Graduation Information

Declaration of Graduation (DOG)

Acronym (ak' r? nim') n . A word formed from the first (or first few) letters of a series of words (Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, 1988).

Before explaining the Declaration of Graduation (DOG), it's only fitting that there be a brief discussion about how ASU consistently uses acronyms. You will hear academic advisors and others talking in university lingo, i.e., acronyms. This is not a secret code. Perhaps it's just a way to communicate without having to use too many words. Therefore, you will need to use your DARS to create your DOG.

As students approach their senior year (87th hour), the university requires that a DOG be on file with the Graduation Office. Students use this form to declare their specific degree program and catalog year. In some instances, students will also declare a minor on this form. This form must be completed by you and your academic advisor. When you sign the DOG, you are telling your department and the Graduation Office that you have reviewed your Degree Audit and that you understand the courses and specific requirements needed to complete your degree program. When you apply for graduation, the Graduation Office will use the information from your DOG to confirm that you are on track for graduation.

Students who do not file a DOG by their 87th hour will be blocked from course registration. Therefore, it is important to meet with your academic advisor and complete this form to avoid registration problems.

Applying for Graduation

Once you have filed your DOG (after reviewing your DARS), you are still required to apply for graduation during the last semester of your degree program. Hopefully by now, this progression to graduation is making sense, right?

Visit the Graduation Office website for details on applying. As part of your graduation application, you will be asked to complete an exit survey. As an IE student, you should be well aware of the fact that the world (including ASU) is driven by data! If you apply for graduation by the posted deadlines, your name will be included in the official commencement program. Please note that students graduating in Summer will have their names printed in the Fall commencement program.