Start Planning Now
Planning ahead can help ensure a smooth transition from student to graduate. Review the information below to avoid delays, graduation denial, or additional application fees:
- Download and complete the Graduation Checklist. It outlines key graduation requirements, including degree approval, credit hour and GPA requirements, and important deadlines.
- The University of Alabama awards degrees and holds commencement exercises in May, August, and December. During your next-to-last semester, apply for graduation through myBama for the term in which you expect to complete all degree requirements.
- Caps and gowns are available for purchase through the Supe Store. Participation in the commencement ceremony is optional.
- At graduation, the Latin honors designations are determined using The University of Alabama Institutional GPA and a minimum of 45 UA semester hours. The Latin honors designations are established by the University and enforced by the College. Eligible BCAS students will receive an email from the BCAS Records Team with instructions for picking up their complimentary honors regalia.
BCAS Records Team
The BCAS Records Team includes three College Academic Records Managers (Records Managers) and an Administrative Assistant. They help communicate graduation requirements, process degree applications, and provide timely updates throughout the graduation process.
Each student is assigned a Records Manager based on their primary major. Your Records Manager will guide you through the final steps of completing your degree. Be sure to download and complete the Graduation Checklist (PDF) as early as possible.
If you have questions about your graduation status, email your Records Manager and include your name, CWID, and primary major.
Wendy Bolton McMillian
College Academic Records Manager
wendy.mcmillian@ua.edu
Majors Audited: African American Studies; American Studies; Anthropology; Art; Art History; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Dance; English; Foreign Languages and Literature; Graphic Design; History; Music; Musical Audio Technology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; Spanish; Studio Art; and Theatre.
Royce Garrison
College Academic Records Manager
royce.garrison@ua.edu
Majors Audited: Economics (BCAS); International Studies; Neuroscience; Political Science; and Psychology.
Ashley Newsome Thomas
College Academic Records Manager
ash.thomas@ua.edu
Majors Audited: Biology; Chemistry; Data Science; Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Microbiology; Physics; and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.
Chrystal Mostella
Administrative Assistant II
bcasrecords@ua.edu
Team Responsibilities: Manages the BCAS Records Team email account, processes college forms submitted through the Academic Forms, Policies and Procedures page, communicates with students about honors regalia pick up, and coordinates the College’s commencement check-in process.
Late Degree Application Request
Walk Out of Turn Request
Commencement vs. Graduation
Commencement is a ceremony that celebrates the educational accomplishments of graduation candidates. Because commencement occurs before the final grade deadline, participation is based on the expectation that students will successfully complete all degree requirements.
Participation in a commencement ceremony does NOT guarantee graduation. A degree is awarded only after all degree requirements have been completed, and the student has officially met all graduation requirements.
Graduation Quick Facts
Do any of these circumstances apply to you? Address these items early to ensure timely graduation!
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College expects BCAS students to complete and pass CLEP tests before reaching 90 earned hours to avoid potential graduation delays. Processing CLEP scores may take 1-2 weeks, so students should plan accordingly.
Double Major vs. Dual Degree
Students who need clarification on the difference between a double major and dual degree should review the informational page and contact the BCAS Records Team at bcasrecords@ua.edu. Include your name, CWID and intended programs of study.
Incomplete Grade
Students with active degree applications should avoid receiving Incomplete (“IN”) grades during their final semester to prevent graduation delays or denial.
If you receive an “IN” grade, work with your instructor to complete the required coursework as soon as possible. Grade changes require processing time and may impact your graduation status. To avoid delays, communicate with your professor, complete outstanding work, and allow sufficient time for grading and submission of the grade change.
Study Abroad
Students should avoid planning to study abroad during their final semester, as international transcripts typically take 3–4 months to be received, processed, and posted to the UA academic record. Some transcripts may take up to 6 months, which can delay graduation.
If studying abroad during your final semester, consider UA faculty-led programs, as courses can be registered through the University.
Transfer Coursework
The undergraduate transfer credit deadline is listed each semester in the Academic Calendar. Submit your official transcript from the transfer institution after all final grades have been posted. UA cannot process transfer courses listed as “In-Progress” on the transcript. Allow approximately 7 business days for the Office of the University Registrar to process an official transcript after receipt.