Students should expect to file by the first month of the term in which they plan to graduate. The deadline to file is published each term in the CSU Class Schedule Bulletin. Interested students can pick up the application for graduation (degree audit) from either the Graduate School (NAL 234); the student's graduate advisor or click here to download the form from this web site. Applications received after the deadline are automatically processed for the next effective term without notice to the student.

2. Required Signatures

Obtain graduate the advisor's signature on the graduation application form and the "stamp" from the Office of Teacher Certification if completing a master's degree program that leads to initial certification.

3. Graduate School Processing

An "Initial Graduation" list of all master's degree and graduate certfiicate students who have filed for graduation for the active term is prepared by staff in the Graduate School. This master list is distributed to each academic department administering a graduate program. Graduate advisors are given a deadline each term by which all materials must be returned to the Graduate School.

Additionally, the Graduate School sends a personalized letter to each degree candidate in order to have the student verify the their name to be listed on the diploma, commencement booklet as well as degree and program information. Discrepancies are worked out with the advisor and/or students.

4. The Degree Audit Process

Graduate advisors in the academic departments prepare the Graduate Advising Program Planning sheet with final entries of required information, such as comprehensive exam results, thesis, etc. A GAPP form, approved and signed by the advisor is returned to the Graduate School.

Upon return of the clearance form (GAPP) a final audit is conducted by the Graduate Dean. If all requirements are met, the official signature of the Dean of the Graduate School will be affixed to the Graduate Advising Program Plan (GAPP). The student's degree is posted in the (Banner) system. A congratulatory letter from the Graduate School and a copy of the final GAPP form are mailed to the student.

Students who have additional requirements to complete must do so prior to the official end of the active term. Outstanding information, such as thesis information, resolution of incompletes "I" grades, comprehensive examination results, may delay or prevent an applicant's successful completion of the degree or certificate. It is the student's responsibility in concert with his or her advisor to make certain that all requirements are documented and met.

Students not meeting requirements are notified in writing during the audit period of their deficiencies. This notification details the missing items and directs the student to the department for resolution. It is the student's responsibility to make certain that all subsequent requirements are documented and met. Students unable to resolve deficiences are required to refile for graduation for the next appropriate term.

Applications are not automatically rolled to the next term by the Graduate School. If a student has filed before but did not successfully complete the degree, she or he must re-file. They do not have to repay unless fees have changed.

5. Commencement

The university currently holds one commencement ceremony at the end of each spring semester. Students interested in marching in the CSU Commencement Ceremony must pay a $50 nonrefundable cost that covers the cap, gown, tassel, and hood rental. The Graduate School does not collect or retain payment receipts for commencement purposes. Students are strongly encourage to retain a copy of all payments submitted to the university.

Commencement costs are usually paid by the degree candidate during a scheduled program of campus activities called "Commencement Countdown." Students will receive information about commencement countdown, and cap & gown pick-up from the University's Commencement Committee via the mail. Additional information is also published on the university's website at www.csu.edu. For more information about procedures or the ceremony, call the Commencement Hotline at 773/995-4509.