Graduation Review Checklist
Use this checklist to help ensure you've done everything necessary to graduate, receive your diploma, and participate in Graduation ceremonies (including the optional Gies Convocation).
1. Register for Final Courses
Use Self-Service to register for your final courses required for your program.
2. Apply for a Reduced Course Load for International Students
Are you taking fewer than 8 credit hours in your final semester? Make sure you request a reduced course load in the iSTART system https://sunapsis.illinois.edu/to keep your F1 status. Click here for more information.
3. Apply to graduate through Self-Service
December Graduation Deadline: November 1, 2026
May Graduation Deadline: April 4, 2027
Notification of intent to graduate - a degree application is required for degree processing and conferral. Attending commencement and convocation ceremonies are optional and a separate process from the degree application and conferral of a degree. If you want to graduate, you have to notify the Gies College of Business by following the steps listed below.
Fall/Spring Graduate students need to apply to graduate the day before priority registration begins for the next term in order to be on the graduation list. Summer Graduate students need to apply to graduate the Friday before POT S2A ends in order to be on the graduation list
Self-Service Graduate Application Instructions
- Select "Apply to Graduate" from the Student Services card on the main menu in Self-Service
- Follow the instructions and complete application
- Update your diploma address in Self-Service
4. Add your Concentration (if applicable)
The deadline to add a concentration is Spring 2027 - April 3
Complete a Graduate College petition to add or remove a concentration to your degree:
Example:
“I am requesting a concentration in [name of concentration] for the [semester]. I have taken the following classes to fulfill the concentration requirements: [FIN xxx, FIN xxx, etc.]”
5. Review your DARS (degree audit reporting system) to Make Sure You Met All Degree Requirements
Keep the following in mind as you review https://registrar.illinois.edu/academic-records/dars-audit/ your DARS.
- Checkmark indicates that the requirement has been met
- “…” indicates that the requirement is in progress (either you're currently in the course or final grades have not posted)
- X box indicates that you have not completed the requirement indicated
- MSF program requires a 3.0 GPA minimum (cumulative and semesterly)
- Minimum of 40 credit hours
- If you took 580/585 MSF Academy, the audit states that the FIN 581 requirement will incorrectly state that it is not fulfilled – this will be rectified by the MSF office accordingly
- If you are an accelerated student, the MSF office will reconcile your FIN 501/FIN511 courses after you put your name on the degree list
If you run your DARS audit and have questions about completing a requirement, please email msf-advising@business.illinois.edu.
6. Celebrate with the Illinois Campus and Gies College Ceremonies
For information on the Gies College of Business ceremonies, please check https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/advancement/convocation.
Information about the campus-wide ceremony (spring only) can be found at https://commencement.illinois.edu/.
Please note that Gies College of Business has two ceremonies - one for the online programs and one for residential programs. Make sure to find the information for the appropriate ceremony (residential).
7. Order Your Regalia - Cap & Gown
Graduates must have custom University of Illinois regalia to participate in the ceremonies. (These are not automatically included when signing up for graduation.)
8. Apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) with STEM Extension for International Students
If you are an international student and would like to remain in the US post-graduation for employment, please contact ISSS to start the process.
9. Invite Guests from Overseas for International Students
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office has instructions on how to invite guests to visit and obtain a B-2 tourist visa.
10. Specialization Request
An email will be sent to you regarding specialization requests after you graduate.
Event Dates
Gies Convocation: December 18, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 pm @ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
University-wide Commencement: May of 2027 @ Gies Memorial Stadium
MSF Graduation Brunch (Details will be shared in the spring.)