Metro IV-B Ed.D. Handbook
for students entering summer 2004

Graduation and Commencement

Awarding of Degree
Degrees from the University of Minnesota are awarded at the end of each month. To qualify for graduation for a particular month, a student must submit the Application for Degree Form on or before the first workday of that month and must complete the examination and all other requirements (including necessary forms and fees) by the last workday of that month. The diploma will be mailed three to four months after graduation.

Graduating in any month before the end of the semester may affect eligibility for student loans and housing.

Commencement
While the Graduate School degrees are awarded monthly, commencement (the graduation ceremony) is held only twice a year in December and May. January through June graduates usually attend the spring ceremony, and July through December graduates usually attend the fall ceremony. Attending the ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.

The Commencement Attendance Approval Form must be signed by adviser indicating that the thesis draft has been completed and that student is ready for but may or may not have taken the final oral exam. The form (received by student from Graduate School in Graduation Packet) must be turned in to 201 Fraser Hall on or before the first working day of the intended month of graduation.

Students who have not yet completed all requirements for graduation may participate in commencement if the Commencement Attendance Approval Form has the appropriate signatures and is submitted by the published deadline date. The Commencement Attendance Approval Form must be signed by the adviser. The condition for signing differs among departments within the university. The standard used in this program is that three committee members, i.e., the three readers, must have signed the thesis sign-off form. This means that students, whom their advisers believe are ready to defend their thesis/project, can participate in the commencement although they may not have yet completed the final examination.

Commencement is a special event to celebrate the academic accomplishments of the students and dedication of the faculty, and to celebrate our academic community. Students are encouraged to participate in the commencements at the University of Minnesota. Academic dress (cap, gown, tassel and hood) may be rented or purchased for the event. A Commencement Handbook, containing information on academic costume, rehearsal, parking, etc., should be obtained from University Relations, 6 Morrill Hall or from the Information Booth in Smith Bookstore on the West Bank. Information is also available on the Web at www.bookstores.umn.edu/grad/.

Updated April 2004