Graduation Information and Deadlines
What You Need to Know About Graduation - Requirements and Deadlines
Graduation requires a great deal of planning and coordination by graduating students and the Graduate Office. The information below gives the deadlines, schedules, and other information you need to know to graduate and participate in the commencement ceremony. Please note that your full cooperation is needed for graduation to be a success.
Checkout & Program Requirements
- All graduating students must officially check-out with the Graduate Office, which includes paying the mandatory graduation fee. The mandatory graduation fees for each degree type are,
- Non-Thesis Masters = $465
- Thesis Masters = $625
- Doctorate = $685
- Check-out cards can be obtained from the Graduate Office or at the Graduation Salute. You must return the completed card before the deadlines specified (See Important Dates and Deadlines, below).
- CSM will not release diplomas, transcripts, and other records of students who have any unsettled obligation to the university.
- You must successfully complete all program requirements before the date of graduation.
- Your department may have requirements beyond those established by the Graduate Office that you might have to meet before graduating. Be sure to check with your advisor about departmental requirements.
- Graduation ceremonies are held in December and May. Students eligible for graduation are expected to attend the ceremony held at the end of their final semester. (Students completing requirements during the summer semester are expected to attend the December ceremony.)
- If you fail to graduate at the time originally anticipated, you must reapply for the next graduation before the deadline stated in the Graduate Handbook.
You can access the required forms online.
Checkout cards can only be obtained at the Graduate Office (Rm 125 Guggenheim Hall) or at the Graduate Salute.
Deadline Checklist for Spring 2012
Students must have an approved Admission to Candidacy Form on file with the Office of Graduate Studies prior to submission of the online Graduation Application Form.
January 26
The Graduation Application must be submitted online.
March 22, 23 - Graduation Salute
Attend & save time! Student Center Ballrooms, March 22 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, March 23 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Check-out materials, gowns, hoods, etc. can be picked up and most administrative departments will be on site to sign off on student checkout cards. Doctoral gowns, personalized announcements and class rings can be ordered.
*NOTE: During Graduation Salute you are required to fill out the Career Center Checkout Form
. You can save time during the Salute by filling the form out electronically and bringing a hard-copy with you.
TBD by your academic department
Thesis Defense Request Form due.
TBD by your academic department
Last day to defend thesis.
April 9
Last day for format approval of thesis. Submittal page must be signed prior to review.
April 13
Check-out card and Work Completion form must be turned into the Graduate Office.
The Graduation Ceremony - Information for Students & Guests
Schedule
May 2 - Graduation Practice
4:00 PM Student Rec Center - Lockridge Arena
May 11 - Hooding Ceremony (Doctoral Candidates Only)
7:30 to 8:00 AM
MANDATORY Check-in, Student Center Room 240. PhD pick up cap and gown.
May 11 - Commencement
7:30 to 8:45 AM
MANDATORY Check-in, Lockridge Arena - Student Rec Center. MS pick up cap and tassel. If you fail to check-in on time you will be pulled from the graduation ceremony. NO EXCEPTIONS
In the event of inclement weather you will be emailed the new details and they will be posted here and on the Graduate School main page.
8:45 AM
Line-up for procession. Please be on time.
9:00 AM
Doctoral Candidates escorted to line-up location for Graduation Ceremony.
9:30 AM
Procession March begins.
Photographs - A professional photographer will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma and is greeted on stage. Free color proofs will be mailed to each graduate within several weeks of the ceremony.
Special Arrangements - Call the Student Life Office at 303.273.3231 if you need special arrangements for:
* Seating and parking for people with disabilities.
* Graduates needing assistance during the processional.
Baby-sitting - Baby-sitting services will be available for children 8 and under. Signs will be posted
Announcements - Personalized graduation announcements can be ordered at www.jostens.com. The minimum order is 25, and you must pay for them in advance. Allow three weeks for delivery. For more information, call 1-800-854-7464.
Diplomas - Diplomas will be ordered after final grades have been verified and degrees have been posted. Diplomas will then be mailed to the address provided on your check-out card. You can expect to receive your diploma approximately 16 weeks from the graduation date.
Information for Guests
Tickets - Tickets are not required for the outdoor Commencement ceremony.
Parking - Please check back for more information on parking during the Commencement ceremony.
Seating - General seating will be available before the start of the ceremony. Once the ceremony begins, open seats can also be occupied by individuals.
Duration - The ceremony will last about 2 hours.
Photography - Guests will be prohibited from approaching the stage to take photographs or videos, but they will be permitted to take pictures from their seats.
Note: A professional photographer will photograph each graduate as they receive their diploma (see Additional Information, above).
Post-Ceremony Rendezvous - Graduates will march out with the marshals and their fellow graduates. Graduates and guests should arrange to meet away from the main aisle to avoid interfering with the processional.
Important Events and Deadlines
Spring 2012 Semester
January 10
Graduate School Orientation
January 11
Classes Begin
January 13
Graduate Student Late Fee
January 26
Graduation Application
March 22, 23
Graduation Salute
April 9
Final Thesis Format Approval
April 13
Check-out card
Work Completion Form
May 2
Graduation Practice
May 11
Commencement
August 1
Reduced Registration Application Deadline
Fall 2012 Semester