GRADUATION ISSUES

Graduation Day

Graduation ceremonies are held three times per year, May, August and December in the auditorium of the Ferguson Social Sciences building. Because the auditorium is not big enough to house all the graduating students and their guests at one time, multiple ceremonies are usually held throughout graduation day. That day is usually the Saturday immediately after the close of the semester. Students will be assigned a specific ceremony time and will be able to invite a set number of family and friends.

Graduation Requirements

Students in their final semester usually must complete a final project, thesis and/or comprehensive exam. For academic requirements and procedures, contact your academic department.
All students who intend to graduate must contact the Registrar's Office early in their last semester. Filing for graduation prompts a final audit to ensure that you have met all the academic requirements for your degree. You cannot obtain a degree or participate in the graduation ceremony without filing. Filing deadlines can be found on the Academic Calendar.

Family Attendance at Graduation

Graduating students can invite a few guests to the graduation ceremony. If an international student would like to invite a family member from outside the US to attend, the student can get a letter of invitation from the ISSO to support a tourist visa application. The student can request this letter in person from the ISSO or through the online Request Form.

Diploma

Diplomas are not actually handed out during the graduation ceremony. The Registrar's Office will mail diplomas approxmately 4-6 weeks after the ceremony date.

After Graduation

Students have 60 days after completion of studies, called a "grace period," to change to another visa status, transfer to another institution, begin another degree program or depart the US. This does not affect students who have filed for post-completion OPT prior to graduation.

Travel After Graduation

Students should be very cautious about traveling after completing their studies. Students will not be able to re-enter the US unless:

• The student has been admitted to another academic institution and has a new I-20 from that school.
• The student has been approved for a change of status to another visa category and has sufficient documentation to allow re-entry in that visa status.
• The student has been approved for OPT and can show the port of entry official valid immigration documents and proof of employment. (For more information on OPT travel, please see the OPT Maintenance section.)

US entry/re-entry is always at the discretion of port of entry officials.

Transcripts

Transcripts are distributed through the Registrar's Office