Commencement FAQ's

Most Frequently Asked Commencement Questions

 

• May I participate in Commencement if I intend to graduate in the upcoming Summer or Fall term?  Baccalaureate degree candidates pending graduation for the upcoming Summer or Fall Terms may participate in Spring Term Commencement prior to the awarding of their degree OR they can opt to attend the commencement the following spring.

 

• When is the Commencement Ceremony?  June 15, 2013 at 10:30 am in Reser Stadium. Line up begins at 9 am. Undergraduates will report to the Memorial Union Quad. Graduates will report to the Valley Library Quad. Procession to Reser begins at 10:00 and enters Reser at 10:30 a.m.

 

• What if it rains?  The ceremony will take place as scheduled. If rain is predicted, guests may want to bring a hat and/or rain poncho, or other types of covering. Umbrellas are not permitted in Reser Stadium.

 

• Are the seats in Reser Stadium in the sun?  Some are in the sun while others are in the shade. Guests may want to consider bringing sunscreen and visors or hats for sun protection.

 

• How do I know if I am approved to graduate?  Confirm you have applied to graduate. Check your holds for any deficiencies, watch your ONID email for status emails from the Registrar’s office, check your MyDegrees status, and check in with your advisor.

 

• Am I eligible to receive my diploma at Commencement?  We cannot determine this until preliminary grades are received and the student’s college verifies that all degree requirements have been met up to that point.

 

• Will I be notified if I am not eligible to receive my diploma or graduate?  Yes, we will notify you through your ONID e-mail account.

 

• Why wasn’t my name listed in my hometown newspaper?  There are various reasons, but the two most common are 1) you have confidentiality on your record, or 2) your current mailing address is in Corvallis. News & Communications releases information to the news media based on current mailing information.

 

• Can I get a commencement program before graduation?  Unfortunately, they are not available prior to the event. Programs are available at the ceremony and thereafter, beginning June 17^th at the Registrar's Office.

 

• Where do I order the commencement video?  Contact Media Services for information or visit the Commencement Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/commencement/

 

• Where do I order frames for diplomas?  Frames are available through the Alumni Office or the Bookstore. There is a sample available in the reception area of the Registrar’s office.

Tickets/Seating

• Where do I get tickets?  Tickets are not needed to attend the ceremony.

 

• Is reserved seating available?  No, seating is not reserved.

Commencement Information

• When and where do I get my cap and gown or announcements and how much?  Regalia may be purchased at the Bookstore. The bookstore has pricing information. Announcements may be ordered directly through Jostens’ web site, http://shop.jostens.com/, the OSU bookstore website, http://osubeaverstore.com, or by calling 1-800-854-7464.

 

• Where do I find Commencement information?  The following people should have had a commencement brochure mailed to them around April 1:
  • Graduates from Summer 2012 through Winter 2013,
  • Prospective undergraduates for Spring 2013, Summer, and Fall 2013 and
  • Graduate students completing degrees by June 1^st, 2013

  Students who have applied after April 1 for (Summer or Fall term) graduation will not be mailed a Commencement pamphlet. The pamphlet is published on the web, accessible through the Registrar’s homepage via the Commencement link. Information is also located on the Commencement website: http://oregonstate.edu/commencement/.

 

• Why haven’t I received any information about graduation?  You must have a valid address on file. Check your student record in Online Services and update your address if needed.

 

• How do I respond that I will be participating in the Commencement ceremony? You need to register to participate in Commencement through Online Services or by using the button on the Commencement website.

 

• Is it too late to register to participate?  When is the last day to RSVP?  The deadline to apply to graduate for spring term has expired but April 26th is the last day to apply to graduate for summer and fall 2013 and get your name in the program. Commencement registration will remain open until June 3^rd.

 

• What address do you send commencement information to?  The Current Mailing Address. You can update your address through Online Services.

 

• Can I use my own cap and gown or do I have to purchase them?  You may use your own cap and gown, but only if inspected and approved by Registrar's Office to verify that it is the correct design.

Diplomas

• If I already picked up my diploma, can I still walk in the ceremony?  Yes. You will receive a letter thanking you for participating in the ceremony in lieu of a diploma.

 

• What size is my diploma? The undergraduate dimensions are 7x9 and the graduate/professional dimensions are 8x10.

 

• Why can’t I get my diploma before the Monday after commencement?  Spring Term diplomas are NOT released prior to the commencement ceremony.

 

• When can I get my diploma if I’m not attending the ceremony?  Spring diplomas that are approved for release at Commencement but not distributed at the ceremony will be available at the Registrar's Office beginning June 17^th (during normal business hours). Picture identification must be presented to obtain your diploma at the Registrar's Office.

 

• How do I arrange to have my diploma mailed to me?  You need to submit a Diploma Mailing request which is available on the Registrar’s homepage under the Forms for Students section. The mailing fee is $25 ($40 for international mailing).

 

• Why wasn’t my diploma in my case?  Release of your diploma is dependent on many things including preliminary grades, transfer work, etc. Check your graduation holds in Online Services and ONID e-mail for notification.

 

• When can I get my diploma if I’m not cleared to receive my diploma at Commencement?  You can pick up your diploma or request its mailing after the 3^rd week of July. To check the status of your degree verification, check your Online Services for holds and your ONID e-mail for specific information.

The Ceremony

• When and where is graduation? June 15, 2013 at 10:30 am in Reser Stadium. Line up begins at 9 am. Undergraduates will report to the Memorial Union Quad. Graduates will report to the Valley Library Quad. Procession to Reser begins at 10:00 and enters Reser at 10:30 a.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. for guests.

 

• If I completed the requirements an earlier term, can I still walk in the ceremony?  Yes, past terms: Summer 2012, Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 graduates are invited to participate. If you have not picked up your diploma, it will be presented at the ceremony.

 

• I’m not graduating until Summer or Fall Term 2013.  Can I still attend commencement?  Yes. Undergraduate students with senior status (minimum of 135 credits) pending Summer or Fall 2013 graduation may participate. You need to apply to graduate, then register to participate in Commencement through Online Services. You will not receive a diploma; instead, you will receive a letter in your diploma case thanking you for attending.

 

• How long does the commencement ceremony last?  2 ½ to 3 hours.

 

• How do I arrange special seating for family members who can’t climb stairs?  Gate C at Reser Stadium has a handicapped accessible elevator, which will take the person to the club level area of seating.

 

• Can I park my baby stroller in the handicapped seating section?  No, a special room will be available for baby strollers. There will be signage indicating the location of this room. A nursing station will also be available.

Grades and Honor Cords

• When does my incomplete grade need to be resolved to be receive my diploma at Commencement?  The grade must be received by the Registrar’s Office by May 10^th for undergraduates and June 1^st for graduate students.

 

• What if I have an incomplete that hasn’t been removed by May 10th?  You can still attend the ceremony but will not receive your diploma that day.

 

• What if I receive an incomplete on preliminary grades?  You can still attend the ceremony but will not receive your diploma that day.

 

• Can I wear an honor cord?  Yes, if you have academic honors based on Winter Term OSU cumulative GPA & credits: Cum Laude = 3.50+ (Orange cord) Magna Cum Laude = 3.70+ (Gold cord) and Summa Cum Laude = 3.85+ (White cord) and you must have 90 credits or 60 upper division credits at OSU.

 

• Why wasn’t I listed ‘with honors’ for graduation?  An honor is determined with Winter Term OSU cumulative (Institutional) GPAs. Students graduating Summer or Fall 2013 will not receive honors at this ceremony.

 

• My Spring Term grades make my GPA high enough to wear an honor cord. How do I get one?  Honors for the ceremony are based on Winter Term OSU cumulative GPAs and credit hours. If, in fact, Spring Term grades bring up the OSU cumulative GPA and credit hours to honor level, a new diploma will be reprinted with the correct academic honors and you will be notified. The reprinted diploma will be available for you to pick up about mid-July. You may request mailing of replacement diploma, free of charge, by submitting the request form. The original diploma should be returned to the Registrar's Office (it is not necessary to return the case).

Veterans Recognition Cords

• What is the Veteran and U.S. Military Recognition Cord?  The Veteran and U.S. Military Recognition Cord is one way Oregon State University recognizes the significant contribution and sacrifices made by OSU students who are U.S. military service members and veterans. Students may receive a red, white, and blue Military Service Recognition Cord to be worn at commencement.

 

• Who may wear the Veteran and U.S. Military Recognition Cord?
  
  • Anyone who is currently serving (e.g. Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, and or Newly Commissioned ROTC Cadets) in the U.S. Military, or
  • Anyone who served in the military and received an honorable discharge, and
  • Applied for and was approved for graduation.
• How can I apply for the Veteran and U.S. Military Recognition Cord?  To apply for the recognition, students should complete the OSU Military Service Recognition application which is available on the OSU Veterans website at http://oregonstate.edu/veterans/home/ under the Student Resources tab on the right hand side. Applications will be submitted to the Veterans Resource Coordinator who will approve the application and distribute the recognition cord.

Assistance for Students/Guest with Disabilities

• Assistance for Students with Disabilities: 
  Students with disabilities who plan to attend Commencement and may need special accommodations should contact the Registrar’s Office registrar@oregonstate.edu put in the subject line: Accommodations for Commencement, or call 541-737-4048 to make arrangements by May 2, 2013.

 

• Assistance for Guests with Disabilities or Medical needs:  A number of special services are made available to accommodate those guests with hearing impairments, mobility problems, special seating and parking needs. You are encouraged to call the Commencement Hotline at 541-737-9390 or check http://oregonstate.edu/commencement/ for details. Guests who are sensitive to climatic conditions or would be more comfortable in auditorium seating may view the televised ceremony from the Stadium Club located on the 3^rd level of Reser Stadium. If special services are needed, please contact the Disabilities Access Services Office at 541-737-4098.

MyDegrees & Degree Clearance Issues

• MyDegrees shows I’m on track to graduate; is there anything else I need to do?  The MyDegrees audit is a good faith preliminary audit. After the term ends, a full audit will be completed during the degree clearance process, using final grades and final advisor and college input. You will be notified if there are any deficiencies at that time or you will receive a notification that you have successfully graduated.

 

• MyDegrees says I need 212 credits for my 2 majors, but my advisor says I only need 180, how many do I need?  The number of credits depends on whether you wish to pursue a Double Degree or a Double Major. Work with your advisor to determine the best option for you. MyDegrees will be adjusted when you apply to graduate to reflect the actual number of credits needed as a result of your choice to pursue a Double degree or Double Major.

 

• How do I know if I graduated?  Degrees are cleared approximately four weeks after the term ends. You can see if yours has been awarded by checking your unofficial transcript in the Online Services unofficial transcript section. Additionally, an email notifying you of your graduation status will be sent to your ONID account. Be sure to monitor your ONID email closely for a minimum of one month after the term for which you’ve applied to graduate.

 

• Do I have to complete a Foreign Language?  Foreign Language is required by the Oregon University System (State of Oregon) requirement, and must be fulfilled prior to the awarding of any undergraduate degree (see Admissions Requirements).

 

• I missed the deadline to apply to graduate, can I still graduate for this term?  The application for graduation deadline has closed for this term. You may petition for an exception to the graduation deadline with support from your head advisor. You must apply for the next available term currently open (currently Summer), before your petition can be considered. Go to Online Services> Student Records > Apply for graduation. Petition Exception to University Graduation Requirements,  (http://oregonstate.edu/registrar/sites/default/files/forms/arc_petition_extension_exam_2012_0.pdf)

Spring Candidates

• Will I receive my Diploma at commencement?  Registrar’s Office will make every attempt to provide your diploma on commencement day. We review daily for missing preliminary grades, final grades, and transcripts in an effort to complete your degree audit before commencement. If we are unable to complete your audit for any reason, you will receive a letter in your diploma case thanking you for participating. Upon final clearance, your diploma will be available for pick up at the Registrar’s Office.

 

• I’m a Degree Partnership Program (DPP) student and taking one of my final courses at the partner institution. Will I be able to receive my diploma at Commencement?  If the partnership institution instructors are willing to provide you with a preliminary grade, they can email the grade to Graduation@oregonstate.edu from their official education email address i.e. LBCC.edu. Preliminary grades will then be taken into consideration for your preliminary degree audit to determine if your diploma will be released at the commencement ceremony.

 

• How can I verify that I will receive my diploma?  Review your graduation holds! Holds for unresolved Y grades and incomplete minors will not prevent the release of your diploma, but all other holds will prevent the release of your diploma.

 

• When will I know if my degree audit has been successful?  Approximately two weeks before commencement and after preliminary grades have been received; all students whose audit was not successful will receive an email identifying the insufficiencies. This email serves to notify you that your diploma may not be available at commencement; however you are still eligible to attend commencement. Some deficiencies may not be resolved until after final grades are received, or final transfer work is received. If the issues are not resolved before the commencement ceremony, you will receive a thank you letter in your diploma case and your diploma will be available in the Registrar’s office upon degree clearance.

 

• I need another class in Summer/Fall, can I still participate in Commencement?  If you realize you will be unable to complete your degree requirements in Spring term, you will want to move your application for graduation to a future term. Summer and Fall graduates are still eligible to participate in commencement.

 

• I’m failing a class and may have to take it over next term; can I still participate in Commencement?  Yes, but you may not receive your diploma; instead you will receive a thank you for participating letter in your diploma case. If, at the completion of your class you are unsuccessful, you will want to move your application for graduation to a future term.

 

• I’m not sure if I can complete my minor, can I still graduate?  If your minor is not required for your major, your degree will be awarded without the minor. You may complete your minor in a future term as a credential seeking student or drop your minor.

 

• Who can I contact for questions regarding my degree audit?  Your academic advisor has the most information about your specific program of study and should be your first point of contact for questions related to your specific issues.

 

• My preliminary grade was too low for graduation, but I’ll have it back up at the end of the term, do I need to notify someone? The Registrar’s Office monitors grades daily looking for improved preliminary grades or successful final grades. The hold will be removed as soon as an improved grade is received.

 

• MyDegrees shows the preliminary grade now; do I need to notify someone? The registrar’s Office monitors grades daily looking for preliminary grades; you should see the hold removed by the end of the day.