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Graduation and Commencement

GRADUATION

Students must complete and submit an Intent to Graduate form at least eight (8) weeks before the next scheduled commencement ceremony. Please note that all transfer credits, CLEP scores, DSST scores, and Prior Learning Credit materials must also be submitted by this deadline.

COMMENCEMENT

GPS students who will complete all degree requirements in the spring semester are eligible and encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony. If approved by the Office of the University Registrar, GPS students who will complete all degree requirements by December 31 are eligible to participate in the prior spring commencement ceremony. Students utilizing this exception must present (in writing) a reasonable plan for completing all requirements at least six (6) weeks prior to the spring commencement ceremony date and must be within fifteen (15) credit hours of completing all course requirements. The University Registrar has the right to deny inclusion.

POLICIES APPLICABLE TO ALL GRADUATING STUDENTS

  1. All graduating students, whether participating in the ceremony or not, must complete the Intent to Graduate Form.
  2. The spring commencement program, including the list of degree candidates and graduation honors, is based upon the applicable date six weeks prior to the commencement ceremony.
  3. The commencement program is tentative, pending completing of required work and submission of final grades.
  4. The commencement program lists all degree candidates for the respective period.
  5. Students may participate in commencement only one time per degree earned.
  6. Students who decorate their regalia in a manner that is deemed to be inappropriate or distracting by University administration may be asked to replace their mortarboard and/or gown with one provided by the University.
  7. Printed graduation honors for students graduating from traditional undergraduate programs are calculated using the students' grade point average from the immediate previous term.
  8. Printed graduation honors for GPS undergraduate degree programs are calculated approximately six weeks prior to the commencement ceremony date.
  9. Actual graduation honors for all undergraduate students are indicated on the final transcript reflecting final grades earned. Academic honors do not apply to graduate program students.
  10. Diploma covers are distributed during the commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed when degree requirements are completed, when grades have been received, and when all account balances with the University have been paid. For students who have a Federal Perkins loan, exit counseling must be completed to receive a diploma.
  11. Permanent address changes must be made prior to leaving MVNU so that the diploma is sent to the correct address.
  12. Replacement diplomas cost $30. 

DEGREE CONFERRAL

Although the University awards degrees during its annual commencement ceremonies each spring, the University may also confer degrees to students on a monthly basis in order to facilitate the student's ability to enter the job market with his/her degree in a timely fashion after completing degree requirements. If the student desires to participate in the annual commencement ceremony, the student is responsible to contact the University Registrar's office by March 1 for inclusion in the spring commencement ceremony.

All students desiring to have a degree conferral date other than the annual commencement date will need to submit the Intent to Graduate Form to the University Registrar's office. Standard approval is 7-10 business days prior to the conferral date, so requests must be submitted in a timely manner.

ACADEMIC HONORS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

All undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 33 letter-graded credit hours in residence at MVNU to qualify for Academic Honors.

Summa Cum Laude: Graduation with highest honors requires a cumulative GPA of 3.90 on coursework taken at the University.

Magna Cum Laude: Graduation with high honors requires a cumulative GPA of 3.70 on coursework taken at the University.

Cum Laude: Graduation with honors requires a cumulative GPA of 3.50 on coursework taken at the University.

Alpha Chi: In the junior and senior years, students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.85 may be recommended by faculty for membership in this nationally recognized honor society. Alpha Chi is committed to promoting excellence at the undergraduate level and in professional life.

 

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