Graduation
Students approaching completion of their program should:
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Prior to the start of the final semester, degree candidates must complete the Application for Graduation. The application will appear in PASS as a Task. Students will be assigned an Application for Graduation after earning the following credits:
- Associate Degree Students – 30 credits earned
- Bachelors Degree Students – 80 credits earned
- Masters Degree Students – 21 credits earned
- In addition to the credits above, specific terms for graduation will be available to select on the form according to the following schedule.
| Graduation Term | Application Begins | Application Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 1st of Prior Year | End of Term |
| Spring | January 1st of Prior Year | End of Term |
| Summer | January 1st of Prior Year | End of Term |
- Review with major advisor(s), all coursework, credits earned, and possible waivers or changes to the degree.
- Inform the Registrar’s Office of any degree changes, substitutions, or waivers.
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Students are charged a $75 degree assessment fee. This fee is not associated with the completion of a degree and it is automatically billed in the semester after a student has earned the following credits:
- Associate Degree Students – 42 credits earned
- Bachelors Degree Students – 90 credits earned
- Masters Degree Students – 21 credits earned
- All requirements including outstanding grades, transcripts, and teacher education requirements must be completed by the following dates following the end of the term:
- December graduation - January 31
- May graduation - June 30
- August graduation - September 30
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If degree requirements are not completed by these deadlines graduation will be delayed until the following term.
Diplomas
The official graduation date is the last day of the semester not the date of the commencement ceremony. The diploma will include the degree name as specified on the Application for Graduation. The official degree name will appear on the diploma: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Associate of Arts and Science (AAS), or Associate of Science (AS). If the graduate earned Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors it will also appear on the diploma. All other components of the degree earned including majors, minors, emphases, or certificates are part of the official academic transcript.
Commencement
Commencement ceremonies are in May and December. Tickets for guests may be required. August degree candidates may participate in the May ceremony and should submit their application for graduation prior to the start of the spring semester. Students completing majors in multiple colleges should select one ceremony to participate in.
All coursework (including co-ops, internships, and student teaching) must be completed before a degree will be awarded. Attendance at a Commencement ceremony does not imply completion of a degree. Only degree candidates who expect to complete all requirements at the end of the semester may participate in commencement. Although attendance is optional, we strongly encourage all degree candidates and their families to attend this important ceremony and celebrate their achievements.
Regalia (Cap and Gown) should be ordered in March for the May commencement or October for the December commencement to avoid late fees. Only approved cords, stoles/sashes, pins, or other adornments may be worn.