Graduation and Commencement

Welcome and congratulations on reaching the pinnacle of your graduate studies. To ensure successful completion of your degree(s), graduate certificate(s) or minor(s) please read all of the following information carefully.

The instructions you are about to view are for both graduation and commencement. "Graduation" which is the act of getting your degree conferred and your diploma awarded is related to but not the same as "Commencement". Commencement is a ceremony that recognizes graduate students for the completion of their master's, educational specialist and doctoral degrees.

You will need to follow both sets of instructions if you wish to successfully graduate or participate in commencement.

Graduation Steps for Students

1. Review Graduation and Commencement Registration deadlines.
2. Complete the Application for Completion of Degrees, Certificates and Minors.
3. Make sure you meet the University-wide and program-specific requirements for graduating and have filled out any necessary paperwork.
   • Master’s Students: University-wide requirements
   • Educational Specialist Students: University-wide requirements
   • Doctoral Students: University-wide requirements. Doctoral students must successfully defend and submit the Dissertation Defense form (D4) to the Graduate School before participating in a commencement ceremony.
4. Visit the Graduation Checklist for information about diplomas and transcripts.

Commencement Ceremony Steps for Students

1. Determine if you are eligible to participate in the upcoming commencement ceremony. See the Commencement Ceremony Participation Policies.
2. Check commencement RSVP registration deadlines. (see 'Graduate Steps for Students' step 1 above).
3. Make sure you have completed the Application for Completion of Degrees, Certificates and Minors (see 'Graduate Steps for Students' step 2 above).
4. Before you order your ceremony regalia please review the Graduate Hood Colors chart to determine your hood trim color.
5. Visit the Commencement Checklist for information about commencement ceremonies, registration and regalia.
6. Once the semester has begun, fill out the Student Commencement RSVP Form. If you do not plan on attending the ceremony, you do not need to complete this form. Let your academic program know if you plan to attend their ceremony.

There is no commencement ceremony held at the end of the summer term; summer graduates are eligible to participate in the fall ceremony. See the Commencement Ceremony Participation Policies