Graduation FAQs
Preparing to graduate is an exciting but sometimes stressful process. Review these FAQs and contact the Warrior Hub at graduation@winona.edu if you have any other questions.
What is the difference between graduation & commencement?
Graduation is the posting of a degree on the official transcript once all degree requirements are met.
Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree.
Do I have to apply for graduation even if I am not walking in commencement?
Yes! The graduation application is used to determine which students are completing their degrees.
All graduates need to complete the graduation application. You can indicate whether you plan to participate in commencement through this application as well.
What is the difference between Dual Degrees & Multiple Majors?
Dual Degrees
Dual degree recipients are students earning two different degree types (for example, both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science).
To earn dual degrees students must complete at least 30 semester hours beyond the required 120-128 credits. Students must complete all major requirements under both degrees, including separate minors if one is required.
Multiple Majors
Students completing two or more majors will be awarded a single degree based upon their primary major. By default, your primary major is the major with the greatest number of credits.
Any additional majors are listed on the student's transcript under the degree to be awarded. If a degree requires a minor, an additional major can be completed in place of a minor.
If any of the majors fall under different degrees (for example, one major leads to a Bachelor of Arts and another to a Bachelor of Science), the student may choose either degree.
Do I have to notify my local newspaper to have my name listed as a WSU graduate?
WSU’s Communications Department typically notifies hometown newspapers with graduate names within eight weeks of the end of the semester.
The list of graduates will also be posted online within this time-frame.
Contact University Communications for any further questions about media notification by calling 507.457.5024 or emailing WSUUpdate@winona.edu.
Can I decorate my mortarboard?
Academic protocol states that you cannot pin jewelry or flowers to your gown. Decoration of your mortarboard is permitted but will be monitored.
WSU reserves the right to require you to remove any embellishment deemed inappropriate before you are permitted to participate in the ceremony.
Examples of inappropriate embellishment include, but are not limited to:
- vulgar language
- references to alcohol or drugs
- inappropriate verbiage, photos or graphic images
- any decoration that might obstruct the view of people seated behind you
Do I need tickets for the commencement ceremony?
Due to limited seating in McCown Gymnasium, we are instituting a ticketing system.
How do I update the information in my graduation application?
Undergraduate graduate applications can be viewed, updated and withdrawn by logging back into your application.
Graduate students should email Brenda Canar at GradOffice@winona.edu with any changes.
What if I need a letter for my family to travel internationally for the ceremony?
International students should contact International Student & Scholar Services at is@winona.edu for a letter confirming graduation for the purpose of guests' international travel.
Learn more about getting visitor's visas for family members.
When will I get my diploma?
Your diploma will be mailed to the diploma address indicated on your graduation application 10 weeks after graduation.
Your transcript is the official certifying document of your degree. You can order a transcript and can be ordered as soon as your degree is posted.
What size is my diploma so I can order a frame?
Diploma sizes are 8.5 x 11 inches and will fit most standard frames.
Why can I no longer see my Degree Audit?
The Degree Audit is used to guide students through their degree requirements. After graduation, the Degree Audit is not available.
Your transcript will list all WSU coursework and grades. Use your transcript as your official document proving your degree.
What if I need to order a duplicate diploma?
Original diplomas are mailed to the diploma address indicated on your graduation application 10 weeks after graduation. If you have misplaced your diploma or just need another one, you can request to order a duplicate diploma. Diploma orders are placed weekly and generally take 4-6 weeks for delivery.
For a non-expedited duplicate diploma shipped within the contiguous US, a $10 fee is required. We will process your international or expedited diploma order as well and will work with you to determine the increased fees based on your location and delivery time expectations. The fee will be placed on your WSU student account regardless of enrollment status. Please review the WSU Payment Options on the Payment Procedures webpage.
