University of Southern Maine

Destination Graduation

Congratulations! Just a few more steps and you are done with your degree and officially graduated. Please check out the Graduation Checklist below to be sure you have done everything that is needed.

Graduation is NOT automatic. You must file an Application for Degree form with the Registrar.

Commencement Ceremony: USM has one ceremony a year which is held in May. Anyone who has applied for graduation (May or August) or graduated since the last ceremony (December) will be sent information about Commencement. The ceremony, which takes place at the Cumberland County Civic Center, 10 Civic Square, Portland, Maine and begins 9:00 a.m. (usually goes until noon). No tickets are required and ample open seating is available (we recommend that guests arrive early for the best choice of seats). Parking is available at the nearby Spring Street Parking Garage and other lots in the area. Carpooling is encouraged as nearby lots will fill up quickly. If you have any questions about Commencement, please feel free to contact the Registrar's Office at (207) 780-5230.

Graduation Checklist: File an Application for Degree form by March 1st. Late applications are acceptable, but your name may not appear in the commencement booklet.

• Once grades are posted for your final semester, your file will be evaluated certify you for graduation.
• Your internship instructor should have all of your internship materials and your site supervisor final evaluation(s).
• Make sure all library fines, parking fees are paid.
• Get a free copy of your Immunization Record from University Health Services
• Complete a news release for your hometown newspaper. USM Career Services will send it to the publication of your choice once you have provided them with contact information.
• Contact the Alumni Office by calling (207) 780-4110 or email alum@usm.maine.edu for information on Alumni benefits.
• Pick up FREE Cap and Gown in bookstore two weeks prior to Commencement.
• Commencement Location: Cumberland County Civic Center
• If you previously had a USM e-mail address, remember it will be discontinued within one month after graduation.

Click here to view the Certification in School Psychology (CSPSP) Checklist)

Click here to view information about the Nationally Certified School Psychologist Certificate (NCSP)

School Psychology Certification Checklist for School Psychology Graduates:

• Apply for school psychology certification. We recommend you visit the Department of Education's web site at http://www.state.me.us/education/cert/cert.htm for application information.
• Once approved for graduation, we will forward a letter of recommendation to Maine’s Certification Office (a copy will also be sent to you).
• You then must contact the Registrar's Office to have a copy of your official transcript (with degree posted) forwarded to the Maine's Certification Office.
• The Certification Office does not need your NCSP scores for your first (initial) certificate. You will have 2 years to obtain the NCSP and you will need to provide a copy of it to the Certification Office when you renew your certificate. 

If you have any questions, please contact Rose Mahoney, in 407 Bailey, (207) 780-5220 or rmahoney@usm.maine.edu.

Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) Checklist:

Go to the National School Psychology Certification Board  website for application information and to download the application for graduates of NASP-approved programs.

• Once you have received your degree you are eligible to apply for the NCSP.
• You then must contact the Registrar's Office to have a copy of your official transcript (with degree posted) forwarded to the NCSP board.
• Your scores from the NCSP (Praxis II: 400) exam must be sent directly to the NCSP Board.
• Complete the NCSP application and get the appropriate supervisors to sign it.  You will need signatures from both your University and field-based supervisors for both your practicum and internship.
• Send the form and the required application fee to the NCSP Board.

If you have any questions, please contact Rose Mahoney, in 407 Bailey Hall, (207) 780-5220 or rmahoney@usm.maine.edu.