Commencement FAQ's - Graduation Information
- What are all of the responsibilities of a graduating senior?
Responsibilities of a graduating student include the following: a) satisfy all academic requirements; b) satisfy all financial obligations to the University; c) pay appropriate graduation fee; d) complete financial aid online exit interview; e) participate in the graduating class meetings; f) check B-CU website for commencement information; g) participate in the graduation events, if possible; h) pick up complimentary admission tickets for their guests to attend the Commencement Ceremony, i) order cap, gown and invitations by posted deadlines (check with Bookstore), j) register for and take the graduation course—GRAD 450 for undergrads, GRAD 650 for master’s degree candidates, k) comply with the dress code for academic regalia. - If I do not complete academic requirements in the spring, may I walk in the Commencement Ceremony?
No. According to the long standing University policy, students must complete all graduating requirements (academic and financial) in order to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. - If I submit a graduation application for the spring but do not successfully complete graduation requirements in the spring, do I have to submit another degree application for the summer session?
YES. Students must re-apply for graduation, if they do not successfully complete graduation requirements by the date indicated on the graduation application. - For students who finish all graduation requirements in the summer or fall, what will be the date on their transcripts and diplomas?
The official date on the transcript will be the last day of the summer session or the fall semester. Summer and fall graduates may request and receive official copies of transcripts from the Office of the Registrar once all final grades have been posted and all graduating requirements (academic and financial) have been met. - For students who finish all graduating requirements in the summer or fall, when will they receive their diplomas?
Diplomas will be mailed to summer and fall graduates 10 to 12 weeks after the next Spring Commencement Ceremony, when the President confers degrees. This is university policy. The University will not hold a summer or fall commencement ceremony. - If undergraduate candidates are not participating in the Spring Commencement, do they pay the $75.00 graduation fees?
Yes, all graduating seniors must pay the graduation fees, which cover the class gift and the cost of cap and gown, and tassel. Those students who do not complete graduating requirements in the Spring should check with the campus Bookstore re: the return policy (cap, gown, tassel) and apply to Student Accounts for a refund of the current cost of cap, gown, and tassel…..once it is determined they completed their graduating requirements in the following summer or fall. - What does the $75.00 graduation fee cover?
For undergraduates, the current cost of the bachelor’s unit (cap, gown, tassel, ’10 signet and white collars for female graduates) costs approximately $30.00. The remainder of the fee goes towards the graduating class gift. - What is the fee for the master’s degree graduates?
The fee for the master’s degree graduate is $105.00 which covers the cost of the cap, gown, tassel, and hood. The remainder of the fee goes toward the graduating class gift. - What is the deadline to pay the graduation fee?
The deadline to pay the graduation fee is the announced date to complete all graduating requirements. For summer and fall graduates, they must pay their graduation fees at the time they complete all graduating requirements. - How much will students pay for their graduation fee when the student will receive more than one degree?
The graduation fees are UG & PS - $75; Masters - $105. The following will determine what the student will pay.
a. If a student is receiving one or more degrees (UG or PS) during the same Spring Graduation ceremony, the student will pay one graduation fee - $75.
b. If a student receives one degree (UG or PS) during the Spring ceremony but must return to complete additional courses for a second degree (UG or PS), the student will pay graduation fees twice - $75 for 1st degree and $75 when they complete the 2nd degree.
c. If a student has paid $75 for their UG or PS degree and returns to complete their Master’s Degree, the student will pay an additional $105 when they graduate with their Masters.
*Source: Student Accounts Office - If a student is graduating with two or more majors and wants them on separate diplomas, is there an additional cost?
Yes. If a student is graduating with two or more majors during the Spring Commencement Ceremony and makes a request to the Registrar’s Office to have the majors listed on separate diplomas, the student will pay one-time $75 graduation fee and $40 for each additional diploma requested. The student must take the receipt to the Registrar’s Office as proof that payment has been made for the additional diploma(s). - What is the deadline for transfer grades from other institutions to arrive at B-CU in order for students to graduate and participate in the spring graduation exercises?
For Bethune-Cookman University students taking courses at other institutions during their last semester, the Registrar must receive official transcripts from transfer institutions indicating the FINAL grade by the date grades are due. In order for the Registrar to post the official graduation date on the transcript and release the student’s diploma and official transcript, we must receive the official transcript directly from the transfer institution. The transfer grade will then be posted within two days of receipt of the transcript from the other institution. - How will I be made aware of any changes in my graduation status?
Your academic advisor and/or your academic school dean will contact you by telephone or email to inform you of changes in your graduation status. We recommend that prospective graduates confirm their graduation with their advisors. - What is the purpose of the graduation course?
The purpose of the graduation online course is to provide comprehensive information to prospective graduating students about their obligations to the University. Prospective graduates must clear with each of the following offices prior to leaving the university and in order to participate in the Commencement Ceremony: Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Alumni, Bookstore, Student Affairs, and the Registrar’s Office.
Revised 1.2.12/acr
