{"id":91,"date":"2012-07-16T18:01:06","date_gmt":"2012-07-16T18:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/?page_id=91"},"modified":"2026-08-04T09:20:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T13:20:19","slug":"graduation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/records-and-registration\/graduation\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduation, Conferral, and Commencement"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Conferral Checklist<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Submit the Graduation Application:<\/strong> Must be submitted on Self-Service <strong>before the published deadline<\/strong>.<br \/>\n<strong>Note:<\/strong> There is <strong>no charge<\/strong> to submit the application itself.<\/li>\n<li>Pay the Applicable Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee is charged for each degree or certificate awarded.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<h3>Graduation Fee Details<\/h3>\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Student or Credential Type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Fee Amount<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Payment Method<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Certificate Students<br \/>\n(excluding Education certificate programs)<\/td>\n<td>$35<\/td>\n<td>Added to the payment portal approximately<br \/>\n2 weeks after the application is submitted.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Undergraduate, Online,<br \/>\nGraduate, and Doctoral Students<\/td>\n<td>$160<\/td>\n<td>Added to the payment portal approximately<br \/>\n2 weeks after the application is submitted.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Undergraduate Day Students<\/td>\n<td>Included in the Comprehensive Fee<\/td>\n<td>Does not need to be paid separately.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Conferral Date and Application Deadlines<\/h3>\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Conferral Date<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Application Deadline<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>November 30<\/td>\n<td>September 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>December 31<\/td>\n<td>October 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>February 28th, May (Commencement Day), or August 31st<\/td>\n<td>December 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Important note: <\/strong>Timely application submission is critical because the university needs adequate time to review your academic record. If your application is delayed, it can result in your degree not being conferred on time, and you may forfeit your participation in the symbolic Commencement ceremony.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Requirements Completed Mid-Term<\/h3>\n<p>If you complete your requirements between scheduled conferral dates, your degree or certificate will be awarded on the next available conferral date. For example, requirements completed in March will generally result in a May conferral date, while requirements completed in October will generally result in a November conferral date. The official conferral date will appear on your academic record and, when applicable, your diploma or certificate.<\/p>\n<p>Students who need documentation confirming that all degree requirements have been completed may request a <strong>Letter of Completion<\/strong> on the ESC Forms page.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Conferral vs. Commencement vs. Graduation: Understanding the Difference<\/h3>\n<p>These are frequently confused terms that are related but have distinct meanings:<\/p>\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Meaning<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Key Feature<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Conferral<\/td>\n<td>The official academic awarding of a degree or certificate.<\/td>\n<td>The moment the degree is earned and recognized.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Commencement<\/td>\n<td>The formal, celebratory ceremony.<\/td>\n<td>A symbolic event where you walk across the stage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Graduation<\/td>\n<td>The entire process of completing a degree.<\/td>\n<td>An ambiguous term; avoid using it for clarity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span>Conferral is the official awarding of a credential, while Commencement is the celebratory ceremony for eligible degree recipients.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Checking Your Conferral Status<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Review your Progress on Self Service to see if there are any requirements in red (which means that they are not fulfilled). This means that you still need to complete that requirement or have a substitution processed. If there are requirements in red that you are unsure of, please discuss this with your academic advisor.<\/li>\n<li>Look for an email with subject: <strong>Official Graduation Status<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Requirements for Degrees and Certificates<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Certificate Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span> <\/span><span>Complete an approved certificate program (excluding Education certificate programs).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> <\/span><span>Undergraduate students must have at least a 2.0 overall GPA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> <\/span><span>Graduate students must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> <\/span><span>The certificate program typically consists of 12 credits or more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> <\/span><span>Pay the $35 certificate fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Undergraduate Degrees<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complete all core, major, minor, distributive, and free-elective requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Obtain all required approvals for major and minor substitutions.<\/li>\n<li>Resolve all incomplete grades.<\/li>\n<li>Complete at least 120 credits for a bachelor\u2019s degree or 60 credits for an associate degree.<\/li>\n<li>Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.<\/li>\n<li>Meet all major and minor GPA requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that all transfer work is approved by the Dean and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that all CLEP examination paperwork is approved by the Dean or Department Chair and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar.<\/li>\n<li>Graduation Honors \u2013 On your name card, it states the honors announcement that will be called during the Commencement Ceremony. This is based on your current GPA which does not include spring courses that are in progress.<\/li>\n<li>After Commencement your GPA will be reviewed again and if you qualify then honors will be notated on your academic transcript.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Graduate\/Doctoral Degrees<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complete all degree program requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Graduate Education Alternate Route Credits must be received and processed by the Office of the University Registrar.<\/li>\n<li>Doctoral Dissertation must be successfully defended and approved by the Program Director.<\/li>\n<li>All incomplete grades must have a valid grade submitted (no IC grades).<\/li>\n<li>All transfer work must be approved by the Program Director\/Dean and submitted to the Office of the University Registrar.<\/li>\n<li>Graduate students must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Diploma and Certificate Delivery Timeline<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Certificate Delivery<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>After a certificate is conferred, a digital badge is issued through Credly. Students may download and print their certificate through the Credly platform.<\/li>\n<li>Outstanding balances, fees, or library fines may delay the release of a certificate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Diploma Delivery<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>After a degree is conferred, a digital diploma is issued through Parchment. A printed diploma is mailed after the University has reviewed the graduating class and confirmed degree eligibility.<\/li>\n<li>After a degree is conferred and the graduating class has been processed, a digital diploma is issued through Parchment. Printed diplomas are generally mailed approximately eight weeks after conferral.<\/li>\n<li>Students should ensure that the mailing address listed on their graduation application is correct. Address corrections must be submitted at least 15 days before the degree conferral date.<\/li>\n<li>Outstanding balances, fees, or library fines may delay the release of a diploma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Name Printed on the Diploma<\/h3>\n<p>The name entered on your graduation application must match the name in University records. To officially change your name, submit two forms of legal documentation to the Office of the Registrar. If the required documentation is not received, your diploma will be issued using the name currently listed in University records.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What Appears on the Diploma and Transcript<\/h3>\n<p>Diplomas list the degree of study only (i.e. Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Nursing, Doctor of Education). Majors, Minors, Concentrations, and Latin Honors are listed on the <strong>academic transcript which should be used to verify your degree or program of study<\/strong>. For students that are double majors seeking a major in both a BA and BS degree program, the degree on your diploma will be based on the first major or degree program that is listed on your record. The second major is listed under the degree program so only the degree associated with the first major will be listed.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Commencement Ceremony<\/h3>\n<p>The University has one commencement ceremony in May and has five degree conferral dates: February, May, August, November and December.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who Can Participate in Commencement?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Previously Conferred Degrees<br \/>\n<\/strong>\u00a0Students whose degrees were conferred in August, November, or December of the prior year, or February of the current year, may participate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Students Completing Spring or Summer Requirements<br \/>\n<\/strong>\u00a0Students with no more than six remaining credits may participate if they are registered for the remaining required summer coursework.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Former Graduates<br \/>\n<\/strong>\u00a0Participation is generally limited to one academic year after the degree conferral date.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Participation Policy:<\/strong> Students with no more than six remaining credits may participate if they are registered for the outstanding summer coursework. School of Education students completing fall student teaching may be considered under the applicable exception. Participation is ceremonial and does not constitute degree conferral. Students may participate in only one Commencement ceremony. Students completing only a certificate or second concentration are not eligible.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/110\/files\/2025\/11\/Commencement-Deferral-Policy.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Review the Commencement Deferral Policy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Commencement Awards<\/h3>\n<p>To qualify for Commencement Awards, all program requirements must be successfully completed in December of the prior year or in February, May, or August of the current year. Candidates who apply for the upcoming December and request participation in early Commencement are not eligible for awards.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/commencement\/university-commencement\/\">Read further information, including Commencement ceremony details<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Academic Regalia (Cap and Gown)<\/h3>\n<p>The University has partnered with KeyPlus as the official regalia vendor. As recognition of your hard work and dedication, undergraduate and master\u2019s students are invited to order regalia at no cost.<\/p>\n<p>Students are responsible for the shipping and handling fee of $17.95.<\/p>\n<p>Doctoral students are required to purchase their regalia, with prices varying by selection. Doctoral candidates must also successfully defend their dissertation by late March to be eligible for May degree conferral.<\/p>\n<p>To avoid unexpected charges, please store your regalia securely. If your cap, gown, or hood is lost, the following fees will apply:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Replacement Cost:<\/strong> The full cost of the lost regalia will be charged to your student account through the Student Accounts Office. SPU does not cover replacement costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shipping Fee:<\/strong> A second shipping fee of $17.95 will apply for replacement orders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Regalia Pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Item<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Doctoral Deluxe Gown with white piping and embroidered front panel (Includes Shipping &amp; Handling)<\/td>\n<td>$425.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tam \u2013 Deluxe with 2-button rayon tassel (Includes Shipping &amp; Handling)<\/td>\n<td>$120.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Doctoral Hood \u2013 Deluxe with piping (Includes Shipping &amp; Handling)<\/td>\n<td>$215.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Doctoral Freedom Package (Regular) \u2013 includes cap, gown with embroidered tabs, tassel, and doctoral hood<\/td>\n<td>$97.95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Master Freedom Package (Regular) \u2013 includes cap, gown with embroidered tabs, tassel, and master\u2019s hood*<\/td>\n<td>$59.95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bachelor Freedom Package (Regular) \u2013 includes cap, gown with embroidered tabs, tassel, and bib hood*<\/td>\n<td>$49.95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>*If you lose your regalia, the replacement fee <strong>plus<\/strong> an additional <strong>$17.95 shipping charge<\/strong> will apply.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you encounter any issues with ordering your regalia, have questions regarding payment processing, shipment, delivery, or the status of your order, please contact KeyPlus directly at 866-450-7587. They will assist you with any concerns related to your regalia order.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Commencement Checklist<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Apply for Graduation: All students must submit a graduation application on Self Service prior to the deadline (usually the term prior to their final term).<\/li>\n<li>Academic Review: In collaboration with the Dean and the Department Chair, the Registrar\u2019s Office verifies eligibility for degree conferral.<\/li>\n<li>Order Your Cap &amp; Gown: Eligible students receive instructions for ordering regalia.<\/li>\n<li>RSVP for Commencement<\/li>\n<li>Collect your Tickets for Commencement<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Former Students Applying for Graduation<\/h3>\n<p>Former Students who need to apply for graduation but have not attended for more than one year must contact the Registrar\u2019s Office. We\u2019ll advise if you need to be reinstated or will assist in reactivating your Self-Service account if no additional courses are needed.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Questions? Need Help?<\/h3>\n<p>Contact the Registrar\u2019s Office: (201) 761-6052 | <a href=\"mailto:registrar@saintpeters.edu\">registrar@saintpeters.edu<\/a> or your Academic Advisor (for program-specific requirements).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conferral Checklist Submit the Graduation Application: Must be submitted on Self-Service before the published deadline. Note: There is no charge to submit the application itself. Pay the Applicable Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee is charged for each degree or certificate awarded. Graduation Fee Details Student or Credential Type Fee Amount Payment Method Certificate Students (excluding [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":0,"parent":16,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-91","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/91","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/91\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2910,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/91\/revisions\/2910"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/enrollment-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}