Applying for Graduation

Celebrating Academic Achievement at TUOS

At The University of Ontological Science, we believe that graduation is the culmination of years of hard work, intellectual growth, and personal development. This section guides you through the necessary steps to formally apply for graduation, ensuring that all your requirements are met and that you can enjoy the celebration of your academic achievements. Whether you’re completing your undergraduate or graduate program, we’re here to help you navigate the final stage of your academic journey with clarity and confidence.

Graduation Application Timeline

Planning for graduation begins well before the actual ceremony. Understanding the timeline ensures you complete all requirements and fulfill administrative obligations in a timely manner.

Application Deadlines

Term of Graduation	Application Opens	Application Deadline	Late Application Period*
Fall 2023	May 1, 2023	October 2, 2023	October 3-16, 2023
Spring 2024	October 1, 2023	February 23, 2024	February 24-March 9, 2024
Summer 2024	February 1, 2024	June 15, 2024	June 16-30, 2024

*Late applications incur a $50 processing fee and may result in exclusion from the commencement program.

Key Graduation Milestones

Timeline	Action
12 months before graduation	Meet with academic advisor for graduation planning
6 months before graduation	Submit graduation application
3-4 months before graduation	Receive preliminary degree audit
2 months before graduation	Resolve any outstanding requirements
6 weeks before graduation	Order regalia and announcements
4 weeks before graduation	Complete exit interviews (if applicable)
2 weeks before graduation	Clear all financial obligations
1 week before graduation	Attend graduation rehearsal

Application Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before applying for graduation, confirm that you meet the following criteria:

Completed or currently enrolled in all required courses for your degree
Minimum cumulative GPA requirement (2.0 for undergraduate, 3.0 for graduate)
Minimum residency requirement (30 credits for undergraduate, 24 credits for graduate)
Cleared all academic holds
Plan to complete all requirements by the end of the intended graduation term

Step 2: Submit Application

Log in to the TUOS Student Portal
Navigate to the “Academics” section
Select “Apply for Graduation”
Verify your degree program, major(s), minor(s), and concentration(s)
Indicate your participation in commencement ceremony
Confirm pronunciation of your name for the ceremony
Pay the graduation application fee:
- Undergraduate: $75
- Master’s: $100
- Doctoral: $125

Step 3: Degree Audit Review

After submitting your application:

The Registrar’s Office will conduct a preliminary degree audit
You’ll receive an email notification with audit results within 3-4 weeks
Review the audit carefully to identify any remaining requirements
Meet with your academic advisor to resolve any discrepancies or concerns
Address any outstanding requirements before the end of your final term

Step 4: Final Clearance

To receive final clearance for graduation:

Complete all academic requirements with satisfactory grades
Return all library materials and university equipment
Clear all financial obligations to the university
Complete required exit interviews (if applicable):
- Federal loan exit counseling
- Departmental exit surveys
- Career Services exit interview
Submit final copies of thesis/dissertation (if applicable)

Access Graduation Clearance Checklist

Ceremony Information

Commencement Ceremonies

TUOS holds formal commencement ceremonies three times per year:

Fall Commencement: December 16, 2023
Spring Commencement: May 12, 2024
Summer Commencement: August 17, 2024

All ceremonies are held in the University Amphitheater, weather permitting (Ontology Hall in case of inclement weather).

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia is required for all ceremony participants:

Purchase Options: Available through the University Bookstore (in-person or online)
Rental Options: Available for undergraduate gowns only
Order Deadline: 6 weeks before ceremony
Regalia Pickup: Available 2 weeks before ceremony at the University Bookstore

Regalia Components:

Undergraduate: Cap, gown, tassel (color by school), and honor cords (if applicable)
Master’s: Cap, gown, hood (color by discipline), and tassel
Doctoral: Custom doctoral gown, tam, hood, and tassel

Special Recognition

TUOS recognizes academic excellence during commencement ceremonies:

Latin Honors (Undergraduate):
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.90-4.00 GPA
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.75-3.89 GPA
- Cum Laude: 3.50-3.74 GPA
Honor Cords and Stoles:
- Academic Honors: Gold cords
- Honor Societies: Society-specific cords or stoles
- Study Abroad: International stoles
- First-Generation Students: Burgundy cords
- Military/Veteran Students: Red, white, and blue cords

Complete Honors and Regalia Guide

Graduation Requirements by Degree

Undergraduate Degrees

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree from TUOS, students must:

Complete minimum of 120 semester credits
Fulfill all general education requirements
Complete all major/minor requirements
Maintain minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Complete at least 30 credits at TUOS (residency requirement)
Complete 30 of the last 36 credits at TUOS
Resolve any incomplete grades

Master’s Degrees

To graduate with a master’s degree from TUOS, students must:

Complete the required credits for specific program (typically 30-36)
Fulfill all core and concentration requirements
Maintain minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Complete at least 24 credits at TUOS (residency requirement)
Complete comprehensive examinations (if required)
Submit and defend thesis/capstone project (if required)
Resolve any incomplete grades

Doctoral Degrees

To graduate with a doctoral degree from TUOS, students must:

Complete the required credits for specific program (typically 60-72 beyond bachelor’s)
Pass qualifying examinations
Fulfill residency requirement (typically 4 semesters)
Maintain minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Successfully propose and defend dissertation
Submit final dissertation to the Graduate School
Complete public dissertation defense
Submit final approved dissertation to University Library

Program-Specific Graduation Requirements

Graduation Honors and Distinctions

Undergraduate Honors

Dean’s List: Semester recognition for full-time students with term GPA of 3.5 or higher
President’s List: Semester recognition for full-time students with term GPA of 4.0
Latin Honors: Recognized on diploma and transcript based on final cumulative GPA
Departmental Honors: Awarded for exceptional work in major field, including honors thesis
Phi Beta Kappa: Nation’s oldest academic honor society for liberal arts and sciences

Graduate Distinctions

Distinction in Thesis/Dissertation: Awarded by committee for exceptional scholarly work
Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Departmental recognition for academic excellence
Graduate Research Excellence: Recognition for significant research contributions
Teaching Excellence Award: For exceptional service as a teaching assistant

Note: Honor designations in commencement programs are based on grades through the penultimate semester and may differ from final honors noted on transcripts and diplomas.

After Graduation

Diploma Information

Diploma Distribution: Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony
Processing Time: 6-8 weeks after final grades are posted
Pickup/Delivery Options:
- In-person pickup at Registrar’s Office (photo ID required)
- Mail delivery to address specified in graduation application
- International shipping available for additional fee
Diploma Replacement: Available for $50 through the Registrar’s Office

Transcripts

Final Transcripts: Graduation and degrees are posted 2-3 weeks after final grades
Ordering Transcripts: Available through the National Student Clearinghouse
Official Transcripts: $10 per copy
Processing Time: 3-5 business days (expedited options available)

Alumni Services

Upon graduation, you gain access to numerous alumni benefits:

Alumni Association Membership: Automatic and free for all graduates
Alumni Portal: Career services, networking, and continued learning
Library Access: Continued access to physical and digital collections
Email Forwarding: Lifetime email forwarding service
Alumni Events: Invitations to lectures, reunions, and special events

Explore Alumni Services

Special Circumstances

Graduating in Absentia

If you cannot attend the commencement ceremony:

Indicate “Not Attending” on your graduation application
Complete the Graduation in Absentia Form
Arrange for diploma delivery through the Registrar’s Office

Posthumous Degrees

TUOS may award posthumous degrees to students who were near completion of degree requirements at the time of death. Family members should contact the Dean of Students Office for information.

Accelerated Graduation

Students completing requirements ahead of schedule may apply for early graduation:

Meet with academic advisor to confirm eligibility
Submit Accelerated Graduation Request Form
Complete all requirements by the end of the requested term

Graduation Deferral

If you fail to complete requirements by the intended graduation term:

Submit the Graduation Deferral Form
Pay the $25 deferral fee
Register for courses needed to complete requirements
Reapply for graduation for the new term

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I apply for graduation but don’t complete all requirements?
A: Your graduation will be deferred to the next term. You must submit a Graduation Deferral Form and register for the remaining requirements. No additional application fee is required if you defer within one year.

Q: Can I participate in the commencement ceremony if I have requirements to complete in the following term?
A: Students who have no more than 6 remaining credits may petition to walk in the ceremony before completing requirements. Submit the Commencement Participation Petition at least 8 weeks before the ceremony. If approved, your name will appear in the program with an asterisk, and your diploma will be issued after completion of all requirements.

Q: How many guests can I invite to the commencement ceremony?
A: Each graduate receives 6 guest tickets for the main ceremony. Additional tickets may become available two weeks before commencement on a first-come, first-served basis. School and department ceremonies typically do not require tickets.

Q: What accommodations are available for graduates or guests with disabilities?
A: TUOS is committed to making commencement accessible to all participants. Indicate any accommodations needed on your graduation application. For guest accommodations, complete the Commencement Accessibility Request Form at least 4 weeks before the ceremony.

Q: How long is the commencement ceremony?
A: The main university commencement ceremony typically lasts 2-2.5 hours. Individual school and department ceremonies vary in length from 1-2 hours. A detailed schedule will be provided in your commencement information packet.

Q: When will I receive my diploma?
A: Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony. They will be available approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of term. You’ll receive an email notification when your diploma is ready for pickup or has been mailed.

Contact Information

Office of the Registrar – Graduation Services
Academic Building, Room 206
graduationservices@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4565

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Extended hours during graduation periods

Commencement Office
Administration Building, Room 110
commencement@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4566

Academic Advising Center
Wisdom Hall, Room 105
advising@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4569

Resources and Forms

The completion of your degree at The University of Ontological Science represents not just the acquisition of knowledge, but the development of a philosophical mindset that will serve you throughout your life. As you prepare for graduation, remember that this milestone marks both an ending and a beginning—the conclusion of your formal studies and the commencement of a lifetime of intellectual inquiry. We are honored to have been part of your journey and look forward to celebrating your accomplishments as you join our distinguished community of alumni.