Graduation FAQ's - Graduation Information
- What are all of the responsibilities of a candidate for graduation?
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 600 for master’s degree candidates, k) comply with the dress code for academic regalia. - If I do not complete academic requirements in the Spring 2013, may I still walk in the Commencement Ceremony?
No. According to the long standing University policy, students must complete all graduation 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 fall semester or 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, 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. Summer graduates may request and receive official copies of transcripts from the Office of the Registrar once all final grades have been posted and all graduation requirements (academic and financial) have been met. - For students who finish all graduation requirements in the summer 2013, when will they receive their diplomas?
Summer graduates will receive their diplomas at the fall 2013 Commencement Ceremony, when the President confers degrees. This is university policy. - If undergraduate candidates are not participating in the Spring 2013 Commencement, do they pay the $75.00 graduation fees?
Yes, all graduating seniors must pay the senior fees. Students will be eligible to participate in the spring commencement, if they complete all graduation requirements. - What does the $75.00 graduation fee cover?
For undergraduates, the 2013 cost of the bachelor’s unit (cap, gown, tassel, ’13 signet and white collars for female graduates) costs approximately $30.00. The remainder of the fee goes toward the graduating class’s gift. - What is the graduation 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’s gift. - What is the deadline to pay the graduation fee?
The deadline is the same for all things connected with the Spring Commencement. April 26 is the deadline to complete ALL graduation requirements. - How much will students pay for their graduation fee when the student will receive more than one degree?
The graduation fees are: Undergraduate & Professional Studies students - $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 Graduation ceremony, the student will pay one graduation fee - $75.
b. If a student receives one degree (UG or PS) during the fall 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 he or she completes 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 he or she graduates with the Master’s Degree.
*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 fall or spring graduation and makes a request to the Registrar’s Office to have the majors listed on separate diplomas, the student will pay a 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). - When must all requirements for graduation be completed including, transfer of credits/grades, etc. in order for students to participate in the spring graduation exercise? No later than 5 p.m. on April 26.
- What if I am waiting on a grade change or taking a credit by exam? ALL grades, transfer credits, outstanding Incomplete grades, grade changes, credit by exam, CLEP, etc. must be received in the Office of the Registrar by April 26.
- How will I be made aware of any changes in my graduation status? Check your B-CU email account. The Office of the Registrar will notify you if you have not met all graduation requirements by Saturday, May 4th. We recommend that candidates for graduation contact the Office of the Registrar to confirm they have met all graduation requirements if the student knows of any issues which may prevent them from graduating.
- What is the purpose of the graduation course?
The purpose of the graduation online course is to provide prospective graduating students with information they must know from the offices of Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Alumni, Bookstore, Student Affairs, and the Registrar’s Office before Commencement. Candidates for graduation must be cleared academically and financially by April 26 in order to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. - When will I be able to get admission tickets for the Commencement Ceremony?
Candidates for graduation will not receive admission tickets until the University has confirmed they have satisfied all academic and financial requirements to graduate. - How many tickets will graduates receive for the Commencement Ceremony? Confirmed candidates for graduation will receive 1 (one) admission ticket for themselves and a maximum of 10 (ten) for guests.
- Will there be a waiting list for additional tickets?
No. The University will not offer a waiting list for additional tickets. - When will I need to pick up tickets for Commencement, name cards, and honor cords?
Candidates for graduation must present B-CU ID or other photo identification to pick up tickets for Commencement, name cards, and honor cords. Graduates may pick up their tickets, name cards, and honor cords in the PAC lobby on Tuesday May 7th and Wednesday May 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - What do I wear at the Service of Consecration and the Commencement Ceremony?
All participants in the Commencement Ceremony and Service of Consecration including, students, administration, faculty, and staff will follow the dress code outlined below.
Female
- Black or dark colored dresses, skirts and blouses
- Black shoes (Heels lower than 3” recommended)
- Posts or small hoop earrings
- Full academic regalia (cap, tassel, and gown).
- Undergraduate candidates wear tassels on right side of cap until instructed to move the tassel to the left during the ceremony.
- Graduate candidates wear tassels on the left side of cap and carry the master’s hoods on the right arm.
Male
- Black or navy blue slacks
- White dress shirt
- Black or dark colored tie
- Black shoes
- No excessive jewelry
- Full academic regalia (cap, tassel, gown, and master’s hood).
- Undergraduate candidates wear tassels on right side of cap until instructed to move the tassel to the left during the ceremony.
- Graduate candidates wear tassels on the left side of cap and carry the master’s hoods on the right arm.
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