Graduation

A student may complete graduation requirements at the end of any of the university's instructional terms that conclude in December, January, May or August. However, commencement ceremonies are held only in May at the end of the spring term. Diplomas for December, January and May graduates are awarded at commencement. Participation in commencement is open to those students who have completed all degree requirements by May or have an approved plan whereby all requirements will be met by the end of the summer session following commencement.

Candidates for graduation must complete an application for graduation. This form is available when registering for the fall semester one year prior to participating in commencement. The application begins the degree audit process. Prior to their senior year, students should check the schedule of classes and registration procedures to determine the deadlines for submitting the application for graduation. While the registrar will conduct degree audits on behalf of the university, students are responsible to ensure that all graduation requirements are met.

Attendance at commencement is required unless a written request to be absent is filed with and approved by the Registrar’s Office.

A candidate for graduation must fulfill all financial obligations to the university before he or she receives a diploma.

Honors at Graduation

Honors are designated at commencement only for those students who have fully completed all course work and requirements for their degrees before commencement. In recognition of superior scholarship, the university awards three levels of honors at graduation: cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude.

  • Cum laude is awarded those students with a GPA of at least 3.50.
  • Magna cum laude is awarded those students with a minimum GPA of 3.70.
  • Summa cum laude is awarded those with a minimum GPA of 3.90.

Graduation honors are computed on Taylor University credit hours only; fifty percent of the minimum degree hours must be completed at Taylor University.