Q: Do I have to register every fall and spring?
A: Yes — all Mines graduate students must maintain continuous registration of at least credit in fall and spring semesters. If you intend to take a semester off, you must submit a Leave of Absence form before last day to drop courses deadline. Failure to register or request leave will result in inactivation of your degree program.

Q: What are the rules for summer registration?
A: Summer registration is not required unless you’re a new student, using campus resources, doing research, or have a summer contract/appointment. Students starting in summer must register at least one credit. Those on summer RA contracts must register for 3 credits of research (707) for 0.5 FTE or 1.5 credits for 1.0 FTE. Graduating in August: must register at least 1 credit in summer (and possibly more if under RA contract).

Q: Can I take a semester off and not register for classes?
A: All Mines graduate students must have continuous registration. Students who wish to take a semester off (fall or spring) must submit a Leave of Absence form. Students who do not submit the leave paperwork and do not register for the fall and/or spring semesters will be inactivated. Leave of Absence does not apply to the summer term. To resume studies at Mines, inactivated students will be required to re-apply for admission. 

Q: What happens if I stop registering without leave or withdrawal?
A: Your degree program may be terminated, and if you later wish to return, you’ll need to reapply for admission.

Q: What about research (707) registration?
A: Thesis-based students must complete research credits (course number 707) under their advisor’s supervision. These credits must be registered at Mines — research done elsewhere cannot be transferred. If doing research off campus, you must register for research credits or submit a Leave of Absence.

Q: What if I am a thesis student and done with all the courses and research credits and I am in my final semester, do I need to register? 
A: Yes, registration during defense/graduation semester is required to maintain continuous registration and active status. Students must be registered for at least 1 credit hour if using campus resources (including working with an advisor), defending a thesis, or graduating (exceptions apply to students who complete checkout early if that is offered as an option for the term – see graduation deadlines). If defending during the summer (mid-May to September), students must be register for at least 1 credit of research during the summer session.

Q: What counts as full‑time registration?
A: During fall & spring: full-time status is at least 9 credits. For thesis-based students who qualify for Reduced Registration, registering for at least 4 research credits (707) may count as full-time if certain conditions are met.

In summer: if you’re using Mines resources, working on research, or have an appointment requiring registration, you must register. Otherwise, summer registration is optional. To count as full-time in summer, register for 3 credits.

International (F-1 visa status/J-1 visa status) students: same as above, but if in your final semester, with approval from ISSS, you may be allowed to register part-time on Reduced Course Load subject to approval by ISSS, if you don’t qualify for Reduced Registration and don’t need a full 9 credits to graduate.

Q: Do I need to be enrolled full-time?
A: No, you don’t always need to be registered as a full-time graduate student, but you must register continuously each fall and spring semester to maintain active student status. While full-time is defined as 9+ credits, you can register as a part-time student unless you are an international student, on a grad contract as TA/RA, or have other requirements like financial aid that mandate full-time status.

Q: What is Reduced Registration and how do I qualify?
A: Reduced Registration allows thesis-based students to maintain full-time status while registering for fewer credits.
You qualify by:
     Completed a threshold of credits (e.g. MS: 30 total / 24 paid credits; PhD: 72 total / 54 paid credits).
Thesis committee and Degree Audit forms approved and on file with OGS.
For PhD students: must have submitted Admission to Candidacy by first day of classes in the semester you want Reduced Registration.

When on Reduced Registration, you pay for the credits you register, and mandatory fees still apply (you do not get reduced tuition).

Q: What courses should I take?
A: Consult the admit term Mines Graduate Catalog for degree requirements and consult with your advisor/department in determining what courses you should take.

Q: Can I take undergraduate courses while in a graduate program?
A: Yes, but undergraduate courses cannot fulfill your graduate degree requirements. If you are an undergraduate senior, with approval, you may enroll in some 500-level courses. In cross-listed 4xx/5xx courses, only the graduate (5xx) portion counts toward a graduate degree; you cannot double‑count both. No more than 50% of credits in your graduate degree may come from graduate sections of 4xx/5xx cross-listed courses. Click here for more information.

Q: What if curriculum or catalog changes during my enrollment?
A: Generally, you follow the rules from the catalog in effect at your most recent admission. With departmental approval, you may switch to a newer catalog that is in effect while you’re enrolled.

Q: How do I register as a new students?
A: In order to be able to register, all students are required to confirm their attendance.
Your Enrollment Form (linked in your official electronic decision letter within the application system) must be submitted and you must have completed the Account Claim process before you can set up your Trailhead account and register for classes (Trailhead is the Mines student system which allows you to register for classes, view your transcript, set up your email account, etc.).

Q: How do I register for classes?
A: See Registration Information on the Registrar’s Office website.

Q: How many credits should I register for?
A: See the “Registration Requirements” section in the Quick Reference Guide.

Q: When can I add or drop courses?
A: You can add or drop courses through the published deadlines for full term (16‑week) or 8‑week sessions. After the drop deadline, changes must go through the Registrar’s Office, and refunds are not generally available. If it is your last course for the semester, you must submit either a Withdrawal from Courses form or a Leave of Absence form (before the last day to drop courses deadline).

Q: What if I need to change my course registrations?
A: During the open enrollment period, you can manage your course choices in Trailhead. After open enrollment, the Registrar’s Office can assist with adjusting your schedule and to understand how the changes will impact your program of study. Consult the Academic Calendar for deadlines.

Q: Where’s the course catalog?
A: The Graduate Catalog contains descriptions of graduate courses. Please see the Registrar’s Office website for the Course Schedules and when they’re offered for a particular semester or session, with days, times, locations, and instructors.

Q: If I took a leave of absence semester off, why am I unable to register?
A: First check if you have submitted the Return from Leave of Absence form. If form was submitted, then priority registration time ticket may not be available yet. Please check Academic Calendar for registration dates. If you still cannot register, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Q: Who do I contact if I am having a problem with registration in Trailhead?
A: Please contact the Registrar’s Office at 303-273-3200, registrar@mines.edu.

Q: How do I change a degree level, change my major, add a degree or withdraw from a degree? Example: Change MS Thesis to Non-Thesis, Master’s to Certificate, PHD to MS Thesis, etc.)
A: The Degree Level Change form is needed to make the changes to degree levels or to change a major in the same level.
Students cannot use this form for the following:
– Cannot go up a level (example form MS to PHD). In this case, students need to apply through the Grad Admission website.
– Cannot change majors for a PHD. They will need to apply through Grad Admissions and once admitted into second PHD, they will need to submit the Withdrawal from Program form to drop the first PHD degree.

For more information refer to the Changing Degrees Chart for more details.

Q: I am in multiple programs, how do I drop one of them?
A: The Withdrawal from Program form initiates a request from a student enrolled in multiple degree programs to withdraw from one of the degree programs. Note: This form is only to be used by students currently enrolled in more than one degree program and wishing to withdraw from only one program.  If you wish to withdraw from school, please use the Withdraw from Graduate School Form.

Q: How do I withdraw from all my courses, but planning to register the following term?
A: Form and details can be found here. Please note that this form is necessary if you are withdrawing from all or only one course since system will not allow student to self-withdraw from all courses or if only registered in one course. Please see Academic Calendar for withdrawal deadlines.

Q: How do I withdraw from Graduate School/Mines?
A: Form and details can be found here. This form is used for students who may or may not be registered. If wanting to drop courses and withdraw from Mines, form must be submitted prior to Drop Deadline. If withdrawing from courses and leaving Mines, form must be submitted prior to withdrawal deadline. Please see Academic Calendar for drop and withdrawal deadlines.

Q: Where can I get more information about the Combined Program?
A: For Questions about Combined Admissions, refer Combined Undergraduate (BS) and Graduate (MS or Ph.D.) Degree Programs page  or email grad-app@mines.edu. 

For combined program policy and FAQs, please click here.

Q: Who is my advisor?
A: When admitted your advisor is a faculty member assigned to you by your specific academic department. Please see your acceptance letter. Otherwise contact your department. You may also check Degree Works and the advisor will be listed at top for each degree program if enrolled in multiple programs. While the department will handle your official assignment, you can start by contacting the graduate program coordinator or program director for your department for guidance on who to reach out to. Temporary vs. Permanent Advisor: Some students may initially be assigned a temporary advisor and will need to work with their department to secure a permanent one by the end of their second semester.

Q: How can I change advisors?
A: The first step is to discuss the change request within your department or program, and ensure the approvals of each faculty member. Then, you can use the Advisor/Thesis Committee Request Form to submit the change request to OGS. 

Q: How can I change or add committee members?
A: The Advisor/Thesis Committee Request Form initiates a request from a student to appoint, or change, their Thesis Committee.

Q: Can I transfer credits into a graduate degree at Mines?
A: Yes — with prior approval, graduate students may transfer coursework credits from other institutions toward a master’s or PhD degree, but not toward a graduate certificate.

Q: Does the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) approve transfer credits?
A: No, it is up to the academic department/advisor to approve transfer credits since they are familiar with the course content and curriculum. OGS only checks that the institutional requirements and transfer limits are met.

Q: What are the maximum limits on transfer credits?
A: See graduate catalog for limits or OGS website.

Q: What are criteria for transfer credit to be accepted?
A: To be eligible, transfer credits must:

Be graduate-level courses (i.e. beyond undergraduate level)
Have a grade of C or better (some programs may require a higher standard)
Course must not have been used toward an undergraduate degree.
Not be prerequisite or deficiency courses.
Be approved by the advisor, committee, and department head (or program director).
Be officially recorded on an external (other institution) transcript, submitted to Mines by other institution. Note, it is not considered official if the student submits the transcript.

Q: Can research credits be transferred?
A: No. Research credits completed elsewhere generally cannot be transferred, except when an entire thesis-based master’s degree is transferred.

Q: Do grades for transferred courses count toward Mines GPA?
A: No, grades for transferred courses do not count toward Mines GPA

Q: How do I request that credits be transferred?
A: The general steps are:

Review how many credits your degree allows for transfer.
Meet with your advisor and/or committee (if MS thesis or PHD)  to obtain approval for the specific courses you wish to transfer.
Submit official transcripts for the courses from the other institution(s).
MS Non-Thesis students fill out the Master’s Non-Thesis Course Exception Form 
MS Thesis and PHD students fill out the Degree Audit form, including a section listing your transfer coursework.
Submit the form to the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) through the Deadlines and Forms page.
Additionally, for PhD students transferring a full thesis-based master’s degree, there is a special entry in the Degree Audit form to list that.

Q: Can I transfer Mines undergraduate (400‑level) courses I took as an undergrad?
A: No. All transfer credits must be graduate level 500 and above.

Q: What happens if I use transfer credits in my final semester?
A: Because of timing, transferring coursework in your final semester can delay your graduation. Mines requires that official transcripts or grades for the transfer credits be on file by a deadline (usually by 5 business days after commencement) for the degree to be awarded on time. If the transcript or grades aren’t timely, your degree may not be awarded until the following semester.

Q: If I did a master’s at Mines, can I transfer those credits to a PhD?
A: Yes. Credits earned in a Mines master’s degree (not applied as “transfer credits”) can be used toward your Mines PhD, pending department approval.

Q: Can I double count courses towards 2 master’s degrees?
A: Yes, students enrolled simultaneously and/or sequentially in two Mines master’s degree programs may double count courses towards both master’s degrees.

Q: What is the double count limit?
A: The limit is up to half of the course credits required for the master’s degree program with the smallest course credit-hour requirement toward both degree programs. For example, the limit will be 15 credits total, if the smallest of the 2 is a 30 credit masters.

Q: Who needs to approve the double count credits?
A: The student will need to obtain the advisor and department head approval for each degree if both degrees are non-thesis, but if one is a thesis degree, then the advisor, committee, and department head approval will be needed for the thesis degree.

Q: What forms are needed to double count credits towards the 2 master’s degrees?
A: We do not have a standard form for this request. Please submit your information in a written format, such as a Word document and include your name, Campus Wide ID (CWID), degree titles and the list of all the double count courses. Be sure to include the course subject/number, the course title, the number of credits and the term each course was taken. Forward this document along with all the approvals by email to grad.services@mines.edu attention: Manager of Graduate Academic Services.

Q: When do I need to submit the double count information?
A: This information needs to be submitted after you have applied to graduate for the second master’s degree, or if graduating in the same term, after you have applied to graduate for both degrees.

Q: What will the degree evaluation look like in Degree Works?
A: If finishing both degrees in the same term, then the degree evaluation in Degree Works will not show the same courses applied in both degrees since the system does not allow it. If that is the case, then we make sure the degree evaluation shows requirements met for one of the degrees but will need to check to other degree evaluation manually. If the degrees are completed in different terms, then there will not be an issue with the degree evaluations, but we will still need the double count information and approvals if it was not submitted when the first degree was completed.

Q: How many graduate degrees can courses be applied toward?
A: Course credits may never be applied toward more than three graduate degrees.

Q: How do I request a Catalog change?
A: You may change your catalog/bulletin or course catalog in order to meet requirements for graduation. Students may change to a newer bulletin but cannot change to an older bulletin. The Catalog/Bulletin Change form can be found online here. You will know that the form has been processed once you see the Catalog year has changed in either the graduate transcript or in Degree Works.

Q: What forms do I need to complete my degree?
A: Please see the Step to Graduation for forms with directions and deadlines.

Q: When can I apply to graduate?
A: To graduate, you must submit all applicable forms and apply to graduate in Trailhead by the posted deadlines. To view the required forms, please refer to the Step-by-Step Guide For Graduate Students. You may apply to graduate in May, August or December, however, commencement ceremonies are held in May, and December each year.

Q: How do I check my degree evaluation and degree progress to make sure I am on track to graduate?
A: You can monitor your degree progress in Degree Works.

Q: What is Degree Works?
A: Degree Works is an online advising tool that helps students track their progress toward degree completion. It matches your completed, current, and future coursework to your degree requirements, presenting them in an easy-to-read worksheet. A Degree Works audit is a curriculum evaluation separated into different requirement blocks, such as general education, major, minor, concentration, and other graduation requirements. It acts like a checklist, automatically checking off requirements as they are completed.

Q: How do I access Degree Works?
A: To access Degree Works, log into Trailhead and select the ‘Degree Works’ card. Then, click on ‘View my degree audit’ and select ‘Degree Works’. For more instructions, please click here.

Q: How often is the information in Degree Works updated?
A: The information in Degree Works is refreshed every night. Any changes made (e.g., grade updates, course registration, or changes) will be visible in Degree Works the following day.

Q: When should I check Degree Works?
A: It is recommended to check Degree Works regularly:
– Before registering for the upcoming semester.
– After you register to ensure your courses count toward degree requirements.
– After grades are posted each semester.
– Any time changes are made to your schedule or major.

Q: Why are some of my courses listed under “Courses Not Applied”?
A: Courses may appear in the “Courses Not Applied” section for a variety of reasons. Generally, courses taken that are not listed as part of the curriculum in the graduate catalog will appear in the Courses Not Applied section.
– For Master’s Non-Thesis students, a Course Exception form will be need to be submitted for these courses for approval form the advisor and department head to allow for the course substitution, exception or waiver. The Course Exception form is also used if there are any transfer credits or double count credits, if combined program student, that will be used to substitute for course requirements. Once the Course Exception form has been approved, it is then processed by the Registrar’s Office and the changes will appear in the Degree Works audit. NOTE: Currently, the Course Exception form is only available for Master’s Non-Thesis students.
– For Certificate, Master’s Thesis, and PHD students a Degree Audit form needs to be submitted in order for the Degree Works Audit to be updated and show any courses taken that appear in the Courses Not Applied section of the degree evaluation. Note, thesis students must need to first submit an Advisor/Committee form prior to submitting the Degree Audit form.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my Degree Works audit?
A: If you believe there’s an error or discrepancy in your Degree Works audit, contact your academic advisor. They can review the audit with you, clarify misunderstood degree requirements, or reach out to the registrar’s office if there’s a mistake.

Q: What should I do if I have trouble using Degree Works?
A: If you’re having issues with Degree Works, try clearing your cache, logging out and back in, or using a different browser. If the problem persists, submit a ticket to the ITS HelpDesk for further assistance.

Q: What is a “What-If” audit?
A: A “What-If” audit allows you to explore how your courses would apply to different degree programs. You can select a different major, catalog term, or minor to see how your current coursework fits into those requirements. Note that “What-If” audits do not guarantee that you will be able to change your major. If you decide to change, contact the academic advisor for the new major for guidance.

Q: Can I save or print my “What-If” audit results?
A: “What-If” audits are not stored in Degree Works, but you can print a copy of your “What-If” results to show your advisor. Keep in mind that your advisor can only view your “What-If” audit if you go through the procedure together.

Q: Can Degree Works help me decide on a major or program?
A: Degree Works can help you evaluate how your current coursework fits into potential degree programs, but it is important to work with an academic advisor for guidance when considering a major change.

Q: Where do I find graduate student forms?
A: All graduate student forms can be found on the Deadlines and Forms page on the Graduate Studies website.

Q: How do I submit the graduate student forms?
A: Please use the “Click Here to Submit Form” button on the Deadlines and Forms page. All forms must be submitted with the necessary approvals as a single PDF document with the form. Note – if obtaining approval emails, please combine them with the form as one document.

Q: Where do I check the status of my form?
A: Depending on the form, you will see the changes in Degree Works degree evaluation. Students are only notified if there are issues or questions with the form or approvals, otherwise, submission indicates it will be processed.

Q: When can I graduate?
A: To graduate, you must submit all applicable form(s) and apply to graduate in Trailhead by the posted deadlines. Please see required form(s) and steps below.
(Note: Certificate students are not added to a Canvas checkout course and do not participate in a commencement ceremony.)

Submit Certificate Audit Form

• Students complete this form at least one semester prior to their certificate completion term, when they have finished and/or registered for all their courses
• For fall and spring graduation, the form is due on last day of priority registration for that term. Please see the Academic Calendar for exact date
• For August graduation, the form is due on March 1

Apply to Graduate in Trailhead

• Apply to graduate by the graduation application deadline.

Please see DEGREE WORKS and DEGREE EVALUATION above to make sure requirements are met and for OGS to complete graduation checkout.

Q: When can I graduate?
A: To graduate, you must  apply to graduate in Trailhead by the posted deadlines. Please see required steps below for graduation.

(Note: Non-thesis master’s degree students do not need to submit a degree audit form.)

Apply to Graduate in Trailhead

• Apply to graduate by the graduation application deadline.

Complete CANVAS Check-out Course

After applying to graduate in Trailhead, OGS will enroll students in a CANVAS Checkout Course.
(Note: this is not automatic nor on the same day as application. It will be done in batches by OGS as more students apply, so be looking for an email regarding the course.)

Students must do the following:

• Accept course invitation
• See DEGREE WORKS and DEGREE EVALUATION above to make sure requirements are met and for OGS to complete graduation checkout.
• Complete 100% of the course
• Complete course by 5:00 pm on Check-out Course Completion deadline

Q: When can I graduate?
A: To graduate, you must submit all applicable forms and apply to graduate in Trailhead by the posted deadlines. Please see required form(s) and steps below.

ALL thesis-based students must submit the Advisor/Committee form to the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) and have it approved prior to submitting the Degree Audit Form and/or the Admission to Candidacy Form (PHDs only). Thesis-based students who submit a Degree Audit form prior to submission of the Advisor/Committee form will have the Degree Audit form returned and if not re-submitted by the deadline, OGS will considered the form late, which could impact graduation.

Submit Degree Audit Form

• Students complete this form at least one semester prior to their graduation term, when they have finished and/or registered for all their courses
• Required for all students
• Required for every degree
• For fall and spring graduation, the form is due on last day of priority registration for that term. Please see the Academic Calendar for exact date
• For August graduation, the form is due on March 1

Register for Final Semester

Students must be registered for at least 1 (one) credit hour if:

• Using any campus resources (including working with an advisor)
• Defending a thesis
• Graduating (exceptions apply to students who check out early).

If a student is defending during the summer (mid-May to September)

• Must register for at least 1 (one) credit of research.

Complete CANVAS Check-out Course

Each term, students graduating will be enrolled in a CANVAS Checkout Course. You will receive an email invitation.

• For December graduation – course invitation will be emailed starting early August
• For May graduation – course invitation starting early December
• For August graduation – course invitation starting mid-April

Students must do the following:

• Accept course invitation
• See DEGREE WORKS and DEGREE EVALUATION above to make sure requirements are met and for OGS to complete graduation checkout.
• Complete 100% of the course by the Upload and Check-out Course Completion deadline
• If defending a thesis, download the Thesis Defense form within the Check-out Course!

Complete and Defend Thesis

• Review the Thesis Defense Rules and Thesis Writer’s Guide
• Take the Thesis Defense form from the Check-out Course to your defense.
• Submit Thesis Defense form signed by your committee to OGS after you pass your defense.

Upload Thesis for Final Format Review

• View Rules and Thesis Formatting

Complete Any Format Revisions Required by OGS

• You will receive a notice via the ProQuest ETD system with any necessary revisions and the deadline for completion.

Q: When can I graduate?
A: To graduate, you must submit all applicable forms and apply to graduate in Trailhead by the posted deadlines. Please see required form(s) and steps below.

ALL thesis-based students must submit the Advisor/Committee form to the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) and have it approved prior to submitting the Degree Audit Form and/or the Admission to Candidacy Form (PHDs only). Thesis-based students who submit a Degree Audit form prior to submission of the Advisor/Committee form will have the Degree Audit form returned and if not re-submitted by the deadline, OGS will considered the form late, which could impact graduation.

Submit Degree Audit Form

• Students complete this form at least one semester prior to their graduation term, when they have finished and/or registered for all their courses
• Required for all students
• Required for every degree
• For fall and spring graduation, the form is due on last day of priority registration for that term. Please see the Academic Calendar for exact date
• For August graduation, the form is due on March 1

In addition, PhD candidates must submit the Admission to Candidacy form after completing the PhD qualifying process.

Register for Final Semester

Students must be registered for at least 1 (one) credit hour if:

• Using any campus resources (including working with an advisor)
• Defending a thesis
• Graduating (exceptions apply to students who check out early).

If a student is defending during the summer (mid-May to September)

• Must register for at least 1 (one) credit of research.

Complete CANVAS Check-out Course

Each term, students graduating will be enrolled in a CANVAS Checkout Course. You will receive an email invitation.

• For December graduation – course invitation will be emailed starting early August
• For May graduation – course invitation starting early December
• For August graduation – course invitation starting mid-April

Students must do the following:

• Accept course invitation
• See DEGREE WORKS and DEGREE EVALUATION above to make sure requirements are met and for OGS to complete graduation checkout.
• Complete 100% of the course by the Upload and Check-out Course Completion deadline
• If defending a thesis, download the Thesis Defense form within the Check-out Course!

Complete and Defend Thesis

• Review the Thesis Defense Rules and Thesis Writer’s Guide
• Take the Thesis Defense form from the Check-out Course to your defense.
• Submit Thesis Defense form signed by your committee to OGS after you pass your defense.

Upload Thesis for Final Format Review

• View Rules and Thesis Formatting

Complete Any Format Revisions Required by OGS

• You will receive a notice via the ProQuest ETD system with any necessary revisions and the deadline for completion.

Q: Do students need to apply to graduate to participate in the commencement ceremony?
A: Yes. Students must apply by stated deadlines to walk in the appropriate ceremony.

Q: When are commencement ceremonies held?
A: Ceremonies take place in December and May.

Q: Can August graduates participate in a ceremony?
A: Yes. August graduates may walk in the December ceremony.

Q: Are students required to attend commencement?
A: Participating in the ceremony is optional, however, students eligible to graduate in December, May, or August are expected to attend their assigned ceremony.

Q: What if I can’t attend my assigned ceremony, can I come back and walk in a future ceremony?
A: Yes, exceptions to walking in a future ceremony other than the term the degree has been awarded may be requested by emailing commencement@mines.edu.

Q: What happens if a student misses the graduation application deadline?
A: They may not be allowed to walk in the commencement ceremony.

Q: Can August non-thesis students walk in the May ceremony?
A: Possibly. They may do so only if:

1. They have fewer than 6 credits left for summer,

2. They applied to graduate in May, and

3. They have consulted with the Mines Commencement Director and Office of Graduate Studies.

Q: Can thesis-based students participate before all requirements are done?
A: No. Thesis-based students must complete all degree requirements before participating.

Q: How do I get tickets and where do I order regalia?
A: Students that apply to graduate are added to TASSEL, a website used for managing commencement ceremonies. This is where students will RSVP, claim tickets, and confirm their name for the ceremony. Communication will be managed through this site regarding where to order regalia and other ceremony logistics.

Q: Are honors distinctions recognized at the graduation ceremony?
A: No. We do not recognize honors at the graduate student ceremony, as honors distinctions do not apply to graduate programs.

Q: Where should questions about commencement be directed?
A: To commencement@mines.edu. For additional information, click here.

Q: When are diplomas, certificates, transcripts, and letters of completion released?
A: Only after degrees are awarded and if the student has no outstanding obligations to the school.

Q: Can students with unsettled obligations receive documents?
A: No. Nothing will be released until all obligations are resolved.

Q: How do students request a Letter of Completion?
A: Early check-out students may request one from the Graduate Office, but it must be submitted at least four weeks before the ceremony.

Q: What if a student requests a Letter of Completion after the deadline?
A: It will not be accepted; the student must instead order their diploma or official transcripts.

Q: When will I receive my certificate or diploma after the degree is awarded?
A: Please see diploma information on Registrar’s Office website.

Q: How do I obtain my Colorado School of Mines transcripts?
A: See Ordering Transcripts.