


Terminology for the Future Graduate:
Degree vs. Diploma vs. Transcript
Degree - an academic title awarded to a person who has completed a course of study (e.g. Bachelor of Science).Diploma - an official document (i.e. the decorative piece of paper with the university seal) issued by an educational institution showing that a person has earned a degree.
Transcript - an official, unabridged, printed academic record for a student [i.e. a list of terms enrolled, courses taken, grades attained, and degree (if completed)].
Graduation vs. Commencement
Graduation - receipt of an academic degree. To be eligible for a degree, candidates must apply for graduation and complete appropriate program requirements.Commencement - the ceremony that acknowledges the achievement of a degree. Actual degrees are not awarded at the commencement ceremony. Actual diplomas are not distributed at commencement. A final degree audit must be completed before a degree is officially awarded and diplomas are sent. The audit occurs after final grades are posted in the weeks following the end of a student's final semester.
General
GradFest
Commencement
- Ceremony Schedule
- Guest Information
- Faculty Information
- Student Information
Apply for Graduation
- General graduation application information
- Graduation Application Fees
- Graduation Information by College
Diplomas
University Honors
- Baccalaureate Latin Honors
- Associate Honors
- Determining University Honor Eligibility
- Honors Scholars
- Honor Societies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Commencement tickets needed for guests?
- Is there a limit to the number of guests?
- Where do I get Graduation Announcements?
- What name appears on my diploma?
- When will I receive my Diploma?
- Is there a graduation fee?
- Where do I get caps and gowns?
- Do I really need to go to GradFest?
- What do graduate students need to do to attend Commencement?
- What if I missed GradFest?
- What if I'm a long-distance student?
- What if I still have work "In-Progress"?
- What do I need to do if I am no longer eligible to graduate?
