Frequently Asked Questions

Commencement | General | Graduation | Readmission

Commencement

Who is eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony?
All degree candidates who have a pending application for degree in the Registrar’s Office are eligible to participate in the ceremony held for their graduation term. The commencement ceremony for Spring candidates is held in May. Summer graduates and Fall candidates participate in the December ceremony.

How do I get information about the graduation ceremonies events?
Instructions and information for the ceremony will be posted on the Registrar’s Website during the term that the commencement will be held.

Are tickets required for guest to the commencement ceremony?
No and there is not a limit to the number of guests you may have for the ceremony.

What if a candidate needs special accommodations?
Candidates need to inform the Registrar’s Office by phone at (251) 460-6251 or by email at graduation@southalabama.edu if special accommodations need to be made at least two weeks in advance of the ceremony.

Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
The cap and gown can be picked up from the University Bookstore Tuesday - Thursday of the week of commencement or in the HPE building the morning of commencement ceremony. Return the cap and gown to the University representative after the ceremony in the appropriate room in the HPE Building.

May I keep my tassel or honor cord?
Yes, you may keep these items.

Are diplomas presented at the commencement ceremony?
Only Ph. D., M.D., and professional level candidates receive their diploma on the stage during the ceremony. All other candidates are presented with diploma covers during the ceremony and their diplomas will be mailed approximately four to six weeks after the end of the term.

How do I get my diploma if it is not presented during the commencement ceremony?
It is necessary that the Diploma Mailing Form be postmarked and returned by the deadline. This form is available on the Registrar’s Office website. After the deadline, the form will not be available on the website and you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office by phone at (251-460-6251) or by email at (graduation@southalabama.edu). If there are changes after the form has been submitted you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office (251-460-6251) for instructions.

What if I need to …

order a duplicate diploma?
You will need to complete the Duplicate Diploma Order Form, pay the $25.00 fee at the Office of Student Accounting, Suite 1300, Meisler Hall and send the form to the University of South Alabama, Registrar’s Office, 390 Alumni Circle, Suite 1100, Meisler Hall, Mobile, AL 36688 .

replace the original because it was damaged?
You will need to complete the Duplicate Diploma Order Form, pay the $25.00 fee at the Office of Student Accounting and send the form and the original diploma to the University of South Alabama, Registrar’s Office, 390 Alumni Circle, Suite 1100, Meisler Hall, Mobile, AL 36688.

see why I have not received my diploma?
You will need to contact our office at 251-460-6251 or by email at graduation@southalabama.edu.

get a notarized copy of my diploma?
You will need to contact our office at 251-460-6251 or by email at graduation@southalabama.edu.

What if I have additional questions?
Contact the Office of the Registrar, Graduation Area, Meisler Hall, Suite 1100, call our office at 251-460-6251, option 4, or email our office at graduation@southalabama.edu.

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General

How do I change my major (program)?
A student may obtain a “Declaration/Change of Undergraduate College/Major/Minor/Concentration” form in the college/department OR from the Registrar’s Office. Complete the form, take it to “current” department, obtain the counseling file, and hand-carry form and file to the “new” department. The new department will assign an advisor and make the requested change.

How to do a "What-If" Degree Audit?
Go to PAWS and Click "Enter Secure Area"
Enter your PAWS login information and click "Login"
Click "Student Services & Financial Aid"
Click "Student Records"
Click "Degree Evaluation"
Select a Term and click "Submit"
At bottom of screen, Click "What-If Analysis"
Select Entry Term and click "Continue"
Select Program and click "Continue"
Click "Submit"
Click "Generate Request"
Select General Requirements, Detail Requirements, or Additional Information and click "Submit"

How do I apply for academic bankruptcy”?
After an absence of a least one or more calendar years, a USA student may be eligible to declare Academic Bankruptcy. The student must first complete a readmission application and be accepted to the University. The Academic Bankruptcy form must be completed and signed in the Office of the Registrar. Dean’s office approval is required. For additional information, you may call 251-460-6251.

How can I prevent my personal information from being released without my permission?
A student has the right to request that the University not release public information. To request non-disclosure of directory information, students must complete a “Request to Prevent Disclosure” of Directory Information” form in the Registrar’s Office. This request is valid until the student notifies the Registrar through a written request to remove the non-disclosure flag.
For additional information go to http//:www.southalabama.edu/ferpa.pdf

How do I request in-state or service area residency reclassification?
You may obtain the application and information brochure at the Registrar’s Office OR you may obtain the application at www.southalabama.edu/registrar/residency. The application and all documentation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline listed on the application.

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Graduation

When do I apply for graduation?
You must apply for graduation by the deadline published in the University Bulletin (catalog), the Schedule of Classes and on the Registrar’s Office website. This deadline is two terms before you expect to complete all degree requirements. NOTE: You should apply for the term you will actually complete ALL degree requirements because you will be blocked from registration for any subsequent terms.

How do I apply for graduation?
The Application for Graduation is available in the Registrar’s Office, Meisler Hall, Suite 1100, Mobile, AL 36688, or online at http://www.southalabama.edu/registrar/gradappinstruct.htm.

Are there any fees that I need to pay for graduation?
The application fee is $50.00. This fee is paid through the Office of Student Accounting (Meisler Hall, Suite 1300). If your application has run more than two terms you will need to complete a reapplication for graduation and pay the $25.00 fee.

What happens after I apply?
Before advising for your last term your college will provide you with a check sheet listing your remaining requirements.

If I change my major, minor or concentration, do I need to tell the Registrar’s Office?
Yes, if you change your major, minor or concentration you must notify the
Registrar’s Office. You will need to complete a Change of Program Form in your department. You will receive a new check sheet from your college evaluating your revised information.

When and how will I get information regarding the commencement ceremony?
Information concerning the commencement ceremony is posted on the Registrar’s Office Website. You should check this site often for information and updates.

Are diplomas presented at the commencement ceremony?
Only Ph. D., M.D., and professional level candidates receive their diploma on the stage during the ceremony. All other candidates are presented with a diploma covers during the ceremony and diplomas will be mailed approximately four to six weeks after the end of the term.

How do I get my diploma if it is not presented during the commencement ceremony?
It is necessary that the Diploma Mailing Form be postmarked and returned by the deadline. This form is available on the Registrar’s Office Website. After the deadline, the form will not be available on the website and you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office by phone at (251-460-6251) or by email at (graduation@southalabama.edu). If there are changes after the form has been submitted you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office (251-460-6251) for instructions.

What if I need to …

order a duplicate diploma?
You will need to complete the Duplicate Diploma Order Form, pay the $25.00 fee at the Office of Student Accounting, Suite 1300, Meisler Hall and send the form to the University of South Alabama, Registrar’s Office, 390 Alumni Circle, Suite 1100, Meisler Hall, Mobile, AL 36688 .

replace the original because it was damaged?
You will need to complete the Duplicate Diploma Order Form, pay the $25.00 fee at the Office of Student Accounting and send the form and the original diploma to the University of South Alabama, Registrar’s Office, 390 Alumni Circle, Suite 1100, Meisler Hall, Mobile, AL 36688.

see why I have not received my diploma?
You will need to contact our office at 251-460-6251 or by email at graduation@southalabama.edu.

get a notarized copy of my diploma?
You will need to contact our office at 251-460-6251 or by email at graduation@southalabama.edu.

What if I have additional questions?
Contact the Office of the Registrar, Graduation Area, Meisler Hall, Suite 1100, call our office at 251-460-6251 or email our office at graduation@southalabama.edu.

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Readmission

When is readmission required?
Former students (previously enrolled at the University of South Alabama) who have not attended USA for one regular term(excluding summer) are required to apply for readmission, i.e., complete a graduate or undergraduate readmission application.

Readmission is not required for students enrolled Spring Semester but not Summer Term. Exception: Transient students need to complete a readmission application and submit a transient approval for each term.

How do I know if I am eligible to return?
Eligibility information is confidential so identifying information will be required prior to discussing eligibility.

Contact us via the Readmission/PAWS Help Line: (251) 460-6215 or by email at registrar@southalabama.edu

Do I need to submit transcripts?
If you have attended another institution since last enrolled at USA, then official transcripts must be mailed from the institution to University of South Alabama Registrar’s Office, 390 Alumni Circle, Suite 1100, Meisler Hall, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002.

Please note The Univeristy of South Alabama is a member of the National Student Clearinghouse. Our offices utilize the clearinghouse services to verify enrollment on prospective and returning students. It is required to accurately list all institutions attended before and after enrolling at USA.

How will I know if I have been readmitted?
A decision letter is mailed notifying you of your readmission status. You may also check PAWS for a Registration Time Ticket. If your application is received during Late Registration (Drop/Add), you will be notified via your JagMail Email account.

What is a Registration Time Ticket?
This is your assigned time frame for registration. Registration appointments are no longer mailed and are only available on PAWS.

What is PAWS?
PAWS is USA’s Personal Access Web System [http://paws.southalabama.edu]

How do I register if I am a returning student?
All registration and schedule adjustment is done on PAWS. For registration instructions go to http://www.southalabama.edu/registrar/reginstructions.htm.

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