Graduation checklist
A page within Commencement
Commencement Checklist
Submit your intent to graduate
Graduate and undergraduate students must submit their intent to graduate in WINGS immediately after registering for your final semester at UW-La Crosse. We also recommend undergraduate students review their Advisement Report (AR) after registering for their final semester and raise any concerns or questions with their College Academic Services Office.
- Fall (December) and winter intersession (January) graduates must file by May 1
- Spring (May) and summer (August) graduates must file by December 1
Which term am I graduating in?
One month prior to the ceremony, commencement day instructions will be emailed to all students who have applied to graduate.
Students are automatically charged a graduation fee when 95 credits (undergraduates) or 20 credits (graduates) have been earned. This is a one-time fee and applies whether or not the student chooses to attend the commencement ceremony.
Commencement program: Getting your name listed
Winter Commencement
The commencement program for Winter Commencement, held in December, is submitted for publication by November 1. Students who apply to graduate through WINGS after November 1 will not be included in the printed commencement program.
Spring Commencement
The commencement program for Spring Commencement, held in May, is submitted for publication by April 1. Students who apply to graduate through WINGS after April 1 will not be included in the printed commencement program.
Summer & Winter Intersession Graduates
Students completing degree requirements during summer or winter intersession traditionally participate in the commencement ceremony preceding their graduation term.
- Summer graduates typically participate in the Spring (May) commencement ceremony before completing all degree requirements. To be included in the program, students must apply by April 1.
- Winter intersession graduates typically participate in the Winter (December) commencement ceremony before completing all degree requirements. To be included in the program, students must apply by November 1.
Students wishing to participate in a different commencement ceremony should contact their college’s academic services office for approval.
Privacy Settings / FERPA Restrictions
Your privacy settings in WINGS may affect whether your name appears in the commencement program. To ensure your name is included, your primary/legal name must not be restricted.
Privacy settings must be updated by:
- April 1 for Spring (May) commencement
- November 1 for Winter (December) commencement
Name on your degree
Students who would like a name other than their legal name displayed on their diploma and in the commencement program must update their “Degree Name” in WINGS. Submitting a "Name in Use" does not automatically update diploma or commencement program information. Changes to the Degree Name must be completed by the Intent to Graduate deadline.
Legal Name/Degree Name Review Instructions
International students should always use their legal name for their diploma. International students should contact International Education & Engagement for guidance.
Attend Caps Off to Commencement
Caps Off to Commencement is your one-stop shop for graduation needs. Stop by, have some fun and prepare for your graduation transition by meeting with offices and services that will help you to soar.
Purchase apparel: cap, gown, hood, honor cords, and more
Commencement regalia requirements vary based on your degree level, academic honors, field of study, and campus involvement. Review apparel guidelines and ordering information to ensure you have everything needed to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Order your announcements & invitations
Celebrate your achievement at UWL by sharing this milestone with family and friends. Order graduation announcements and invitations to commemorate your accomplishment.
Let UWL know where to sent your diploma
Please verify that your email address and “HOME” mailing address in WINGS are accurate and up to date. Your diploma will be mailed to the “HOME” address listed in your student record.
Complete the First Destination Survey
Please tell us about your post-graduate career plans. Takes less than 5 minutes and is completely confidential.
Participate in Commencement
There will be three ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:30 a.m. | Undergraduate Students
- College of Business Administration
- School of Education [all majors, including ECE; EME; EME/SPE; EME/TESOL; EME/SPA; EME/FRE; World Language Education; Art Education; Music Education; PASHE; STEP (English, Mathematics, Science, & Social Studies)]
12:30 p.m. | Undergraduate & Graduate Students
- Associate Degree Candidates
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Graduate Degree Candidates
3:30 p.m. | Undergraduate Students
- College of Science and Health
Graduate Student Hooding Ceremony
- The Hooding Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the La Crosse Center.