Application for Graduation

The Fall Commencement Ceremony held in December is intended for students completing their degree requirements in the fall semester. The Spring Commencement Ceremonies held in May are intended for students completing their degree requirements during the current spring or upcoming summer semester*.

Students should apply to graduate via Canelink during the appropriate semester regardless of intent to participate in the commencement ceremony to verify important information regarding graduation and diplomas. CaneLink can only be used during the semester of your degree completion eligibility.

Quick Links: Dates/Deadlines - Attendance/Eligibility - Application Details - Walking Before/After Graduation Date

Application for Graduation Dates and Deadlines

Spring/Summer 2024 Graduation application period: February 7 - March 7, 2024*

Students who plan to complete their degree requirements in the spring or summer semester are eligible to apply on CaneLink.

Please note there is NO summer commencement ceremony. Summer graduates should walk in the Spring Ceremony in May prior to degree completion, and apply to graduate via CaneLink during the spring semester.

Fall 2024 Graduation application period: September 11 - October 11, 2024*

Students who plan to complete their degree requirements in the fall semester are eligible to apply on CaneLink.

 *IMPORTANT: Those who miss the deadline WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the current Commencement ceremonies, and will have to participate in the following Commencement ceremonies.

Eligible students apply on CaneLink

Attendance and Eligibility

Students must apply online via CaneLink to participate in the ceremony. Fall graduates are eligible to apply during the fall semester and participate in fall Commencement in December. Spring and Summer graduates are eligible to apply during the spring semester and should participate in spring Commencement in May. Summer graduates may elect to defer participation in May and return to walk in the following fall Commencement in December. Students who need to walk earlier than their designated graduation semester should contact their academic advisor and read below for additional information.

The final awarding of degrees and honors is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the appropriate requirements by each candidate. The listing of a student's name in the printed program in no way implies or ensures his or her graduation or the award of honors. Diplomas are issued post-graduation by the Office of the Registrar. For more information on diplomas click here. 

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, contact your school/college advisor.

Application for Graduation Details

During the application process, students will select and verify the following information:

• semester for degree completion
• correct name for printing on the diploma and publishing in the commencement program book,
• update mailing address preferences for the diploma, and
• complete the commencement ceremony registration

After completing the CaneLink application, students will receive information for ordering cap and gown. Commencement registration details collected include:

• Number of guests attending
• Height and weight (determines size for cap and gown).
• Permission to publish your name in the commencement program book.
• Doctoral candidates will verify additional information for inclusion in the program book such as:
  • prior degrees earned, major, dissertation title or essay, and advisor name.
    Please do not submit the application with incorrect or incomplete details.

Please carefully review the details of your application before submitting. Any name changes other than abbreviating or removing a middle name must be requested with the Office of the Registrar. Official legal documentation may be required. More information regarding name changes is listed on the Office of the Registrar site.

Walking at Commencement Before/After Graduation Date

Students who wish to participate in a commencement ceremony that does not correspond with their actual graduation date should complete the participant registration form.

Spring 2024 participation registration form application period: February 7 - March 7, 2024*
Fall 2024 participation registration form application period: September 11 - October 11, 2024*

This form should be completed by students who:

• Graduated in the previous term
• Students walking early due to Plus One scholarship
• Are completing their final semester study abroad/internship
• Summer graduates who defer to walk until December, instead of May (Summer graduates should still apply for graduation in CaneLink during the spring prior to degree completion)
• Will not complete their degree requirements until the upcoming term and cannot participate in the ceremony during the appropriate semester

The completed participant registration form is used to confirm a student's participation and to order cap and gown. Students completing a degree in fall should apply in the fall semester; students completing a degree in spring or summer should apply in the spring semester. There is no application period or commencement ceremony in the summer.

 *IMPORTANT: Those who miss the deadline WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the current Commencement ceremonies, and will have to participate in the following Commencement ceremonies.

Cane ID will be required for the participant registration form.

Participant Registration Form

If you need clarification on when to apply contact your academic advisor.