Commencement

Commencement ceremonies are held at the conclusion of both fall and spring semesters. Students who have completed all degree requirements by the end of fall or spring semesters are encouraged to participate in commencement exercises. Students who plan to complete degree requirements during the summer semester are also encouraged to participate in spring commencement, provided they are registered for all classes required for degree completion at the time of the graduation ceremony. A diploma will be issued to each graduate after all grades are posted, providing all graduation and financial requirements have been met.

Graduation Honors

Degree students who have demonstrated academic excellence receive diplomas with honors. Honor cords are distributed at the end of each semester and are awarded based on final cumulative GPA. Diplomas and transcripts include the “honor’s designation” based on the final cumulative GPA.

Baccalaureate Degree Honors:

Summa Cum Laude	3.90-4.00	Gold and Blue Braided Cords
Magna Cum Laude	3.75-3.89	Gold Cords
Cum Laude	3.5-3.74	Blue Cords

Associate Degree Honors:

High Honors	3.70 – 4.0	White and Gold Braided Cords
Honors	3.30 – 3.69	White Cords

Posthumous Degree/Certificate

Deceased students may be considered candidates for posthumous degrees/certificates if:

In good standing at the time of death
Enrolled in a degree/certificate program at the time of death (unless circumstances prohibited enrollment)

Completed 75% or more of the degree/certificate requirements

The request to award a posthumous degree/certificate must originate in an academic division by the dean or program director and must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty and College President.

The names of students awarded a posthumous degree/certificate will be printed in the commencement program.

The statement “awarded posthumously” will be noted on the student’s academic record and transcript, but not on the diploma/certificate.