Graduation
Students may complete degree requirements at the end of the spring semester, or the summer semester, or the fall semester, although the University conducts only one graduation ceremony held in the morning on the third Friday in May. Students graduating in August and December are eligible to participate in the following May commencement ceremony. By special permission from their dean, students expecting to complete requirements in August may participate in the prior May ceremony. Students completing their requirements in May are expected to participate in the May ceremony.

Upon matriculation students pay a graduation fee, held in escrow until the time of their graduation. This fee covers in part the diploma, announcements, and related commencement activities. The fee is refundable only upon written request to Enrollment Services when the student indicates s/he no longer intends to graduate and prior to the time when diplomas are prepared. This request must be filed before the end of the semester following withdrawal.

Students are expected to file with the Office of Enrollment Services three forms related to graduation: the Request to Graduate, filed at least four (4) months prior to the date when requirements are completed; the Cap and Gown Order, filed at least four (4) months prior to the date of the May commencement ceremony; and the Check-Out Form, filed in the week prior to graduation.

Academically outstanding undergraduate degree winners are eligible to receive Latin honors based on the final cumulative grade point average on a scale where 4.0 is perfect. The honor is inscribed on the diploma. For Summa Cum Laude, the student must have a 3.90-4.00 average; for Magna Cum Laude, the student must have a 3.80-3.89 average; and for Cum Laude, the student must have a 3.70-3.79 average. Students earning graduate and professional degrees do not receive these undergraduate honors designations.

Diplomas are mailed to August and December graduates in the month following completion of requirements, but are presented to May graduates at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony.