BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS
Category: Academic Affairs
Process Page ID: I:04:P1
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Registrar’s Office (Undergraduate) • Graduate School (Graduate)
Date Posted to Directory: (to be determined)
Provide a single, university-wide process for applying to graduate and conferring degrees for undergraduate and graduate students at Buffalo State University.
All candidates for baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Program- or college-specific requirements may add steps; in case of conflict, this process page describes the baseline university process.
Graduation occurs in two parts:
Application – The student applies for graduation by the published deadline for the intended term.
Conferral – After the term ends and requirements are verified, the degree is awarded (conferred) and posted to the transcript.
Commencement ceremonies are related but separate from degree conferral and may occur before or after degrees are posted.
Check Degree Works to confirm progress toward the degree and consult your advisor if any items are unmet.
Submit Graduation Application in Banner Self-Service for the intended conferral term by the posted deadline.
Resolve Holds and Requirements – Complete all remaining degree requirements, including minimum 120 credits, 45 upper-division, 30 residency credits, general education, and program requirements. Resolve any grades of I/IP/N/X.
Name & Address Verification – Confirm your diploma name and mailing address in Banner; update before the end of the term.
Degree Audit – After grades post, the Registrar completes final audits. If requirements are met, the degree is conferred and posted to the transcript.
Diploma Issuance – Diplomas are mailed to the address on file; outstanding financial obligations may delay release.
If Not Completed – If you do not finish in the applied term, re-apply for graduation in the future term when requirements will be completed.
Consult Program Director and review Degree Works for program and university minima (e.g., 3.0 GPA; 15 credits at 600/700 level; six-year time limit).
Submit Application for Graduation via the Graduate School process by the deadline for the intended conferral term.
Complete All Registered Work – Finish all degree requirements and resolve grades of I/IP/N/X; ensure approved transfer credit is posted from official transcripts.
Thesis/Project Submission (if required) – Submit the final thesis to the institutional repository per Graduate School instructions before conferral.
Final Audit & Conferral – Graduate School and Registrar verify completion and post the degree to the transcript.
Re-Apply if Needed – Students not completing in the applied term must submit a new graduation application for a future term.
Conferral Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer (some programs may also recognize Winter).
Application Deadlines: Posted each term by the Registrar (undergraduate) and Graduate School (graduate). Late applications may delay conferral and/or Commencement listing.
Processing Time: Degree posting occurs after grades are finalized and audits are complete.
Students – Apply on time, complete all requirements, resolve holds, and verify diploma details.
Advisors/Program Directors – Guide students and verify program completion.
Registrar’s Office – Manage undergraduate applications, conduct audits, confer undergraduate degrees, and issue diplomas.
Graduate School – Manage graduate applications, conduct audits, clear theses, confer graduate degrees in coordination with the Registrar.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements (Policy I:04:00)
Master’s Degree Requirements (Policy I:04:03)
Alternative Credit & Transfer Evaluation (Policy E:04:01)
Undergraduate & Graduate Catalogs
Registrar’s Office (Undergraduate)
Buffalo State University
Phone: (716) 878-4811 • Email: registrar@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://registrar.buffalostate.edu
Graduate School (Graduate)
Buffalo State University
Phone: (716) 878-5601 • Email: gradschool@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://graduateschool.buffalostate.edu
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | Initial process page created and referenced by I:04:00 and I:04:03. |
This is an administrative process page. Approval recorded with the companion policies upon Cabinet action.
