The University, only upon recommendation of
the
faculty, confers degrees after a formal application has been filed by completing an online Diploma
Application (see link at bottom of page.) Degree
candidates must file a Graduate
Diploma Application by the announced
deadlines: October 1st for an October-dated degree, January 4th
for a January-dated degree, and March 15th for a May-dated degree. If
the
candidate fails to file the application on or before the deadline date,
the degree is not conferred until the following degree date.
Degrees are conferred three times yearly, however, there is one University Commencement Ceremony held each May, at which time the May-dated diplomas are issued. October and January graduates may also participate in the Annual Commencement Ceremony.
An October or January graduate unable to attend the annual commencement ceremony in May will have his/her diploma mailed to the address indicated on the diploma application. October and January graduates not attending the annual commencement may choose to pick up their diploma in person at the Graduate Registrar's Office, rather than having it mailed to them. This choice, however, must be indicated on the diploma application at the time of filing and proof of identity must be provided at the time of pick up.
An October or January graduate choosing to attend the annual commencement will also have his/her diploma mailed to the address indicated on the diploma application.
Candidates who complete degree requirements before October 1st or January 4th may request a Certificate of Graduation for use until their diploma is received, provided they have filed the diploma application and have completed all other requirements for the degree as certified by their Dean's Office. The Certificate should be requested from the appropriate Dean's Office, who will forward the signed request form to the Graduate Registrar's Office for processing.
Diplomas and Official Transcripts are withheld
from all students whose financial accounts and debts (including
tuition,
housing, parking, and library) are not cleared.
Your Diploma Name
must match your name as it currently
appears
in our student database. If you want a different name on your diploma,
you must also change your name as it appears in our student database
(and
as it will appear on a transcript) by submitting a "Change of Name
Form"
along with two forms of evidence that you are already known by the new
name (such as a marriage certificate, driver's license, Court Order,
passport,
or bank statement).
(If your name on the student database currently contains a middle
initial, the online diploma application will allow you to enter your
middle name if you choose to do so.)