Graduation FAQs
Can I march in the GSE spring commencement ceremony if I will graduate in August?
Students who will receive their degrees in August may participate in the May ceremony if they:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, AND
- Have completed 8 course units of a 10 course unit program, 9 units of an 11 unit program, or 10 units of a 12 unit program, OR
- Passed the comprehensive examination, thesis, or portfolio.
What do I need to do to graduate and march in the ceremony?
There are two separate and distinct steps:
- Your application to graduate is required in order to have your degree conferred and diploma printed. Your degree will not be conferred if you don’t apply to graduate by the deadline in the GSE academic calendar.
- You can RSVP to march in the GSE ceremony by clicking on the RSVP link on the graduation website after spring break. Your RSVP tells us that you and your guests will come to the ceremony in May. We also email this link to all students who applied to graduate in May or are expected to graduate in August.
- August grads will RSVP for the ceremony after spring break, and also apply for August 2012 graduation at that time.
- May grads must apply for May graduation by January 27th, and then RSVP for the ceremony after spring break.
Bookmark http://www.gse.upenn.edu/students where there are links to "Apply to graduate" and "Commencement." Please check these pages for all the most current information; we frequently update them.
What about my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed by the University via First Class mail and will be sent to the permanent address listed in Penn-in-Touch, unless a different address is specified in the “Temporary Address Field” effective from June 1 – September 30. International diplomas are sent via registered mail and can take up to eight weeks for delivery. International students who are planning to stay in the U.S. through September 30 should designate a temporary U.S. address in Penn-in-Touch or contact the Diploma Coordinator to arrange to pick up the diploma from the Office of the University Secretary. Please go to www.upenn.edu/secretary/diplomas for more information.
What process do I follow to walk in the ceremony (if I am not officially graduating until August)?
Participating in the ceremony does not mean the degree has been conferred (= graduated). In order to be eligible to graduate in August, you must complete all of your degree requirements AND apply for August graduation by the deadline on the GSE academic calendar.
When should I apply to graduate if I expect to graduate in August?
You will be able to apply for August 2012 graduation from March 12th until June 8th.
The GSE events calendar also features all academic deadlines. You are encouraged to check the calendar weekly.