GRADUATION CHECKLIST

FOR STUDENTS PREPARING TO GRADUATE FROM CAYUGA

This checklist will provide you detailed information on how to prepare for graduation from Cayuga. This is not to be confused with Commencement.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMMENCEMENT AND GRADUATION?

Commencement refers to the official ceremony that recognizes students’ academic accomplishments. The ceremony does not mean that the student has graduated, nor will students who participate in Commencement receive their official diploma during the ceremony.

Graduation is the term that refers to the formal completion of a five-step process, to qualify for a degree or certificate, you must be:

  1. Matriculated and have completed all course requirements for the degree or certificate program with a minimum GPA of 2.00
  2. Satisfied all financial obligations at the time of graduation
  3. Earned at least 30 credit hours at the College
  4. Been recommended by the faculty for the degree
  5. Ready to apply for graduation in myCayuga at least one semester before graduation

The Registrar’s Office formally certifies each degree once all the criteria listed above are completed. After the degrees are certified, the Registrar’s Office will send a postcard to all May graduates in June, Summer graduates in August, December graduates in January and Intersession graduates in February. The postcards will explain when and where you can pick up your official diploma.

DOWNLOAD GRADUATION CHECKLIST

SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE:

APPLY FOR GRADUATION
WHERE?
Log into your myCayuga account
HOW?
Click Student Services tab
Click Student Records
Click Apply to Graduate
WHEN?
Semester before your final semester
When to apply to graduate in your myCayuga account.
Final Semester Apply By Conferral Date
Spring December 1 May
Intersession December 1 January
Summer March 1 August
Fall July 1 December
SEND OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
All requirements must be met before you receive your degree. If you have courses you plan to transfer to meet graduation requirements, an official transcript must be issued to the Registrar’s Office to be evaluated for credit.
WHEN?
Immediately

TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE:

ORDER CAP AND GOWN
WHERE?
Visit the College bookstore on the Auburn campus
WHEN?
8 weeks before Commencement. There is no cost if ordered before the published deadline.
PAY OUTSTANDING BILLS
Including library and parking fines. While a HOLD will not prevent participation in the commencement ceremony, it will prevent the release of diplomas.

COMMENCEMENT DAY:

ARRIVE EARLY
WHERE?
Follow the signs for check-in. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis in the at Falcon Park Stadium.
WEAR APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC ATTIRE
Academic gown and mortarboard are required.
Honors tassels will be distributed at check-in.
Veteran’s cords will be distributed at check-in.
OBTAIN NAME CARD
Where?
At the check-in table. This contains information that will be read aloud as you receive your diploma cover.
When?
As soon as you arrive.

FOLLOWING COMMENCEMENT:

WATCH FOR AN EMAIL
Where?
Your Cayuga Email Address.
When?
Within one month of Commencement. The email will state whether your requirements are complete, or if your candidacy for graduation has been denied.
RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA
Where?
The Registrar’s Office will mail you your diploma within 4-6 weeks after graduation.