Graduation

Earning the Degree vs. Participating in Commencement

Degrees are conferred three times a year: at the end of the fall, spring, and summer. In order to award the degree, students must successfully complete a graduation application in their final semester. Degree certification occurs after all grades for the semester are posted.

Commencement ceremonies are held once a year in the spring to celebrate graduates from the previous fall, current spring, and upcoming summer. In order to participate students must have an approved graduation application for the spring semester or an approved walk list request. Participating in the commencement ceremonies allows students to celebrate their accomplishments. However, participation in commencement does not indicate completion of the degree.

Apply to Graduate During Final Semester

You must apply for graduation in your final semester. All completed coursework must be posted to the official record at the time the graduation application is processed; if concurrently enrolled at another institution, verification of enrollment must be provided in order to apply. 

Commencement 

Liberal Arts hosts commencement ceremonies in May for all students graduating during the academic year - the previous fall, the current spring, and the upcoming summer.

If you wish to participate in a spring 2024 commencement ceremony, you must submit an approved request to be added to the list of commencement participants and then complete a secondary ceremony rsvp. The mechanism for beginning this process is determined by your graduating semester: 

  • Fall 2023 graduates (walk list)

    Submit the preliminary participation request survey which will be emailed to fall graduates in early February. Once processed, you must complete an RSVP form through MarchingOrder. This form will be sent to your email on file within a week of your survey being processed and is where you will approve your information and request your tickets (if needed). Students wishing to attend the university-wide celebration must complete additional steps. 

  • Spring 2024 graduates (apply to graduate)

    Submit an enrolled or in absentia graduation application. Once your application is approved, you must complete an RSVP form through MarchingOrder. This form will be sent to your email on file within a week of your graduation application being approved and is where you will approve your information and request your tickets (if needed). Students wishing to attend the university-wide celebration must complete additional steps. 

  • Summer 2024 graduates (walk list)

    Meet with a Student Division advisor to review remaining requirements and confirm summer graduation plan. Summer 2024 graduates can have no more than 15 hours of remaining future coursework in order to be eligible. Once approved, you must complete an RSVP form through MarchingOrder. This form will be sent to your email on file within a week of being added to the list of commencement participants and is where you will approve your information and request your tickets (if needed). 

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Deadlines

The Spring 2024 application for in absentia students will be available January 16 to April 29. Students wishing to participate in commencement ceremonies must apply by April 12.

The Spring 2024 application for currently enrolled students will be available online February 1 to April 29. Students wishing to participate in commencement ceremonies must apply by April 12.