Graduation FAQ

• I'm approaching the end of my academic program; what do I have to do to graduate?
• When is the deadline to file my declaration of intent to graduate?
• What if I miss the deadline?
• What are the grade submission deadlines for conferral candidates?
• What do the terms in my graduation status letter mean?
• What is the $125.00 graduation fee for?
• When/where is May graduation?
• How/where do I get my attire for commencement?
• Who is allowed to "march only" at commencement?

I'm approaching the end of my academic program; what do I have to do to graduate?

Undergraduate and on-campus graduate students: first check with your academic or program advisor to be sure you will be able to finish your requirements by the deadlines for the conferral period.

Off-campus graduate students whose cohorts expect to graduate: check to be sure that your coursework will be done within the timelines, and that your instructor will post grades within the deadlines for the conferral period.

When you know you will be able to complete your requirements on time, file your declaration of intent to graduate (DIG) on LOIS. At the same time, check your student account balance on LOIS to be sure you will be able to pay your balance in full within a month of the conferral period.

Declaring your intent to graduate will place you in the queue for an academic audit. Once your audit is complete, the Office of the University Registrar will contact you to let you know your status.

Please note that the Office of the University Registrar uses email to communicate regarding the graduation process, including graduation status announcements. Be sure to check your email on LOIS under "personal profile" at the same time that you file your declaration of intent to graduate, and frequently check the email you use for Lesley communications.

When is the deadline to file my declaration of intent to graduate?

Deadlines are published on the graduating students web page.

What if I miss the deadline?

The declaration of intent to graduate (DIG) is available at all times. However, each conferral date disappears from the application list after its deadline passes.

To obtain a form to file your declaration of intent to graduate after the deadline, contact the Office of the University Registrar. Late submissions are subject to a $250.00 late charge.

A note on the May commencement program: Because of printers' deadlines, the names of students who file a late DIG for May will not be included in the commencement program.

What are the grade submission deadlines for conferral candidates?

All grade submission deadlines are available on the registrar's faculty main page.

What do the terms in my graduation status letter mean?

• Complete: All degree requirements are completed.
• Pending: In the process of completing all degree requirements, pending successful completion of current courses. Current courses must meet the grade submission deadline!
• In Progress: Degree requirements are not completed. Contact your academic advisor with questions.
• Moved: Graduation record was moved to next conferral due to various reasons (classes end after the grade submission deadline, request of the student, request of the advisor, etc.).
• Deleted: Degree requirements have remained incomplete for two consecutive conferral periods. Re-apply for graduation, and pay the degree completion fee again.

What is the $125.00 graduation fee for?

The degree completion fee covers a portion of the significant administrative expense involved in auditing your record to verify completion of program requirements; publication, design, and printing of the commencement program (which includes every graduate for the academic year); printing and proofing of diplomas; diploma cases; diploma postage and handling expenses; and other assorted administrative tasks.

When/where is May graduation?

Visit our graduating students web page for graduation dates. For information on location, time, how to get there, etc., have a look at the Commencement Office web page.

How/where do I get my attire for commencement?

Answers regarding attire, parking, attendance, arrival times, etc. are available on the Commencement Office website, or by contacting the Commencement Office directly.

Who is allowed to "march only" at commencement?

If you are interested in marching with your class at May commencement, and you will not be finished with your program requirements, and you fit within the criteria below, you may be eligible to "march only" at commencement.

• Graduate students within three credits of completing program requirements.
• Undergraduate students within six credits of completing program requirements.

If you are interested in this privilege you must file a DIG for the August conferral by the May conferral filing deadline to be eligible for consideration.