Graduation vs Commencement Information
What's the difference?
The terms Graduation and Commencement are often used interchangeably. As a University of Wyoming graduate, we want you to be aware about these two similar yet different terms.
Graduation is the process of awarding a degree earned through the completion of the degree program requirements. In order to graduate, a student must complete all requirements and apply for graduation.
Commencement, in contrast, is a ceremony held twice per year (winter and spring) honoring students who have recently or will soon graduate. Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that a student has graduated. You will need to sign up to participate in commencement through the UW Commencement site.
Fall 2025 Graduation Deadline - December 5, 2025
The Office of the Registrar, in conjunction with all undergraduate colleges, operates a computerized degree evaluation system through software called DegreeWorks. The DegreeWorks system contains many useful tools for tracking your progress towards degree and planning your path towards degree completion.
DegreeWorks includes a degree progress report/advising support system that matches your completed and current UW course work (and any transfer courses you might have) with your degree requirements to determine your progress toward earning your degree. The Degree Evaluation audit powered by DegreeWorks is available on WyoRecords to students and faculty advisors.
To access your Degree Evaluation, log on to WyoRecords and find the tab for Registration. A link for Degree Evaluation will be listed under the Registration options. This link will direct you to the audit of your requirements within DegreeWorks.
The Degree Evaluation does not apply to students who entered the University prior to fall of 2009. The students should contact the Office of the Registrar to have the audit updated to reflect requirements in effect from before fall 2009. If you have questions about your Degree Evaluation, please contact your advisor for assistance. You may also contact the Office of the Registrar by calling (307) 766-5272 or by coming to the West Wing of Knight Hall.
Be sure to log into WyoRecords to declare your anticipated graduation date. Please stop by our office for assistance, or contact us at registrar@uwyo.edu. You will need to notify the Office of the Registrar if your anticipated graduation date changes.
Degree Evaluation
Graduation/Diploma Information
All undergraduates must declare their graduation dates by logging into WyoRecords.
Effective Fall 2022, a Graduation Fee will be charged onto a student's account during the semester they anticipate graduating, a few days after they have declared a graduation date through their WyoRecords account.
Any change in your graduation date should be reported by email immediately to your Degree Analyst.
Registrar's Office Contact Guide for Advisors
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nicole Candelaria
transam@uwyo.edu
College of Arts & Sciences
A&S College will be split between undergraduate and graduate students.
Undergraduate:
Raena Bush
rbush4@uwyo.edu
Graduate:
Nicole Candelaria
transam@uwyo.edu
College of Business
Nicole Candelaria
transam@uwyo.edu
College of Education
Lynn Wheat
lwheat@uwyo.edu
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Marili Jensen
pjensen3@uwyo.edu
College of Health Sciences
Raena Bush
rbush4@uwyo.edu
College of Law
Nicole Candelaria
transam@uwyo.edu
Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources
Marili Jensen
pjensen3@uwyo.edu
School of Computing
Marili Jensen
pjensen3@uwyo.edu
School of Energy Resources
Nicole Candelaria
transam@uwyo.edu
Athletics
Lynn Wheat
lwheat@uwyo.edu
UW College
Lynn Wheat
lwheat@uwyo.edu
Associate Registrar - Bobby Ratterree
rratterr@uwyo.edu
Please email general questions to registrar@uwyo.edu.
