Students must apply for graduation by the posted deadline for the term. Late application for graduation will cause the student to miss important communications from the College of Graduate Studies as well as the Registrar's Office, as well as delay the the degree audit process. Graduation information is available on the College of Graduate Studies' website as well as the Registrar's Office's website. It is the responsibility of the student to meet all requirements for graduation. To ensure graduation proceeds as planned, it is important for students to meet with their advisor very early in the semester of intended graduation or even during the semester prior. Graduate students completing all degree requirements will receive the official diploma approximately four to six weeks after the commencement ceremony. The degree will be posted to the official transcript between five and forty days after the commencement ceremony. Students who fail to graduate in the semester for which they have applied must submit a new application for a future term.

The University graduation exercises (commencement) are conducted to honor those who have earned their degrees. The graduate is encouraged to attend the commencement exercises. Candidates shall wear academic dress with appropriate hoods. Arrangements for academic dress must be made through the University Bookstore well in advance of commencement. The student should contact the University Bookstore early in the semester of graduation. Participation in the commencement ceremony is not a guarantee of graduation.