Attending Commencement

The university grants degrees at the end of each summer, fall, and spring term. Commencement ceremonies are held mid-May, to recognize summer and fall graduates and spring degree candidates.
     
Students file an application to graduate for summer, fall, or spring at the start of their final semester. The application triggers a review of the student's academic record to determine whether or not it is possible for the student to complete degree requirements at the end of that term.  Late applications may result in the student's name being omitted from the commencement program and other printed materials and will delay the student's ability to rent commencement regalia.

Students whose records indicate they are on schedule to graduate at the end of the term for which they have applied are invited to commencement. Undergraduate degree students who have met all university requirements (General Education, Mathematics and College Writing) for their degree, but have not completed up to two courses (up to a maximum of 8 credit hours) may participate in commencement activities if they have a current GPA of 2.0 or above; have at least 112 credit hours (hours earned plus spring registered hours); and have enrolled in the summer or fall following commencement for the course(s) needed to complete their degree requirements.

Graduate degree students, with the exception of Ph.D. candidates, who have met all other university requirements for their degree, but lack one elective course (3 credit hours maximum) may participate in commencement activities if they have a current GPA of 3.0 or above; have completed all required comprehensive exams and have posted results; have completed or are in-progress to complete Tools of Research; and have enrolled in the summer or fall following commencement for the course needed to complete their degree requirements. Students earning a Ph.D. must complete all degree and university requirements and be cleared for graduation in order to participate in commencement.

Students who are not completing degree requirements in May, but who wish to participate in commencement, must petition their advisor using the Eligibility to Participate in Commencement form.

The university strictly enforces this policy for attending commencement. Students planning to graduate at a particular time are responsible for maintaining an appropriate course load and completing degree requirements in time to be eligible for their targeted graduation.