Interdepartmental Programs

Commencement and Graduation

Planning to walk in the International Institute Commencement Ceremony?

The first thing you'll need to do is to declare your Degree Expected Term via URSA!  This will trigger two very important processes: the Commencement Office will allow you access to RSVP and order tickets for commencement activities for that June, and the Registrar's Office will know to check your DPR during the term you indicate, making sure you have completed all requirements for your degree.

Note that graduation and commencement are two separate things.  You may graduate (i.e., be done will all requirements for your degree and not take additional coursework) in any term (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer).  On the other hand, commencement, which is the celebration associated with graduation, only occurs one time per year, in the middle of June.  You don't have to be officially graduated to participate in commencement ceremonies, so it's fine to walk in commencement ceremonies in June, but still take courses and graduate at the end of that summer, for example.

The actual date and time of the International Institute Commencement Ceremony for 2010 has not yet been determined, although do note that commencement activities will take place between June 10-13, 2010, and our ceremony will be held on one of those dates.  Historically, our ceremony has been held on the Saturday evening of commencement weekend, and we hope that we'll be able to hold it on that day for 2010.  No information is available as of yet, so please check back here in April!