Navigating Your UMass Amherst Diploma: A Comprehensive Guide

Earning a degree from UMass Amherst is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. This guide provides essential information about the UMass Amherst diploma, covering everything from submission deadlines and commencement ceremonies to diploma details and framing options. It aims to equip graduates with the knowledge needed to navigate the final steps of their academic journey and celebrate their success.

Important Deadlines and Requirements

To successfully complete a master’s or doctoral degree at UMass Amherst, students must adhere to specific requirements, deadlines, and formatting guidelines. The University confers degrees three times a year: in February, May, and September. Submission deadlines for all requirements are published in the Graduate School's Academic Calendar. It is crucial to note that the Online Degree Eligibility Form must be submitted in SPIRE at least two weeks prior to the final degree deadline.

Students must satisfy all academic requirements and resolve any outstanding university obligations, including fees and holds, within six weeks of the official degree date. These deadlines are absolute, and no exceptions are made. All online submissions, forms, and fees are required to be submitted before the specified deadline date.

Commencement Ceremony

The annual university Commencement ceremony takes place at the end of the spring semester; the exact date is published in the University Calendar and in the Academic Calendar. This celebratory event is held outdoors at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, where degrees are conferred, the UMass Wind Ensemble performs, and university leaders, the student speaker, and the keynote speakers present their remarks.

Master's degree candidates may attend Commencement if they have submitted the Degree Eligibility Form by the April deadline, completed thesis and program examination requirements, and anticipate completing all courses by the end of the spring semester. Doctoral candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the April deadline to participate in the ceremony.

Read also: Applying to UMass Amherst

Tassel Platform

UMass Amherst utilizes Tassel, an online platform, to manage several functions related to Commencement and senior recognition ceremonies.

Ceremony Registration: Graduates are responsible for logging into Tassel and registering for each ceremony they plan to attend, including the main undergraduate ceremony.
Name Reading and Pronunciation: Graduates must verify the correct pronunciation of their name on Tassel so that it will be read aloud and displayed correctly as they cross the stage at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and senior recognition ceremonies. Note that graduates are recognized collectively by the school and college at the main ceremony, not individually.
Securing Guest Tickets: Graduates are also responsible for indicating the number of guest tickets they require, up to the specified allotment per student for the senior recognition ceremonies they are attending. Registration for ceremonies and guest tickets occurs through Tassel.

The deadline to register in Tassel is April 12 for the Commonwealth Honors College Celebration of Excellence and April 18 for all other undergraduate ceremonies.

Additional Information

Diplomas are not distributed during Commencement ceremonies. Students with a FERPA privacy flag on their SPIRE account will not have their names printed in the Commencement program or on any Commencement-related material. If a student wishes to have their name included, they must request that the flag be removed by March 14 by completing a Request for Privacy form with the University Registrar.

Each summer, the Office of News and Media Relations sends press releases about in-state graduates to Massachusetts hometown newspapers. The Office of Community Relations and University Events also provides letters of support for undergraduate students who wish to have family members living abroad attend Commencement ceremonies. To receive a letter of support, a Visa Request Form needs to be filled out.

Diploma Details

Regulatory compliance requires the University to report graduates to the National Student Clearinghouse no later than six weeks from the official degree conferral date. The Graduate Student Service Center staff have six weeks from the official degree date to clear all students for graduation.

Read also: UMass Amherst Success Stories

Graduates can view and update their diploma name and address from their Student Center in SPIRE, selecting Academics Tile > Graduation > Diploma preferences. If access to SPIRE is no longer available, a written letter including the graduate's name, student ID or social security number, date of graduation, the name to be printed on the diploma, and their signature can be sent to the appropriate address.

Diploma Frames and Accessories

UMass Amherst offers exquisitely constructed diploma frames that are precision-crafted to conform to the institution’s unique aesthetics. The frames showcase archival-quality maroon and gold matting with the UMass Amherst logo and word marks ornately embossed in gold. These frames serve as a testament to years of academic dedication and achievement.

Each high-quality UMass Amherst frame is officially licensed and proudly custom-built in the United States, ensuring it remains a cherished keepsake. Additional accessories include easy-to-install level framing hardware and diploma assembly instructions.

Customization and Options

UMass Amherst diploma frames are constructed by hand with eco-friendly hardwoods, high-quality matting and backing materials, and protective glass options. There's no need to worry about any dirt, stains, or yellowing when your precious UMass Amherst diploma is stored safely inside a frame.

A variety of frames are available to fit different styles and degree types, from undergraduate to doctorate degrees. Frames can be customized to your liking, allowing graduates to showcase their school spirit and achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions About UMass Amherst Gifts

Can I frame multiple UMass Amherst graduate degrees?
Yes! The UMass Double Diploma frame is a popular option for graduates who want to store two degrees, certificates, or photographs in one frame. Alternatively, multiple diploma frames can be customized to create a gallery wall.
What gift should I purchase for my UMass Amherst psychology graduate?
A custom-built frame to display their cherished degree makes an excellent gift. UMass diploma frames can be great additions to community waiting rooms, frequented hallways, and personal office spaces.
What kind of wood is my Amherst graduation frame made with?
Each UMass Amherst diploma frame is produced using renewable woods that are grown and harvested using sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Customizable frames offer eco-friendly hardwood mouldings as well as select 100% recycled wood moulding options.
I graduated from UMass cum laude. Can I frame my graduation honors?
Yes! UMass diploma frames are available with special shadow boxes where you can store graduation memorabilia like honors medals, a UMass Amherst graduation stole, or graduation cap tassel.
Do your frames feature the UMass Amherst logo?
Yes! Frames proudly feature the official school seal, logo, name, and UMass Amherst colors.
Do you offer any University of Massachusetts Amherst diploma frames with expedited shipping?
Yes! Select Fast-Ship diploma frames are available for University of Massachusetts Amherst graduates, ready to ship within 2-3 business days of your order.

Additional Graduation Memories

Graduates will never forget the fall foliage along the Connecticut River, food and carnival games at UFest, rubbing the Minuteman Statue's foot for good luck, and tailgating at Homecoming along the MinuteFan Way. Commemorate those memories and celebrate your UMass Amherst graduation by browsing an array of college diploma frames and desk accessories featuring engraved school seal medallions and the classic Minuteman maroon.

The UMass store also features shadow boxes and photo frames to store UMass Amherst graduation photos, and practical desk accessories.

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