Information for Degree Candidates

Degrees are formally conferred at spring commencement exercises. However, degrees are awarded in absentia and diplomas mailed to graduates at the end of the fall semester and summer session. The date of graduation for each term is: the last day of examinations in the fall; the date of commencement in the spring; and the last day of classes in the summer. The degree and date of the diploma are entered on the student’s permanent academic record. When a student completes all requirements for a degree other than at the close of a semester or session, the Office of Admissions and Records, upon request, will issue a certified statement that the student is eligible for the degree as of the date when the requirements for the degree were completed. For complete information regarding degree requirements the student should consult with personnel in the college office in which he/she is enrolled.

A student who is a candidate for a degree at the close of any semester or summer session must file an official application for graduation in the Office of Admissions and Records and must pay all tuition and fee charges before the degree is conferred. The application for graduation may be obtained in the student’s college office.

All students shall be required to have all work needed for graduation submitted to Admissions & Records no later than ten working days following the last day of finals for the term in which the student wishes to graduate. This would include transfer work from another institution, correspondence courses, incomplete grades, and any other correction or addition to the student’s academic record. This deadline does not take the place of the existing deadline for all work to be completed, which is “all work required for the degree must be completed satisfactorily by the last day of finals of the semester or term”. This is an additional requirement that the notification of the completion of this credit must be submitted in a timely fashion in order for the student to graduate within that term. The appropriate deadline for receipt of that notification is within ten working days after the last day of finals. Requirements for graduation are cleared by the degree-recommending colleges approximately four weeks after the close of a regular semester and three weeks after the close of a summer session. Diplomas are printed after degree clearances are completed and are mailed from the Office of Admissions and Records approximately one month later.

CAP AND GOWN FEE (subject to change)

Students who plan to participate in the Commencement ceremonies in May must pay a fee for caps and gowns. Cap and gown cards may be obtained, filled out and paid for at the University Bookstore not later than April 1.

March 2009