Graduation

Earning the Degree vs. Participating in Commencement

In order to receive a degree, students must successfully submit a graduation application in the semester in which they complete their final degree requirements. The University confers degrees three times a year: at the end of fall, at the end of spring, and at the end of summer in accordance with the official graduation dates as set by the academic calendar.  Degree certification for each of these conferral periods occurs after all grades for the given term are submitted.  Degrees cannot be awarded before these periods. 

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. Eligible students who wish to participate must submit an application during the spring term. Please review these Steps to Commencement for an overview of the process.These applications will be available beginning in early February; return to this webpage for more information at that time. 

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 Spring 2026 application for in absentia students will be available January 12 to April 27 (Priority Deadline - March 24.) 

The Spring 2026 application for currently enrolled students will be available online January 29 to April 27 (Priority Deadline - March 24.)