Celebrate Your Achievement
Find everything you need to prepare for graduation, complete final academic requirements, and participate in commencement with confidence.
Graduation Planning Made Clear
Review requirements, monitor deadlines, complete your application, and prepare for commencement in one place.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, students must satisfy all institutional, program, and academic standing requirements. Review the criteria below and consult your academic advisor to confirm your progress.
Credit Requirements
Minimum 120 total credits, with at least 30 upper-division credits completed in residence.
GPA Requirements
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.1 GPA in the major. Education majors require a 3.0 GPA.
General Education
Completion of all core curriculum areas, including communication, reasoning, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Major Requirements
All required major courses must be completed according to department standards and minimum grade requirements.
Culminating Experience
Completion of a capstone, thesis, portfolio, or comprehensive exam as required by your academic program.
Residency Requirement
At least 30 of the final 45 credits must be completed at [University Name].
Graduation Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized and complete the final steps toward graduation.
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Review your Degree Audit to confirm all requirements are completed or in progress.
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Apply for Graduation by the published deadline for your graduation term.
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Resolve Incomplete Grades before the final clearance deadline.
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Complete Exit Surveys through your student portal if required.
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Order Cap and Gown through the bookstore before the deadline.
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Register for Commencement and request guest tickets if needed.
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Update Diploma Address to ensure timely delivery of your diploma.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Spring 2026 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Application Opens | October 15, 2025 | April 15, 2026 |
| Priority Application Deadline | February 1, 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| Final Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
| Cap & Gown Order Deadline | April 1, 2026 | November 1, 2026 |
| Commencement Ceremony | May 16, 2026 | December 19, 2026 |
Commencement Ceremony Information
Ceremony Details
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM (Doors open at 8:30 AM)
Location: University Events Center
Livestream: Available for family and friends unable to attend in person
Guest Information
Each graduate receives 6 guest tickets. Tickets are required for entry. Children under 2 years old do not require a ticket but must sit on a parent's lap. Parking is available in the North Campus Garage.
Diploma & Transcript Information
Diplomas will be mailed 6–8 weeks after the degree conferral date. Official transcripts can be ordered through the Registrar’s Office, and digital diplomas are available through the student portal.
Post-Graduation Resources
Need Help?
Registrar's Office
Email: registrar@university.edu
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Hours: M–F 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Academic Advising
Email: advising@university.edu
Phone: (555) 123-4568
Schedule an appointment online
Commencement Office
Email: commencement@university.edu
Phone: (555) 123-4569
For ceremony-related questions