A candidate for a degree must file a Request for Graduation form with the Registrar's Office and complete the online graduation application in Bearcat Web by the date published in the current catalog. An application for a degree is not accepted unless the student has paid all fees required by the university, including the graduation fee. Candidates for graduation must complete all institution coursework in the anticipated term of graduation and by the semester deadline date for final grades in order to receive their diploma/degree. Graduating students with physical disabilities are expected to communicate with the Registrar's Office regarding accommodations needed for their participation in the commencement ceremony upon submission of their application. If a student's graduation plans change, academically or personally, the student must reapply for graduation during the next anticipated term of graduation and pay the graduation fee. Students who apply to graduate in August and who complete all requirements receive their diploma in August and are automatically included in the following December ceremony.
The time frame for students to apply for graduation in the fall, spring, or summer semesters is the first day after drop/add through the fourth week of classes. Announcements will be sent out to students through their Lander email addresses.
Transfer Coursework Policy
Students may not take coursework at another institution during their term of graduation. All coursework from other institutions must be received and posted prior to the semester of your graduation from Lander University.
Verification of Graduation Information
One month after the semester graduation deadline, candidates will receive an email to verify their diploma name, degree, major, minor, preliminary honors, and hometown (publication purposes). Any changes must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.
Graduation Gala
Every fall and spring semester a graduation gala is held for that semester's candidates. Information will be sent from the Bearcat Shop and Herff Jones and the date will be posted on Lander's calendar. Attendance is strongly encouraged. Students will order their cap and gown, verify their degree information is correct, receive a packet of information about the ceremony, have the ability to order announcements, be able to have a picture made with a cap and gown on, and will verify alumni information.
Academic Honors
The following academic honors will be mentioned during the commencement ceremony: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, Golden L, and Honors College.
Announcement of Graduates
Within a month of the ceremony, a preliminary listing will be posted on the this page.
Within one month after the ceremony, a final graduate list will be available on the Registrar's Office graduation web page. Newspaper announcements will be posted in the Greenwood and hometown paper.
Participation in Commencement Ceremony
Student participation is allowed if:
- The student has submitted a complete Request for Graduation form with a Degree Evaluation attached, has completed the online portion of the application, and has paid the fee.
- The student has completed all degree requirements during the semester of graduation. (August graduates may participate in the December commencement ceremony.)
An official or unofficial withdrawal of all classes during the graduation semester or an “Incomplete” grade on a student’s record will disqualify participation in graduation. Any other conditions which disqualify a student from participation in the commencement ceremony may be appealed.
