What are the requirements to graduate?
The graduation requirements for each LL.M. program are determined by the Faculty and are set out in the Law School Bulletin and the International and Foreign Programs Viewbook. You must complete 24 credits at the School of Law and maintain a grade point average of at least 2.5. Each program has certain required courses that you must complete (unless they have been waived by the Faculty Chair.) In some of the programs, you must also complete a Masters Thesis. If you have any questions about the requirements for your program, please consult with the Program Director.
How do I apply to graduate?
You must apply to graduate with the Registrar of the School of Law. You can do this either by completing a form via the EASY system (up until a certain date which is usually about the first month of the semester) or by filling out a form in the Registrar's office. On this form you will indicate when you plan to graduate, if you intend to participate in the Hooding Ceremony, and the address to which you want your diploma sent.
Please note that the Law School graduates students three times a year, at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters. If you apply to graduate at one time, and then due to incomplete coursework (or other reasons) you are not able to graduate, you will be deleted from the graduation list. You must then apply again to graduate when you are ready.
In addition to the form in the Registrar's office, the Office of International and Foreign Programs has a separate form where you can list your full name and former law degrees. This form assists us in ensuring that your information is correct on your diploma and in the program for the Hooding Ceremonies.
What is the process by which my graduation is approved, and my final transcript and diploma issued?
If you have applied for graduation, once all of your grades for your final semester are submitted, the Registrar forward to the Program Director a transcript. The Program Director will approve the transcript for graduation if all of the requirements for graduation have been satisfied.
Once approved, the transcript will indicate that your degree has been conferred. In order to get an official transcript, you must order a copy from the University Registrar. You can do this online by visiting the web page or by faxing your request to (305) 284-6293.
Several months following graduation, your diploma will be printed. It will be sent to you at the address you indicate on your application for graduation. Many students do not get their diplomas because they move without updating this address, so please notify the Registrar of any address changes.
How do I participate in the Hooding Ceremony?
The Law School sponsors two Hooding Ceremonies-on the Sunday in December following the conclusion of examinations, and on the Sunday in May following the conclusion of examinations. The Ceremony is held in the Convocation Center on the UM Campus. The Law School hosts a reception for the graduates and their families on the Bricks on the Saturday evening preceding the Hooding Ceremony. Coordination of all aspects of graduation, including arranging for your cap and gown, the graduation rehearsal, the invitations for all festivities, is coordinated through the Dean of Students Office.
On the Friday night before the Hooding Ceremony, the Office of International and Foreign Programs organizes a dinner for graduating LL.M. students. Please contact the Director for more information.