Apply to Graduate

In order to graduate, a student must complete an Application to Graduate form. Students should apply for graduation at the time of registration for the semester in which they intend to graduate. An audit of the student's record will be made to verify graduation eligibility.

Applications are available online at Online Forms and in the Office of Registration and Records, Looney Hall Room 202.

Pay Graduation Fee

A $55 graduation fee is assessed to the accounts of students who apply to graduate. This fee covers the costs of the CAAP test, printing and mailing of diploma, the diploma cover and a final transcript (mailed with diploma). Payment of the $55 should be made to the Business Office. Failure to pay this fee will result in an encumbrance being placed on a student's record.

Take CAAP Test

The CAAP test will be administered in Capstone courses and must be taken before a student may graduate.   If a student is unable to take the CAAP test in a Capstone course due to extenuating circumstances, additional testing dates are available on the SAAS webpage. Students may sign up for the CAAP test administered by the Student Advisement & Academic Support (SAAS) Center by going to SAAS in the Garnett Library or by calling 417-255-7222. Students should take the CAAP test in the same semester (session) of graduation.

Important: All students are required to present a photo ID on the day of testing. All students, except nursing students, should bring a calculator. Please arrive promptly for testing.

Clear all Encumbrances

Student accounts must be cleared of all encumbrances before diplomas and final transcripts will be released. This includes settlement of all library and parking fines, payment of graduation fee and completion of Perkins and Stafford Loan exit interviews.

Verify Honors

Phi Theta members and Honors Program participants should contact Dennis Lancaster approximately six week before graduation.

Order Graduation Cap and Gown

Student planning to participate in the commencement ceremony should purchase their caps, gowns, tassels, announcements, rings, etc., through the Drago College Store by attending the Graduation Fair. In addition, announcements, name cards, souvenir tassels, thank you cards and other items are also available for order through the bookstore at http://www.wp.MissouriState.Edu/Bookstore/Gradution.htm.

Attend Commencement Practice

Commencement practice will be held at 1:00 p.m. (Tentative) on Friday, May 14, 2010, at the West plains Civic Center.

Note: All graduates from the summer, fall and spring semesters will walk in one ceremony at the end of the spring semester. If a student will graduate at the end of the following summer session, an appeal may be made to the Assistant Dean for permission to participate in the spring graduation ceremony.

Participate in Commencement Ceremony

Commencement will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the West Plains Civic Center. Graduates should plan to arrive by 9:00 a.m. for a group photo.

Handicap access is available to the West Plains Civic Center. If graduates, family members, or guests require special assistance, please notify the Office of Registration and Records.

Information Regarding Diplomas and Transcripts

Graduates will receive diploma covers at the commencement ceremony. The diploma and final transcript will be mailed to graduates once the final verification that all degree requirements have been met is completed. Anticipated release date for diplomas and transcripts is June 10, 2010.