GRADUATION PROCESS
Graduation ceremonies are held in May each year. Students should apply for graduation at the graduate or undergraduate level no later than midterm of the term preceding the final term of course work. Those students who are planning to participate in the May 2008 ceremony must have graduated in Fall 2007 or have graduation applications on file for the Spring 2008 or Summer 2008 semesters.
Graduation applications are available from the Registrar's Office or the student's advising department. The academic advisor of the major must verify all coursework &/or graduation requirements yet to be fulfilled by signing the completed form. The same review is required by the department chair of the minor concentration. A $25.00 application fee is charged to each graduate and should be paid to the Business Office in Fanning Hall before the application is submitted to the Registrar's Office. Payment is verified by the signature of the business officer on the application.
The Registrar's Office will review the application & send students confirmation of any outstanding graduation requirements. In addition, students will be supplied with a graduation information sheet detailing such items as graduation dates & times, cap & gown ordering, special accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities etc ....
Beginning August 2009, there will be a summer commencement held in the Performing Arts Theatre after the summer term is over. Summer graduates will no longer have the option of participating in the spring commencement ceremony.
Students should meet with their advisors prior to the midterm before they intend to graduate to fill out the appropriate paperwork (and pull any previously completed forms from their files).
For graduate students, this paperwork includes the Program of Study and Application for Graduation. Undergraduate students only require a Program of Study (including area A-F) and an Application for Graduation. There may be additional forms if the student transferred a course into his/her program or had a course subsitution. You advisor will fill out these additional forms when he or she meets with you. Students who transfer in courses from another institution will also require an ORIGINAL transcript from that institution on file in the registrar's office.
Once this paperwork has been completed and signed to your advisor, it goes to the departmental secretary who will have the Chair and Dean sign any forms necessary. Once all forms are signed, the secretary will make a copy for your file and e-mail you that your paperwork is ready for pick-up.
Once you pick up your paperwork, you will take it to the Business Office and pay your $25.00 graduation fee and they will also sign the paperwork, then you will take the paperwork to the registrar's office. Do not leave your paperwork at the business office, it will not be processed! The registrar's office will give you a phamplet explaining where and when to order your cap and gown and other graduation information.
