Commencement is the ceremonial event at which degrees are celebrated; it is distinct from the official conferral of the degree.
How it works
The student applies for graduation by the published deadline. The degree audit is reviewed. If the student is on track, the student is cleared to participate in commencement. After final grades are recorded, the registrar performs the final certification and posts the degree with the official conferral date. Diplomas are mailed or made available digitally afterward. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee that the degree has been awarded.
Example: an online student finishes coursework in April, walks in a May commencement ceremony, and receives an official degree conferral date of May 15 after final grades are certified. The transcript shows the May 15 conferral date regardless of the ceremony date.
How it differs
Degree conferral is the official academic action. Graduation rate measures cohort completion, not ceremony participation. Latin honors are noted at conferral. A diploma is the physical or digital document issued after conferral.
Common errors
Assuming participation in commencement means the degree has already been awarded. Using the ceremony date as the official graduation date on applications. Expecting a diploma at the ceremony when it is mailed later.
References
- 1. Institutional commencement policiesParticipation versus degree conferral
- 2. Registrar degree-conferral timelinesOfficial award date
Commencement is the ceremonial event at which degrees are celebrated; it is distinct from the official conferral of the degree.