Graduation Information

Conferral of Degrees

Although there is only one commencement ceremony each year, degrees are conferred on the 31st of January, May, August, and December. Students can participate in the May commencement ceremony if they graduated the prior August, December, or January; if they are completing their degree requirements that May; or if they are within 12 credits of degree completion and will complete them by August of that year.

Applying for Graduation

Graduation is not automatic. Students who are completing their requirements must apply for graduation by completing the online graduation application or downloading and submitting the application for graduation. The last date to submit a graduation application in order to have your name appear in the commencement booklet is included in the Academic Calendar. Degrees will not be conferred to students who have not applied for graduation. Applications received after a graduation date will be held until the next graduation.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet general degree requirements as outlined in the University Bulletin, as well as specific program requirements outlined in the Bulletin under the appropriate school/college and department sections. Normally, matriculated students follow the graduation requirements established in the Bulletin under which they are admitted to the University; however, students who interrupt enrollment for two or more consecutive fall/spring semesters are governed by the Bulletin in effect when they are readmitted.

Receiving Diplomas

Diplomas are mailed to graduates eight to ten weeks after the official date of degree conferral.  Diplomas will not be issued to students who have outstanding obligations to the University. The name of the school/college and the degree awarded will appear on the diploma, along with Latin honors earned. Diplomas do not indicate majors, minors, concentrations, specializations, or tracks; that information is reflected on the official transcript. Lost or damaged diplomas can be replaced by submitting a Diploma Replacement form.