Graduation is the completion of all degree, diploma, or certificate requirements as recorded on an official transcript. Students must submit a Graduation Application to the Registration and Academic Records Office in order to have their record reviewed for program completion. Students are encouraged to apply for graduation immediately following registration of their final term courses. Please see Preparing to Graduate for more information.
Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates the completion of a degree. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated.
Applying for Graduation
What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree after completing all academic requirements. Commencement is the ceremony celebrating that achievement.
How do I apply for graduation?
You must submit a graduation application through Registration and Academic Records (undergrad) or Graduate Studies (grad certificates, masters, doctoral). This is required to receive your degree, regardless of whether you attend the ceremony.
When do I apply for graduation?
You should apply for graduation as soon as you have registered for your last semester of classes. For your name to be included in the program you need to apply for graduation and be evaluated by April 1 (spring) or November 1 (fall).
When is the deadline to apply for graduation?
Deadlines vary by term. Undergraduate students should reference the Prepare to Complete Your Degree webpage. Graduate students should reference the Graduate Degree Completion/Graduation webpage.
What happens after I apply for graduation?
Your academic record will be reviewed to confirm you’ve met all degree requirements. You’ll be notified of your status via MavMail.
Can I still graduate if I don’t attend the commencement ceremony?
Yes. Participation in commencement is optional and does not affect your graduation status.
What if I miss the graduation application deadline?
Late applications may be accepted and may delay your degree conferral. Contact Registration and Academic Records (undergrads) or Graduate Studies (grad certificates, masters, doctoral) immediately.
Registering for Commencement
How do I register to participate in the commencement ceremony?
After you have applied for graduation and been evaluated you will receive an email from MNSU- Events with a link to register for the commencement ceremony. The first message about registering for the commencement ceremony will be sent 8-10 weeks prior to the ceremony date. If you do not receive a message at that time and still need to apply for graduation, you will receive an email within two weeks of your graduation application being evaluated.
Is registering for commencement the same as applying for graduation?
No, these are two separate processes. You must apply for graduation to receive your degree and register for commencement to attend the ceremony.
When is the deadline to register for commencement?
Registration for commencement will close at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of classes for the current semester.
When do I walk if I am graduating during the summer term?
Summer graduates can choose to walk in the spring before or the fall after the summer term in which you are finishing your degree.
Can I participate in commencement if I haven’t completed all my degree requirements? We prefer you walk during the term in which you are completing your degree, but we can make exceptions. If you choose to walk before you have completed your degree requirements, please note your name will not be in the program and your degree is not complete until all requirements have been met and a final degree audit is completed. Please reach out to events@mnsu.edu to receive registration information if needed.
How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?
We do not ticket or limit the number of guests each student can bring to the ceremony.
Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?
No, but you will receive a diploma cover at the ceremony.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed after grades are posted and final degree audits have been completed, typically 10-12 weeks following the completion of the term. Your physical diploma will be sent to the address on file in e-services. You will also receive an email when your e-diploma is available, typically 8-10 weeks following the completion of the term. Your degree will be reflected on your unofficial transcript in e-services as soon as your degree has been posted.
Questions related to degree conferral and diplomas should be directed to Registration and Academic Records at 507-389-6266 for undergrad students and Graduate Studies at 507-389-2321 for grad certificates, masters, and doctoral students.
What should I wear to commencement?
Graduates are required to wear university academic regalia (cap and gown). Details on ordering regalia will be provided during registration.
What honors medal do I buy?
For commencement purposes, academic honors listed in the program and included in your commencement registration confirmation are based off your last completed term. If you think your final grades will bump you to the next academic honors level, you can purchase that honors medal that reflects that if you choose. Please note it may be different than what is reflected in the program and/or what is on your final transcript.
Your name will be printed on your diploma based on the information you provide(d) on your graduation application.
Diplomas for associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees will only list the degree, not your majors. For example, if your major is Management your diploma will say Bachelor of Science. Certificate programs will list the name of the certification program you completed. For example, a graduate certificate in Business Leadership will say Business Leadership on the certificate.