MPP Graduation ‐ Frequently Asked Questions What requirements are needed to graduate? Per University of Utah policy, all students are expected to familiarize themselves with University, college, and program degree requirements. The responsibility for complying with all requirements rests with the student. To receive your MPP degree the following must be completed:  31 semester hours of core courses with a grade of “B” or better  A minimum of 9 semester hours of elective coursework with a grade of “C” or better  A total of 40 semester hours of faculty approved coursework  A 3.0 or better overall grade point average  An Applied Policy Project approved by the PUBPL 6950 instructor and MPP faculty (due by the last day of class of graduating semester – usually spring semester)  An application for graduation submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline posted on the Registrar’s website Do I have to attend graduation ceremonies? No, but we highly encourage it as a way to celebrate your achievements. The majority of students choose to “walk” with their peers during the College Convocation, but there is no requirement to do so. What is the difference between commencement and convocation? Commencement is a gathering for all University of Utah graduates, families and friends. There is a prominent commencement speaker and at the end of the commencement ceremonies the President of the University confers degrees to all graduates in attendance. Convocations are held by each college at the University. Family and friends are invited to attend. Masters students are part of the procession into the Huntsman Center and you can sit with your peers. During Convocation, each student’s name is read as he/she receives a diploma cover and is congratulated by faculty. Can I just attend commencement or convocation, or do I have to attend both? You can attend both, or just one. It’s up to you. No tickets or reservations are required for either. Do most students attend both commencement and convocation? Some students attend both. The majority only attend the College convocation. How long are commencement and convocation? Visit the University Commencement Ceremonies website for the commencement schedule http://www.sa.utah.edu/commencement/index.htm. The College convocation is about an hour and forty‐five minutes to two hours long. What happens that day – what do I do? For Commencement Instructions: Please visit the University Commencement website for information about times and where to line up http://www.sa.utah.edu/commencement/commencement.htm For Convocation Instructions: Please visit the College Convocation website for information about times and where to line up. Follow the instructions for Masters students. http://www.csbs.utah.edu/graduation.html Where do we park? Please visit http://www.sa.utah.edu/commencement/parking.htm for parking information. Where do I order a graduation cap and gown? The University Bookstore sells graduation regalia including caps, gowns, hoods, tassels and stoles of gratitude. They host a graduation fair in early spring semester and as long as you have applied to graduate, you will receive notice for the fair. If you miss the fair, the Bookstore usually provides an opportunity to purchase regalia closer to graduation, but at a higher cost. If you don’t want to miss the fair, start checking the Bookstore website beginning spring semester for fair information and dates. How much do the cap and gown cost? Cost of graduation regalia is determined by the University Bookstore. Check their website for information. What is a master’s hood? The master’s hood is not a hood worn over the head. It is worn over the gown and around the shoulders. It has a velvet wrapping that reflects an academic discipline’s color. What color hood and tassel do I order? There is no specific academic color for Public Policy. In the past, U of U MPP students have chosen white, which is the College of Social and Behavioral Science’s color. However, you can also choose peacock blue which is Public Administration’s color. What if I forget to file the Graduation Application by the deadline? Contact the Registrar’s Office to see if they will still accept your application for graduation. Be aware that they may not be able to accept the application and that you may have to graduate the following semester. If this is the case, you must register for three semester hours to maintain continuous enrollment per University of Utah Graduate School policy. What if things change and I can’t graduate in the semester I applied for? Contact the Registrar’s Office and let them know the situation. You may need to file another application. Where can I find more information? Registrar’s Office, Graduation Division http://www.sa.utah.edu/regist/graduation/applying.htm University Bookstore http://www.bookstore.utah.edu/utah/home.aspx University Commencement http://www.sa.utah.edu/commencement/ College of Social and Behavioral Science Convocation http://www.csbs.utah.edu/graduation.html MPP Current Students http://www.mpp.utah.edu/current_students.html