Master’s Commencement Ceremony

What is Commencement?

Commencement takes place before you have officially graduated and is where we celebrate your accomplishments in a public ceremony held at the University Stadium. Commencement is when graduates (and candidates for graduation) are recognized by walking across the stage.

Note: there is not a separate fall Commencement Ceremony for fall graduates. All students who graduate in the fall semester have the option of participating in the spring Commencement Ceremony in May.

What is Graduation?

Graduation is the official granting of a degree after you have met all of your degree requirements. Graduation happens once you have submitted your graduation clearance form; after your thesis/project/or other culminating activity is complete; after all grades have been finalized by the Office of the Registrar; and the Office of Graduate Studies has reviewed your record and signed off on everything. 

How To File For Graduation and Register For Commencement

• Step 1: Apply to Graduate and Register for Commencement
  • Instructions for those graduating in May 2024
    
    
  • Instructions for those who graduated in summer 2023 or fall 2023
    
    
  • Instructions for those who plan to graduate in summer 2024 or fall 2024
    
    
  • Register to walk at Commencement 2024 and more – Registration Not Currently Open
• Step 2: Update Your Name, if Necessary

  This step is only for students planning to participate in the spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony.

  The University uses each student’s preferred name listed on their Portal account for the Commencement Ceremony Program. If you want to change your preferred name, you must do so by February 2024.

  Please login to your Portal to make sure your preferred name is spelled correctly and is exactly as you want it to appear in the Commencement Ceremony program and on your diploma. You can make any necessary corrections by following these steps:

  • log in to your Portal
  • click on “Student Center”
  • make the change under “Profile”

  *Please note: The deadline to make all preferred name corrections is February 2024, and, yes, this deadline is before registration opens for the May 2024 Commencement Ceremony.

• What if I Applied to Graduate in a Previous Semester?

  If you applied for graduation in a previous semester but did not graduate, you can reapply for the spring 2024 graduation.

  Use this application (PDF) to reapply by February 2024. There is an $8 fee to reapply, rather than the initial fee of $68. Instructions for paying the fee online are on the form.
  
  The completed form and email receipt should be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies by the February deadline.
  
  Be sure to register for the Commencement Ceremony if you wish to participate and did not walk in a previous year.
  
  You do not need to submit another Graduation Clearance form if you have already submitted one.

Dates/Deadlines to Apply to Graduate and Register for the Commencement Ceremony