Commencement Participation Updates

In regards to students participating in graduation prior to completing all degree requirements.

Beginning this academic year, students will only be able to participate in commencement if they have successfully completed all of their degree requirements. This is in accordance with an already existing administrative policy that we now have the ability to enforce through a new verification tool. Moving forward, even if a student only has one class remaining, they are not eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony early (fall or spring). Relocating, convenience, or the desire to walk early with friends will not be valid reasons for early participation.

Exemptions to this policy may be granted by the Deans of the individual schools and colleges and are only to be granted in the case of international students. The decision to provide an exemption for international students is based on their visa limitations. International students who wish to participate in commencement early will still need to gain permission from the Dean.