Steps to Graduation for Graduate Students

Step 7:  Plan to participate in the Commencement and Hooding Ceremonies.

Graduate Hooding Ceremony

All eligible graduate candidates* are invited to attend the Graduate Hooding Ceremony.

Doctoral candidates must:

• notify the Thesis/Dissertation Consultant in advance regarding attendance and designated hooder information,
• invite their major professor or other committee member to hood them at the ceremony.

University Commencement Ceremony

All graduate candidates* are invited to attend the University Commencement Ceremony.

To participate in the University Commencement Ceremony, students must R.S.V.P. to confirm their attendance. This will allow us to make seating arrangements. Please do not confuse this ceremony with the college ceremonies--a separate RSVP is required for them (see below).

It is NOT necessary for family and friends planning to attend the ceremonies to make a reservation.

If you are a graduating student who plans to participate in the University Commencement Ceremony, click the link below, complete and submit the form to confirm your plans to attend.

Commencement RSVP Form for Graduating Students

College Ceremonies (Spring Commencement Only)

In the Spring term, students may also participate in a College Ceremony. College Ceremonies are in addition to the University Commencement Ceremony. A reservation to participate in a College Ceremony is necessary as well. For information about where and when the college ceremonies are, and for RSVP contact information, go to Other Ceremonies Information and RSVP Contacts.

*Students Eligible to Participate in Ceremonies

• Students who will complete degree requirements at the end of the current semester (Fall or Spring) are eligible to participate in that semester's ceremonies.
• Non-thesis Master's students who will complete degree requirements at the end of a Summer Term are eligible to participate in either Fall or Spring ceremonies.
• Master's Thesis students and doctoral students who will complete degree requirements at the end of a Summer Term are eligible to participate in the Fall ceremonies.