Degree candidates who are within two courses, not to exceed six (6) credits, of completing their degree requirements at the conclusion of the spring semester may petition to participate in Commencement as degree-in-progress candidates, subject to the following requirements:
- The student must submit a petition provided by the Registrar's Office identifying the outstanding degree requirements and providing a plan for completing the remaining coursework, preferably during the subsequent summer term.
- At the time of petition, the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a minimum GPA of 2.00 in the major.
- The petition will be reviewed and the student will be notified.
Students who are required to withdraw from the University following the fall semester of their senior year are not eligible to participate in Commencement. Students who are deficient in credits as a result of a violation of the University's academic integrity policy during their final semester are also ineligible.
Students approved to participate in Commencement as degree-in-progress candidates will participate in the ceremony, including robing and walking across the stage, but will receive a diploma case rather than a diploma. The diploma case will indicate that the student's degree is in progress. The student's name will be identified as "Degree in Progress" in the Commencement program.
Students who are missing two laboratory science courses totaling eight (8) credits may petition to participate in Commencement as degree-in-progress candidates.