Each candidate for graduation must submit a graduation application by the graduation application submission deadline for any give semester. Any student who fails to graduate after applying for graduation must submit a new application to graduate in a subsequent semester. 

Graduation under a Specific Bulletin

The student may elect to graduate under the bulletin in force at the time of his or her initial matriculation in the Graduate School, provided that the bulletin was not issued more than six (6) years (seven (7) years for doctoral programs) prior to the date of the student’s graduation. The student is required to indicate in his/her application for graduation the bulletin under which the student proposes to graduate and must meet the requirements in that bulletin.

Commencement Convocation

All graduating students are eligible to participate in the commencement exercises designated for their graduating class.

Financial Clearance

Students who are indebted to the University will not be allowed to receive their diploma. Such obligations include traffic and parking fines, library fines, housing fees, and any miscellaneous fees. Students who are uncertain concerning the status of their indebtedness should check with the Bursar’s Office prior to final examinations. If there is a dispute concerning payment of a bill, receipts should be presented to verify payment.

Graduation Fees

The graduation application fee for graduate students is $50.00. Additional processing fees including processing fees for thesis or dissertation may apply. Graduation application fees are subject to change.

Commencement

Commencement exercises are held each year in May and in December. Students graduating in the Spring semester participate in the May commencement. Students graduating in Summer participate in the subsequent December commencement. Students graduating in the Fall semester participate in the December commencement.

Commencement is a solemn and special occasion in the lives of students, and they are expected to behave in a manner commensurate with the magnitude of the occasion. While attending commencement exercises, students and their guests are expected to maintain decorum that is reasonable and befitting of a public event of special significance. Because commencement exercises are formal events, graduates are expected to abide by the University’s policy on appropriate  attire that is announced in advance of the ceremonies.