GRADUATION

Students must have a graduation application on file in the Division of Graduate Studies in order to graduate. Degrees are not granted automatically.

Paperwork

“Master’s Degree Application” form

$35.00 non-refundable application fee.

“Master’s Degree Clearance” form

Eligibility

A previously approved “Petition of Advancement to Candidacy” on file in the Division of Graduate Studies.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Permission from the graduate coordinator to apply for graduation.

Deadlines

For the “Master’s Degree Application” form, the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, or the first three weeks of the first summer session; consult the Class Schedule for exact deadlines.

For the “Master’s Degree Clearance” form, the last day of the semester or final summer term.

For further procedures refer to the Graduate Coordinator's Handbook.

DISTINCTION

Graduate coordinators may inform students who are graduating with distinction (3.9 on all coursework listed on the approved degree program) that this honor is noted on the student’s diploma and official transcript.

Note: Grade reporting deadlines for the spring semester do not permit notation of distinction in the Commencement Program for spring candidates.

CERTIFICATION LETTERS

Students needing written confirmation of their degree prior to the posting of the degree may request a Letter of Certification from the Division of Graduate Studies. A small fee is required.

PROOF OF DEGREE GRANTED

Coordinators may receive requests from students needing verification that their degree has been posted. Proof of degree granted is available as follows:

Transcripts

Transcripts are available immediately upon clearance of the degree by the evaluator. However, transcripts showing the degree posted are not automatically sent to the student upon graduation. Coordinators should refer students to the Public Contact Window in Joyal Administration Building, or to the Transcript Office Web site to order a transcript. A $4 fee applies for the first transcript requested.

Diplomas

Students needing written confirmation of their degree prior to the posting of the degree may request a Letter of Certification from the Division of Graduate Studies. A small fee is required.

If you need information on the expected mailing date of your diploma, please contact the Evaluations Office at 559-278-4076.

HOODING CEREMONY

The Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony is held once a year, in the spring, for previous summer and fall graduates and spring applicants.
Students whose graduation in the subsequent summer term is guaranteed and who wish to participate in the spring Hooding Ceremony may do so upon written request from the graduate coordinator to the graduate dean.
Information regarding the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony is posted on the homepage of our Web site beginning in March.
Links to Hooding Ceremony photos, videos, and information.