Graduation is an important time in a student's life. It is the culmination of years of study and hard work. We in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences are committed to helping students achieve this goal. If you are thinking about graduating, please read the following information below and be sure to check out the commencement website.
Steps to Graduation
- Complete an academic audit.
- Most students have an audit when they are between 75 - 89 credits.
- Check to make sure all requirements will be met.
- Apply for graduation
- The application is online. Please see the Information for Graduates section of the commencement website.
- Last day to apply for graduation is the last day of schedule adjustment in the semester you wish to graduate.
- If you do not apply, you cannot graduate!
- Double check your record.
- Make sure all requirements have been or are being met.
- Please note that if you are repeating a course in which you received a D or higher, you will not receive additional credit.
- Pay your bills
- You will not receive a diploma if you have outstanding debts.
- Make sure your address on file is up to date.
Commencement Ceremonies
- Main Campus Ceremony
- Features special speakers but does not allow for individual student recognition.
- May ceremony
- Has limited seating, guests must have a ticket
- Only students that will finish all requirements for graduation by May will be allowed to attend
- Seating is not limited
- Students that plan to finish all requirements by the end of winter session are permitted to participate in the main campus ceremony
- Department or college ceremony
- Provides recognition by announcing each student's name as he/she walks across the stage.
- May ceremony
- Each department has its own ceremony (some smaller departments have a combined ceremony)
- When you arrive for the departmental ceremony a representative from your department will be available to give you a name card and provide further directions
- All departments in the college have one ceremony together
- When you arrive for the college ceremony a representative from your department will be available to give you a name card and provide further directions
- For both ceremonies, the name card, and not a master list, assures that your name will be announced. Please remember to take this name card with you to the stage.
Procedures for Walking in Commencement Ceremony
For students who will not complete degree requirements at the end of the semester, but would still like to participate in the department or college ceremony, please comply with the following:
The following apply to both May and December graduations:
- You must have a cap and gown to participate. The University Book Center will take your order. Do not wait until the last minute to place your order. Inquire about this by mid-semester.
- Your name will not be printed in the commencement program.
- You will not be awarded a May/December diploma.
- Your diploma will be for the semester in which all requirements were completed.
- There are three graduation times for which you can be cleared: May, August, December. Requirements completed in winter session will be for a May degree.
- If you did not already apply for a diploma, please remember to do so. The deadline for applying for a diploma is the last day of schedule adjustment for the semester in which you plan to graduate.
May participants:
- May not attend the main commencement
- Must receive approval from the department to participate in the departmental ceremony
- Contact your department advisor to request permission to walk in the departmental ceremony
December participants:
- May possibly attend the main commencement
- Must receive approval from the college to participate in the departmental ceremony
- Contact the BSOS Advising Center to request permission to walk in the college ceremony
