UMW holds commencement annually in May. The date for the degree awarded is the conclusion of the summer, fall or spring terms in which all the degree requirements were completed. The student is cleared for the degree award and the degree is posted on the official transcript at the conclusion of the summer, fall or spring terms in which all degree requirements were completed and all other obligations to the university have been met. Students submit degree applications during the second semester of the junior year. A student who requires no more than one course (up to a maximum of 4 credits) for graduation or faces extraordinary circumstances and plans to complete the degree requirement following commencement may petition the Office of the Registrar for special consideration to participate in the commencement ceremony no later than the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding commencement for special consideration to participate in the commencement ceremony.