Applying for Degree Candidacy

To become a candidate for a degree, an application for graduation must be submitted by the student to the Registrar's Office according to published deadlines. The Registrar's Office certifies that all requirements will be met by the close of the expected graduation term. The candidate and advisor are informed of any requirements remaining to be completed to graduate. It is the student’s responsibility to comply with all deadline dates as specified in the calendar dates. Failure to comply with dates and deadlines may result in the delayed posting of a degree or postponement of graduation. Degrees are posted effective for the term the application is received by the Registrar’s Office.

Commencement

Degrees are conferred at commencement exercises held at the close of the spring semester. Candidates for graduation are those students who will have satisfied graduation requirements within the current academic year, as well as those who expect to finish their requirements in the summer session immediately following commencement. An academic year encompasses fall, spring, and summer semesters. Each fall begins a new academic year. Students completing graduation within this period are encouraged to participate in the exercises.

Participation in the commencement ceremony does not signify degree completion.

Early Walk Through

Summer and fall graduates may choose to walk through the spring commencement ceremony prior to completion of all graduation requirements. In order to be eligible for participation, the student must complete and submit an application for graduation and comply with all deadline dates as specified in the academic calendar.

Diplomas

Diplomas are issued following each term and are mailed within 6-8 weeks following the close of the academic session in which graduation requirements have been completed. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office of a forwarding address in writing. Diplomas or official transcripts will not be released for students who have outstanding debts owed to the University.

Only student degrees are printed on diplomas. Majors, minors, and concentrations are not printed on diplomas. For example, if a student is receiving a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History, only “Bachelor of Arts” is printed on the diploma. Likewise, if a student is receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Elementary Education, only “Bachelor of Science in Education” will be printed on the diploma.