Commencement Participation Policy

Commencement ceremonies are held at the completion of fall and spring semesters. Information regarding graduation and applications are available from the Registrar's Office. Graduating seniors and graduate students have the option to participate in commencement the term that they are completing all degree requirements. Students who are completing their final requirements during Summer Session have the option of participating in the previous spring commencement or the following fall commencement ceremony. Although Summer Session graduates may select to participate in an earlier commencement ceremony, the degree and diploma will be awarded only after all degree requirements have been fulfilled.

Fall or spring graduates who wish to participate in an early commencement ceremony must make an application for graduation and write a letter of appeal to the registrar. Students who complete their requirement during J-Term have the option to participate in commencement in either the preceding fall semester or the subsequent spring semester. Students who are requesting to participate in an early commencement must follow the published commencement participation deadline date for the term they are appealing. Appeals to participate in an early commencement will be approved only if all of the following conditions have been met:

• There is an extenuating circumstance.

• The student has nine or fewer credits to complete the degree or has only student teaching or an internship to complete degree requirements in the following semester.

The registrar will review the appeal and approve or deny the request based on the above criteria and written notification will be sent to the student.

Although students may be allowed to participate in an early commencement ceremony, the degree and diploma will be awarded only after all degree requirements have been fulfilled.

Requirements for the Commencement Participation Policy were passed by Faculty Senate in April 2002. (Motion 2001-012/17)

Graduate students must be registered for at least one credit during the term they when they participate in commencement, with the exception of the following:

• Graduate students who are enrolled during the summer and complete their requirements then may particpate in either the preceding spring or the subsequent fall commencement.