Graduation

Application for Graduation

Graduation applications are submitted via Self-Service. Students expecting to graduate must apply the semester before and by the stated due date. See the academic calendar for due dates. Graduation audits will be returned to students within three (3) weeks of the application due date.

Graduation Requirements

Students are responsible for knowing the particular graduation requirements for their individual degree programs. All the following conditions must be met before the board of directors will recommend the candidate for a degree:

  1. Complete the required semester hours of academic course work.
  2. Complete all field education and/or thesis requirements.
  3. Complete the residency requirement for their specific degree
  4. Achieve the minimum cumulative GPA for their degree program. No grade under a C- will be counted toward the degree.
  5. Complete all Vocational and Spiritual Formation for Leadership evaluations and receive approval by faculty vote.
  6. Complete all courses with a grade of Incomplete. No outstanding incomplete grades are permitted later than week seven of the term in which the student plans to graduate.
  7. Occasionally, a candidate may request to participate in the May commencement with a reasonable amount of outstanding academics or field education to be completed over the following summer. Students must submit a student petition to the Academic Cabinet outlining the request, the remaining requirements, and the projected date of completion. The Academic Cabinet will adjudicate all petitions in time for full faculty approval of graduates. Students in this situation will have an August date listed on their diploma.
  8. Pay in full all accounts and fees for the Seminary.

Commencement

The Seminary holds one commencement ceremony in May. Students who complete their studies in December have the option to participate in the Commencement ceremony with the University or to return to campus for the Seminary May Commencement. Students who graduate in December, whether or not they participate in the May commencement, will have a December date on their diploma.