Degree Completion, Graduation and Commencement
Degree Completion
Degrees are awarded at the end of each semester and at the end of the summer session. In order to qualify for a diploma, a student must (1) file an application to graduate, (2) complete all course requirements of a degree program, (3) have on file in the Graduate Records Office positive results of an exit requirement completed by the last day of classes in the graduating term, (4) turn in the thesis (if a thesis is a program requirement), and (5) satisfy all other program requirements such as internship, practicum, or foreign language requirements where appropriate. The date of a degree shall be the end of the semester or summer session in which the Graduate Records Office is able to document all of the above.
The Graduate Records Office will clear for graduation those students who have completed course requirements or who are registered in final courses and who have on file the items listed above. Clearance for graduation consists of formal notification to the student and academic unit that, with the recording of grades for certain stipulated courses and maintenance of appropriate grade-point average, a student is entitled to a diploma.
Students should refer to the Graduation Policy to view the requirements for earning a master's degree, second major, transfer credit, specialist degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional programs.
Graduation
Every student must apply for graduation in order to graduate, regardless of whether you wish to participate in commencement (graduation ceremony) or not. Graduation information is available in the Registrar's Office as well as in the graduation application instructions.
Commencement
The University holds Commencement exercises each fall and spring term. A student must have completed all requirements for a degree or must be enrolled in courses which will complete degree requirements in order to participate in Commencement exercises. A student completing degree requirements in the summer term may participate in the preceding spring Commencement exercise provided that s/he has submitted an application for graduation by the first day of the spring term and that no more than 9 credit hours are required for degree completion beyond spring enrollment. Summer degree recipients who did not participate in the preceding spring commencement may participate in the following fall Commencement exercises.
Once a student has participated in Commencement exercises s/he will not be eligible to participate in future ceremonies for the same degree.
