Commencement


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Commencement is the official ceremony celebrating students’ graduation. Graduation/degree conferral and the Commencement ceremony do not occur on the same day.

Undergraduate and graduate students who have been awarded degrees in the previous August and December, and those who have completed all degree requirements for May graduation, are invited to participate in the May commencement ceremony. The names of these students appear in the official, printed commencement materials of that academic year. 

Undergraduate degree seeking students who have not completed all degree requirements by May, but who (a) are within 6 credits of graduating, (b) have a 2.0 cumulative GPA as well as a 2.0 GPA in their majors and minors, (c) are registered for all remaining requirements for the degree, (d) have met all financial obligations, including those that will be incurred for the upcoming coursework and (e) will finish all requirements by August are permitted to walk in the earlier May ceremony.

Students who are completing their degree requirements in May or August of the Commencement year will have their honors read based on cumulative GPA and institutional credits earned at the conclusion of mod. 3 in March of each year. Official degree honors will be determined at the time of graduation from their degree program by the Registrar and recorded on their academic transcript and diploma. 

Graduate students who have not completed all degree requirements by May, but who (a) are registered for all remaining requirements for the degree, (b) have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, (c) have met all financial obligations, including those that will be incurred for the upcoming coursework and (d) will finish all requirements by August are permitted to walk in the earlier May ceremony.

Students who are completing their degree requirements in May or August of the Commencement year will have their honors read based on cumulative GPA and institutional credits earned at the conclusion of mod. 3 in March of each year. Official degree honors will be determined at the time of graduation from their degree program by the Registrar and recorded on their academic transcript and diploma.