Commencement Participation Policy

Commencement is the campus-wide ceremony recognizing academic achievement.Graduation is the official act of awarding a degree to students who have successfully completed, to the satisfaction of the college or school, the academic requirements necessary to the award of a degree by the University. Participation in commencement does not constitute the award of a degree (graduation) or guarantee thereof.

1. Commencement ceremonies are held in May and December of each year. Eligibility for participation in commencement ceremonies is dependent upon the completion and submission of a graduation application form and payment of the graduation fee by the posted deadline date(s).
2. Early participation applies to May commencement only and is permissible under the following criteria:

1. Undergraduate students and Master’s degree candidates who will complete their respective degree requirements during the summer term may petition the university to participate early in commencement by completing the graduation application form and payment of the graduation fee by the posted deadline date(s).
2. Doctoral candidates must have met their graduation requirements by the deadline established by the Graduate School to participate in the May commencement ceremony.
3. Appeals to this portion of the policy can be submitted to the Academic Dean or Graduate Dean. Appeals are not allowed for Doctoral candidates.