Applying to Graduate, Commencement, and Conferral of Degrees

Applying to Graduate
Commencement
Conferral of Degrees

Applying to Graduate

Students are required to apply for graduation, for which there is no fee.

Before applying, it is the student’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of their own degree program, including all degree(s), major(s), minor(s), and specialization(s) prior to applying for graduation. Students should consult with their academic advisor with any questions regarding their program of study. For additional information, go to https://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/studentservices/graduation_commencement.cfm.

Commencement

Formal commencement ceremonies are held in May and December. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not itself constitute conferral of a degree, nor does it imply an obligation on the part of the university to award a degree before all requirements have been met and certified.

Students wishing to participate in a ceremony other than the one that corresponds with their planned graduation date must work with their advisor to fill out a walk exception form, which must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and the dean (or their designee) of their school before participating in commencement. In reviewing requests, advisors and deans (or their designees) are bound by the University Policy on Student Participation in Commencement Ceremonies.

Conferral of Degrees

Only students who successfully complete degree requirements by the end of the term for which they have applied to graduate are certified for conferral of a degree. In witness of the degree conferred, the permanent records of the graduates are appropriately noted with a statement of graduation. For additional information, go to https://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/studentservices/graduation_commencement.cfm.