Frequently Asked Questions
APPLYING FOR GRADUATION OR CERTIFICATE
- How do I apply for graduation?
- When should I apply for graduation?
- How much does it cost to apply for graduation?
- Why do I have to apply for graduation?
- What’s the difference between graduation and Commencement?
- What must I do to graduate during a given term?
- What if I don’t meet all the requirements by the end of the term?
- What if I get an Incomplete or In Progress grade during my last term?
- How do I reapply for graduation?
- I want to walk in Commencement, but I need to finish some classes in summer. When should I apply to graduate?
- I’ve already applied for graduation, but I’m planning to complete an additional degree or certificate. Do I need to pay again?
- I’ve met all my requirements already, but I haven’t applied for graduation. What term should I apply for?
MY DEGREE / DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE
- When will my degree or certificate be officially awarded?
- When will I get my diploma or certificate?
- What is printed on my diploma or certificate?
- I have two majors. Will I get two diplomas?
- Can I graduate with honors?
COMMENCEMENT AND OTHER CEREMONIES
- Who is eligible to walk at the Commencement ceremony?
- How do I sign up to walk at Commencement?
- How much does it cost to participate in Commencement?
- How do I get a cap and gown?
- How do I order a class ring, graduation announcements or a diploma frame?
- Do my guests need tickets to the Commencement ceremony?
- What should I wear to the Commencement ceremony?
- What is the Baccalaureate Ceremony?
- What if I have other questions?
HOW DO I APPLY FOR GRADUATION?
Click here for application deadlines and instructions.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR GRADUATION?
Your application and payment must be received in the Business Office by the deadline. The application deadline each term is approximately five weeks BEFORE the terms begins. This length of time is necessary to process all applications received. Click here for application deadlines and instructions.
Late applications will not be accepted; if the deadline is missed, the application will be moved to the following term.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO APPLY FOR GRADUATION?
Click here for graduation fee information.
WHY DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR GRADUATION?
Before we can award a degree or certificate, we need to verify that you have satisfied all the requirements. Applying for graduation is your way to tell us that you intend to complete a specific degree or certificate program during a specific term so we can do this verification. The graduation fee covers the cost of processing your application and producing your diploma or certificate.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRADUATION AND COMMENCEMENT?
Graduation refers to receiving your diploma and having your degree awarded. Commencement is the traditional graduation ceremony. You must apply for graduation even if you do not plan to attend the Commencement ceremony.
WHAT MUST I DO TO GRADUATE DURING A GIVEN TERM?
Before the end of the term, you must:
- Complete all coursework required for your degree or certificate.
- Complete all work for classes with Incomplete or In Progress grades and ensure that your instructor has posted the final grade.
- Submit official transcripts for any transfer credits.
- Meet upper-division, residency and overall credit requirements for your program.
- Maintain your Marylhurst GPA at or above the minimum level for graduation (2.00 for undergraduate degrees; 3.00 for graduate degrees).
WHAT IF I DON’T MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS BY THE END OF THE TERM?
If you have any unmet requirements at the end of the term for which you applied to graduate, you will need to reapply for a later term.
WHAT IF I GET AN INCOMPLETE OR IN PROGRESS GRADE DURING MY LAST TERM?
An Incomplete or In Progress grade indicates that you have not completed all your requirements. You will need to reapply for graduation during a later term.
HOW DO I REAPPLY FOR GRADUATION?
The process for reapplying is exactly the same as for your original application. The reapplication fee is $25.
I WANT TO WALK IN COMMENCEMENT, BUT I NEED TO FINISH SOME CLASSES IN SUMMER. WHEN SHOULD I APPLY TO GRADUATE?
You should apply for Summer Term graduation. All summer graduates are eligible to participate in the June Commencement of the same academic year.
I’VE ALREADY APPLIED FOR GRADUATION, BUT I’M PLANNING TO COMPLETE AN ADDITIONAL DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE. DO I NEED TO PAY AGAIN?
Yes. Each application must be processed individually and thus requires a separate application fee.
I’VE MET ALL MY REQUIREMENTS ALREADY, BUT I HAVEN’T APPLIED FOR GRADUATION. WHAT TERM SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
You should apply for the next term that has not yet ended by the noted deadline. You cannot apply for a term that has already ended. Late applications will not be accepted.
WHEN WILL MY DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE BE OFFICIALLY AWARDED?
Your degree or certificate will be awarded on the last date of the term for which you applied to graduate.
WHEN WILL I GET MY DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE?
Diplomas and certificates are generally mailed within a month following the end of the term. Because of the large number of June graduates, diplomas and certificates for Spring Term may take up to two months. Diplomas are not given out at the Commencement ceremony. Please note that we cannot issue your diploma or certificate if you have an outstanding balance with the Business Office, an overdue library book or a library fine. In addition, some graduate diplomas will not be released until the department receives your bound thesis.
WHAT IS PRINTED ON MY DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE?
The following information is included:
- Your name exactly as written on your graduation application.
- Your degree and major, or your certificate program.
- The date your degree or certificate was awarded.
The following information is NOT included:
- Minors, concentrations or emphases.
- Commencement awards.
I HAVE TWO MAJORS. WILL I GET TWO DIPLOMAS?
If you are graduating with a double major (completing both majors within 180 credits), you will receive one diploma listing both majors. If you are completing a double degree (completing at least 225 credits), you will receive two separate diplomas.
Marylhurst University does not confer Latin honors (e.g., summa cum laude). Undergraduate students may be invited to join the MU Omega chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society. Membership in MU Omega is noted in the Commencement program, but not on the diploma. Click here for more information about MU Omega. No honor society is available for graduate students.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO WALK AT THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
The Commencement ceremony occurs once each year in June. Graduates from the previous Fall and Winter and students who have applied to graduate in Spring or Summer are eligible and invited to participate. Students who submit late applications for Spring or Summer may participate, but their names might not be listed in the Commencement program.
The ceremony honors the achievement of students who have completed all requirements for a Bachelor's or Master's degree program; no formal ceremony is offered for students completing certificates.
HOW DO I SIGN UP TO WALK AT COMMENCEMENT?
Click here to RSVP.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT?
Participation is free; however, you will need to wear a cap and gown.
Caps, gowns, hoods and tassels can be purchased at the annual Graduation Fair in April or at the Marylhurst Bookstore after the Graduation Fair. If you already own a black cap and gown, you may wear those instead of purchasing new ones; however, you will still need to order a tassel in the appropriate color for your major.
HOW DO I ORDER A CLASS RING, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR A DIPLOMA FRAME?
The bookstore carries a selection of diploma frames. You can purchase other Commencement related items through our supplier, Jostens, at the Graduation Fair or online at shop.jostens.com. Caps, gowns and hoods are not available for purchase online.
DO MY GUESTS NEED TICKETS TO THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
No. The ceremony is free and you may invite as many guests as you like.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY?
All attendees, including graduates, are encouraged to wear attire appropriate to honor the occasion. Graduates wear their caps and gowns during the ceremony. Women are cautioned that shoes with very high heels may make walking difficult during the processional.
WHAT IS THE BACCALAUREATE CEREMONY?
Baccalaureate is an interfaith ceremony held to give thanks for the achievements of the graduates, to ask God’s blessing on their future, and to celebrate the event of graduation. All bachelor’s and master’s candidates are invited to attend. Family and friends are welcome, but please be aware that space is limited. Graduates are encouraged to wear their caps and gowns.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Call the Office of the Registrar at 503-699-6267 or 1-800-634-9982. Also check for updates at www.marylhurst.edu/graduation/.