Applying for Graduation and Preparing for Commencement

Applying for Graduation and Preparing for Commencement

All students MUST apply for graduation in order to graduate. Sometimes as early as one or two terms in advance. Each advising office has a different approach - some require an appointment, while others accept applications dropped off at a front desk or submitted online. Check your college's deadlines and processes for applying to graduate.

Note: if you are completing degrees in two colleges, you need to apply for graduation in BOTH colleges.

Before You Apply to Graduate

  1. Talk with your advisor

    Speak with your advisor to verify that your degree requirements are complete. Print your degree audit and make sure you have no red "X's".

    Note: Honors students in the College of Arts and Sciences DO NOT use a degree audit to verify that they completed all requirements; they should speak to an Honors advisor.

  2. Remove any holds on your record

    Holds can range from a fee for an overdue book to not completing your financial aid exit interview. A hold may prevent you from receiving your diploma. Contact the Buckeye Link office with questions.

  3. Complete a financial aid exit interview

    You can complete the financial aid exit interview before you meet with an advisor. Completing this early increases your chances of not having a hold on your record.

  4. Planning on taking coursework at another institution during the term you plan to graduate?

    If so, it is important to plan very early. Talk with your advisor about this process.

    Note: some colleges DO NOT allow you to take courses at another institution during the term you plan on graduating. Make sure you ask your advisor if this is what you are planning to do.

Do you plan to take courses after you graduate, but not to pursue a second undergraduate degree?

If so, it is important to know that you may not be eligible for financial aid.