Approved by:  Office of Academic Affairs                        

History:  N/A                                    

Related Policies:  N/A

Related Forms, Procedures and References:  Intent to Graduate or Complete Certificate form (located on the Office of the Registrar forms page)

For Questions Contact:  Office of the Registrar | 651.690.6531

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Application for a Degree or Certificate

When students are prepared to complete degree or certificate requirements, they must file the online Graduation Application form by the published deadline.  Upon receipt of the form, the registrar will verify the student's eligibility for graduation.

Graduation and Commencement

Although the words are often interchanged, "graduation" and "commencement" have different meanings. Graduation occurs when a student has fulfilled all degree requirements. A student may graduate at one of many points during the academic year, as long as all degree requirements are met. The degree conferral date is the end date of the term or part of the term in which the final requirements are met.

Commencement is a ceremony held to celebrate the achievements of St. Catherine University students. Participation in commencement does not necessarily mean that a student has graduated. A student will not graduate and a degree will not be conferred until all requirements are met, regardless of participation in the commencement ceremony.

Commencement

Commencement exercises are held annually in May. Students may participate in commencement if the following conditions are met:

• The student is in good academic standing
• The student submitted a Graduation Application
• The student completed all degree requirements during the academic year (fall or spring semester) or is expected to complete all remaining requirements during the summer following commencement
• A student pursuing a degree and a certificate simultaneously is invited to participate in commencement after they have completed the requirements for both

Diploma

Students receive a diploma after their degree has been posted, provided they have no holds on their record.