Financial Services 963-3546

Q: How do I get a CAPS report, unofficial transcript or transfer credit summary report (if applicable)?
A: Go to Self Service>>Student Center on SAFARI. Your CAPS Report is listed on the Student Center Tab under Academic History.

Q: Where do I find my “TO DO LIST” on SAFARI?
A: Go to Self Service>>Student Center on SAFARI. Your TO DO LIST is listed to the right on the Student Center Tab.

Q: How long will it take for me to receive my diploma?
A: It will take about 8 - 10 weeks depending on the quarter. Spring has the highest number of degree applications, so it will take longer after spring grades have been cleared to post degrees and mail diplomas.

Q: How soon can I order an official transcript with the degree posted?
A: Usually degrees are posted within 2-3 weeks after the end of a term. You can request a transcript prior to leaving the institution, and state that you want it to be held until the degree has been posted before it is sent. There is a $7 fee for each official transcript requests.