13.99.99.R0.12 Application for Graduation and Commencement Participation

Effective: June 2003

Commencement ceremonies recognize academic achievements of students and faculty. While ceremonial in nature, commencement is a time for the university to celebrate a major milestone in the life of the academic community. Participation in commencement at Texas A&M University- Commerce is an earned honor shared among graduates.

1. Application for the degree should be made with the Registrar’s Office within the first four weeks (for fall and spring) and 3 weeks (for summer) of the semester in which the student intends to graduate. Application acceptance dates will be published in the Schedule of Classes and the University’s Academic Calendar. Degree candidates should meet with their departmental academic advisor during the beginning of the semester PRIOR to their expected graduation to assure they are meeting degree requirements (see Graduation Checking procedure, A13.26). Undergraduate students must have an official and accurate degree audit on file to be eligible to apply for graduation. Graduate School candidates must submit a copy of their official degree plan with the application.

2. An application fee is required upon submission of the application. Students not meeting degree requirements will be removed and notified via certified letter. A new application and an additional re-activation fee will be required. This application must meet the same deadlines as stated above. Students applying after the published application deadline will not be calculated in the original dispersal of tickets for their designated ceremony.

3. Participation in the commencement ceremony is restricted to those who will complete all degree requirements during the semester in which the graduation application was received. Students not meeting all degree requirements will be notified and may become eligible in subsequent terms upon submission of a new application and clearance from the Registrar’s Office. Commencement exercises are held 3 times each academic year in May, August and December. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee conferring of any degree. Degrees are conferred based on official grades received in the Registrar’s Office following commencement. Students with holds will not receive a diploma or official transcript until all obligations to the University have been cleared. Any exception to this procedure must be approved by the Dean of Enrollment.

4. Texas A&M University–Commerce has the right to rescind any conferred degree if the University becomes aware of information that the student did not meet degree requirements.

References: New Procedure; Procedure A13.14

Contact for Interpretation: University Registrar