We've collected on one page some key resources and commonly requested information to help you as you explore financial options and academic opportunities at the University of Mary..
If you still have questions, contact us using the information below, or e-mail us and we'll help where we can.
Contact us and we'll gladly help where we can.
Academic Calendar
The University of Mary operates on a
4-4-1 calendar, which divides the academic year into fall and spring semesters of 16 weeks each and an optional May Term.
During a semester, the student generally enrolls in a program of four courses, each carrying four semester hours of credit. Such a program provides ample time for the student to pursue each subject in depth.
During May Term, the student may enroll in a liberal arts course, engage in independent study, travel, or participate in an Area of Emphasis program. Alternative scheduling with five- to seven-week terms is utilized in some adult degree completion programs.
Class Attendance
The policy for class attendance is determined by individual faculty members. A student is responsible for any work missed and may be dropped from a class because of excessive absences upon request of the instructor and the approval of the vice president for academic affairs. If military deployment is eminent, refer to the policy below.
Final Examination
In the last week of the semester or term, final examinations are given at the times
indicated on the published schedule. Students should arrange to complete exams during the published times.
Students with three examinations on one day may request to take the last scheduled examination on another day. Such a request to reschedule must be presented to the instructor one week prior to the test day. The instructor will make arrangements for the student to be tested on another day.
Student Classification
Regular students are those who have been admitted with the expectation of becoming candidates for graduation.
Special students are those who have been admitted for special programs in non-degree status.
The classification of regular students is based on progress toward graduation as follows:
- Sophomore class standing is granted upon satisfacorily completing 30 hours.
- Junior class standing is granted upon satisfacorily completing 60 hours.
- Senior class standing is granted upon satisfacorily completing 90 hours.
Graduation Information and Application
Congratulations on achieving your goal! It is time to apply for graduation and obtain the diploma that you have earned.
The following items are mandatory:
Undergraduate degree recipients at all sites:
- Download and print the Program Review PDF. Take to advisor.
- Consult current advisor for an audit report to evaluate the degree plan for graduation eligibility.
- Upon eligibility, download and print the Diploma/Commencement PDF. Submit page one to the Office of the Registrar. Keep and read page two. Pay close attention to line items 6 and 7.
Master's and doctoral degree recipients at all sites:
- Download and print only the Diploma/Commencement PDF.
- Submit page to the Office of the Registrar. Keep and read page 2. Pay close attention to line items 6 and 7.
NOTE: To allow enough time to print all eligible graduate applicant names for the current term in the commencement program, it is mandatory that all applications be in the Office of the Registrar by April 1.
Please mail, fax, or e-mail page 1 of application to address below:
Office of the Registrar
Attn: Lonnie
7500 University Dr
Bismarck, ND 58504
701-255-7687
lonniep@umary.edu
Additional Graduation Information:
- Diploma/Commencement Procedures
1. Participants for Spring Commencement include:
- Fall semester graduates who complete requirements by Dec. 31 of current academic year
- Spring semester graduates who complete requirements by June 30 of current academic year
- Summer semester graduates who complete requirements by Aug. 31 of current academic year
2. Access the Graduation Application pdf.
3. December graduates must apply by April 1. Spring and summer graduates must apply by Dec. 1.
4. Bachelor's Degree Recipients: Submit diploma/commencement application to The Office of the Registrar. Meet/contact advisor to sign and date Program Review. See No. 6 and 7 below.
5. Graduate Degree Recipients: (master's, doctorates) Submit diploma/commencement application to The Office of the Registrar. See No. 6 and 7 below.
6. Fulfill your financial obligations with Student Accounts, including the $50 graduation processing fee. Please call Student Accounts Office at(701) 355-8143, or (701) 355-8082, or (800) 288-6279 and ask for Student Account Office, or e-mail staacts@umary.edu.
7. April 1 is the absolute deadline. The diploma/commencement application must be in the Office of the Registrar to ensure name and degree will be printed in the commencement program.
8. Notify graduation coordinator at lonniep@umary.edu if not attending commencement activities or with any change in mailing address.
9. The diploma and transcript will be mailed after grades have been posted, degree has been conferred by the registrar, and all financial obligations have been paid. For those not attending the ceremony, plaques and programs will also be mailed.
10. The University of Mary does not keep copies of diplomas. Replacements or extra diplomas may be ordered for a small fee. Contact lonniep@umary.edu.
11. Graduation attire is student's responsibility with exception of the doctoral and master's hoods. Hoods are provided by the University of Mary for commencement day. For 2010 attire information, contact:
Dave Cross
4023 State St.
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 516-2258
Fax: (701) 751-3488
E-Mail: dave.cross@balfour-rep.com
Download the Graduation Order Form
Graduation attire will be available at the following sites and times with Dave Cross, the Balfour representative:
- March 9, 2010: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bismarck Butler Center, 505 South 7th Street
- March 10, 2010: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Mary main campus, Chick's Place
- March 17, 2010: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fargo Butler Center, 1351 Page Drive
- April 6, 2010: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bismarck Butler Center, 505 South 7th Street
- April 7, 2010: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Mary main campus, Chick's Place
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- General Information and Times
General Graduation Information, 2009-2010
What: Baccalaureate Celebration
Who: All graduates and guests
When: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. CST (one hour in length)
Where: Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, Benedictine Center, South Campus.
Attire: Business casual.
What: Hooding Ceremonies
Who: Master's and doctorate degree recipients
When: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Where: Assigned Rooms at Civic Center. See Ceremony 2010.
Time: 12:30 p.m. CST (approximately one hour in length)
Tickets are not required for graduate and guests.
What: Commencement Ceremony
Who: Undergraduates, master's, and doctoral degree recipients
When: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Where: Bismarck Civic Center, 7th Street & Bowen Ave, (just north of Kirkwood Mall) See Ceremony 2010.
Time: 2 p.m. CST (approximately two hours in length)
Tickets are not required for graduate and guests.
Senior/Graduate Information:
Honors: Undergraduates only; 3.50 GPA and above; GPA established by the end of seventh semester is used for commencement purposes per University of Mary policy. Changes in GPA after final grades are reflected on diploma and transcript.
Honor Cords: Undergraduates only; available at the Bismarck Civic Center; See Ceremony 2010.
Hoods: Graduate students only; provided by University of Mary for the day; See Ceremony 2010.
Name Cards: Mandatory; provided by graduation coordinator in assigned rooms; See Ceremony 2010.
Announcements: Order online at www.CBgrad.com or call 1 (800) 433-0296.
Attire: Cap, gown and tassel are student's responsibility. University of Mary provides master's/doctoral hoods for the day. Contact for the attire:
Dave Cross
4023 State St.
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 516-2258
Fax: (701) 751-3488
E-Mail: dave.cross@balfour-rep.com
Download the Graduation Order Form
Graduation attire will be available at the following sites and times with Dave Cross, the Balfour representative:
- March 9, 2010: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bismarck Butler Center, 505 South 7th Street
- March 10, 2010: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Mary main campus, Chick's Place
- March 17, 2010: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fargo Butler Center, 1351 Page Drive
- April 6, 2010: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bismarck Butler Center, 505 South 7th Street
- April 7, 2010: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Mary main campus, Chick's Place
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Physical Assistance: If needed on the day of commencement, please call or e-mail the graduation coordinator by April 1 at (701) 355-8169 or e-mail lonniep@umary.edu.
Frames for Diplomas: Matted with logo; available at the University of Mary Bookstore, 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504; phone: (701) 355-8259; fax: (701) 255-7687; www.bookstore.umary.edu.
Lodging: See "Other Information and Tips" section.
Graduation Coordinator: lonniep@umary.edu.
- Other Information and Tips
Attire
Business casual and comfortable shoes.
Commencement Ceremony and Hooding Ceremony
The University of Mary strongly encourages all graduates to remain at their seats throughout each ceremony out of respect for fellow graduates and guests.
Parking
At Bismarck Civic Center free public parking offered in Lots A,B, C, or D. Parking lot E, southeast corner of building, reserved for faculty and honored guests. Handicap parking: Lot B, west side, 5th street. Free parking also available at Butler Center, South 7th St.
Photographs
Robert Knutson Photography will provide on-stage photo as each graduate meets President Father James Shea. Individual photos upon arrangement with photographer.
Diploma and Transcript
Mailed when all requirements of academic and financial obligations have been met. Plaques and commencement programs also mailed to graduates who do not attend ceremony.
Address Changes
E-mail lonniep@umary.edu with changes to mailing address.
Video and Camera
Equipment cannot be set up in designated handicap-accessible seating area, per Civic Center Authority. Please advise family and friends.
Graduation Attire
All students are responsible for own attire, except master's/doctoral hoods. University of Mary provides hoods for commencement day. For 2010 attire, contact:
Dave Cross
4023 State St.
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 516-2258
Fax: (701) 751-3488
E-Mail: dave.cross@balfour-rep.com
Download the Graduation Order Form
Graduation attire will be available at the following sites and times with Dave Cross, the Balfour representative:
- March 9, 2010: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bismarck Butler Center, 505 South 7th Street
- March 10, 2010: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Mary main campus, Chick's Place
- March 17, 2010: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fargo Butler Center, 1351 Page Drive
- April 6, 2010: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Bismarck Butler Center, 505 South 7th Street
- April 7, 2010: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University of Mary main campus, Chick's Place
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Announcements
Online purchase: www.CBgrad.com or call 1 (800) 433-0296.
Physical Assistance
If needed, please call graduation coordinator by April 1 at (701) 355-8169 or e-mail lonniep@umary.edu.
Motel Accommodations
Visit http://www.2chambers.com/bismarck.htm for motels closest to Bismarck Civic Center.
2010 Graduation Ceremony Information
Rights of Access To and Privacy of Student Records
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the release of personally identifiable information, other than directory information, is made only upon written request of the student. The University of Mary defines the following as directory information:
- Name
- Local address and phone number
- Permanent address and phone number
- Full-time/part-time status
- Major field of study
- Dates of attendance
- Degree awarded
- Academic year
A student who does not wish to be included in the directory may obtain the necessary form from the Office of the Registrar. If a student receives an honor or recognition at the University of Mary, the Office of Public Affairs will routinely release the names of the student and his or her parents to the media unless requested not to do so.
A student, by appointment, may view his or her academic records in the Office of the Registrar.
Parents or guardians of students who are dependents have the same rights regarding information as the student.
For more information, contact Academic Affairs or e-mail: acaffair@umary.edu.
Military: Benefits Contacts, Deployment Policy
Students who will be using military educational benefits with Montgomery GI Bill should contact certifying official
lonniep@umary.edu.
Students who will be using state military tuition assistance should contact cthorson@umary.edu.
Deployment Policy
A student who is called to active military duty should promptly notify the Office of the Registrar (written or orally) of his or her military orders, including the departure date, to begin the withdrawal process.
If the student withdraws before 75 percent of the semester has elapsed, the student will receive a full refund of tuition and fess without credit or grades being posted. A grade of "W" will be recorded on the student's transcript.
If the student withdraws after 75 percent of the semester has elapsed, the student will receive full credit with grades earned at the time of withdrawal. If a course relies on a final project and/or examination to determine satisfactory performance, no credit will be granted until all required work is completed.
Students taking online courses may continue to be enrolled in those classes if it is possible and Internet is accessible.
Students wanting to complete their courses via independent study may do so withe the consent of their instructor(s).
Students living in residence halls and/or with a meal contract will be refunded all remaining room and board costs.
The University of Mary will comply with the HEROES Act of 2003 to ensure that service members who are receiving federal student aid are not adversely affected because of their military status.
Revised: September 22, 2008
Standards of Academic Progress
To be eligible for Title IV aid, a student must make satisfactory academic progress. The receipt of financial aid and progress toward attaining a degree go hand in hand. All federal, state and institutional aid programs (loans, grants, workstudy and scholarships) are covered by this policy. A complete copy of the University of Mary Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Assistance can be obtained in the Office of Financial Assistance.
Quantitative Standard
- First year undergraduate (0-29 credits earned) must maintain a 1.8 cumulative GPA.
- Second year undergraduates and beyond (30 + credits earned) must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Qualitative Standard
- All grade levels (undergraduate and graduate) must successfully complete at least 67 percent of all attempted credits.
- Obtain a first bachelorŐs degree within 192 attempted credits.
Students who do not meet the quantitative or qualitative standards set forth may be placed on financial aid probation or suspended from receiving additional financial aid.
Right to Appeal
Students who have had their financial assistance suspended due to unsatisfactory progress may appeal to the Financial Assistance Office, Attn: Financial Assistance Director, 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504.
The appeal must be in writing and submitted within 30 days of the studentŐs notification.
Withdrawing from the University
If you withdraw from the University of Mary, your outstanding loans will immediately go into repayment or the countdown on your grace period will begin. You may be required to repay a portion of the financial aid already disbursed to you. The amount of aid that you are eligible to keep or receive will be determined by federal regulations. A copy of the University of MaryŐs policy regarding financial aid for withdrawing students can be obtained in the Financial Assistance Office.
Return of Title IV Assistance
A student who has received financial assistance funds and who withdraws, is dismissed, or expelled, may need to repay some or all of the award funds that they have received. The amount of Title IV assistance earned is calculated based on the number of days completed in the enrollment period. The percentage is then applied to the assistance received to determine the amount of aid earned. The amount is then subtracted from the total amount of Title IV assistance received and the difference must be returned to the appropriate financial programs. A student who withdraws after the 60 percent point in the semester is considered to have earned 100 percent of their Title IV assistance and no return of funds is required.
Treatment of Aid and Refunds When a Student Withdraws
Federal regulation specifies how the University of Mary must determine the amount of federal aid that a student earns if they withdraw from school. Both federal and state programs apply to these regulations.
When a student withdraws during a payment period, the amount of assistance they earn is determined by a specific formula. If a student receives (or the parent or university receives on the studentŐs behalf) less assistance than the amount earned, a post-withdrawal disbursement might be due to the student. If more assistance is received than what the formula determines is earned, then the excess funds must be returned by the student.
The amount of assistance that a student earns is determined on a pro-rata basis. Once a student has completed at least 60 percent of the payment period, then all the assistance received is considered earned and no return of funds is required. All institutional assistance is also prorated on the same basis.
If a student does not receive all of the funds that they earned, they may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, the student may choose to decline the loan funds so that they donŐt incur additional debt. The University of Mary will use all or a portion of the studentŐs post-withdrawal disbursement to cover tuition, fees, room, board or other charges.
If a student receives excess funds that must be returned, the University of Mary will return the entire amount of the excess funds. Regardless of the determination of the Return of Title IV calculations, the student may still have an unpaid account balance for institutional charges for which they will be responsible. The Student Account Office policy reflects the requirements for the federal and state programs. All tuition, fees and other charges will be prorated in the same manner.
Any questions regarding the University of MaryŐs refund policy or federal requirements can be directed to the Financial Assistance Office at 701-255-7500.
