Declaration of Candidacy for Graduation

Students are required to apply to graduate through Arches at least one term before the term of graduation. However, students may be restricted from registration prior to this date for failure to notify the college of their graduation plans.

Quick Links: 

I do not intend to graduate this academic year

I believe I applied to graduate earlier

I do plan to graduate/participate in the May 2024 ceremony - what are my next steps? 

I have questions about my majors/minors

I already applied to graduate but need to make program changes now

I would like to be excused from the May ceremony

I need a verification letter stating I have applied to graduate

Complete summer senior email with all details

General Guidelines

This is the list of students who have completed an application to graduate: Graduation Candidates (this report is only available from an on-campus network login). You can also apply to graduate or see your graduation application by logging into Arches and finding your Graduation Overview. 

1. If your name is not listed, you must apply online through Arches. Applications may be submitted up to three terms (including Summer Term) prior to the intended term of graduation, but not later than one term prior to the date of graduation. Senior undergraduate students or second year graduate students who have not applied to graduate will have their accounts restricted starting in the fall semester to assure they are aware of their outstanding degree requirements. See the Academic Calendar for these dates and Arches for the application.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR SLP-MS STUDENTS: Students in the SLP-MS program will apply to graduate at the conclusion of their final J-term on campus, upon recommendation of the SLP-MS program director. 

2. Students should check their program evaluations now to see that they are on track with all degree requirements. Undergraduate students may not declare majors or minors during the final term of enrollment. (Note: AAUN and BUAD are not graduation majors.)

3. If you intend to graduate fall semester; spring semester, summer, or fall semester of the following year, you may be recognized at the annual convocation in May. Terms available for candidacy application*
The college will confer degrees following the conclusion of fall, spring and summer terms only. 

• Fall semester 2023-24 – all degree requirements complete on 12.15.23 (20231FA)
• Spring semester 2023-24 – all degree requirements complete on 5.24.24 (20233SP)
• Summer term 2023-24 - all degree requirements complete on 8.16.24 (20234SU)
• Fall semester 2024-25 - all degree requirements complete on 12.13.24 (20241FA) 

 *Students applying for any of these terms may participate in the Commencement ceremony in May 2023.

4.The following guidelines for participation in Commencement apply:

• You must apply for graduation and your intention to participate in Commencement by Noon Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.
• You will be restricted from registration prior to the date above without proper communication with the Office of the Registrar.
• You must have earned a minimum of 91 credits through completion of fall semester.
• You must have declared an eligible graduation major (AAUN, BUSN and all advising-only majors do not qualify.)

5. Students may not graduate with an incomplete "I" on their record for a course that counts towards the 124 necessary credits required to graduate.

5. Students are eligible to participate in only one commencement ceremony. Participation includes the name of the candidate appearing in one program, having the candidate's name read during the ceremony and/or marching across the stage during the ceremony. Students may not have their name appear in more than one ceremony.

Note: The responsibility for understanding and meeting the degree requirements rests entirely with the student.