Graduation

Earning the Degree vs. Participating in Commencement

Degrees are conferred three times a year: at the end of the fall, spring, and summer. In order to award the degree, students must successfully complete a graduation application in their final semester. Degree certification occurs after all grades for the semester are posted.

Commencement ceremonies are held once a year in the spring to celebrate graduates from the previous fall, current spring, and upcoming summer. In order to participate students must have an approved graduation application for the spring semester or an approved walk list request. Participating in the commencement ceremonies allows students to celebrate their accomplishments. However, participation in commencement does not indicate completion of the degree.

Apply to Graduate During Final Semester

You must apply for graduation in your final semester. All completed coursework must be posted to the official record at the time the graduation application is processed; if concurrently enrolled at another institution, verification of enrollment must be provided in order to apply. 

Commencement 

Liberal Arts hosts commencement ceremonies in May for all students graduating during the academic year – fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026.

NOTE: Summer 2026 graduates can have no more than 15 hours of remaining future coursework in order to be eligible to sign the walk list in the spring.

Deadlines

The Summer 2025 application for in absentia students will be available June 5 to August 15 (Priority Deadline - July 18.)

The Spring 2025 application for currently enrolled students will be available online June 11 to August 15 (Priority Deadline - July 18.)