It is a student's responsibility to declare candidacy for the baccalaureate degree by filing a Diploma Information Form (DIF) with the Office of Student Services at least one term before the expected date of graduation.

There is only one commencement ceremony per year in May, but graduation occurs three times a year, in October, January, and May. Degrees are conferred by the university only at the annual university commencement in May on the recommendation of the faculty fellows of University College. A student who completes the requirements for his or her degree in October or January may request an interim certificate in lieu of the diploma until the next commencement exercises.

Diplomas are issued in May at the University College Commencement Convocation. A candidate who does not wish to attend the commencement convocation is asked to write to the vice dean of the college requesting that the degree be conferred in absentia and indicating the address to which the diploma may be sent when it is mailed during the month of June or July.

Diplomas are withheld from all students whose university accounts are not clear.