Complete Eligibility Requirements

Make a List and Review Your Needs Carefully

Get Ready to Celebrate Your Biggest Academic Achievement Yet

As you wrap up your days at IU, it can be easy to forget details. You are invited to participate in Spring Commencement if you complete your degree requirements during the spring or summer term. You are invited to participate in Winter Commencement if you complete your degree requirements during the fall term.

There is no summer Commencement ceremony.

First Things First...

In order to participate, there are a couple things you must do. First, you must apply to graduate. This will ensure that your name is printed in the Commencement program and you receive important updates about the ceremony. Even if you don’t attend the ceremony—and you definitely should—you still need to apply to graduate to receive your diploma.

It’s critical that you apply to graduate during the semester before you intend to finish all your credits and requirements.

Apply to graduate before these dates:
- Spring (May) graduation: October 15
- Summer (August) graduation: January 15
- Fall (December) graduation: May 15

Do this early in your final year—if not before—to avoid missing your school’s deadline. If you applied to graduate on a previous date, but did not graduate, you must reapply.

Why You Need to Apply

Each school or department on campus has its own procedures for graduation. Some school recorders may need to handle licensing or certification, for example. And many students decide during their senior year to take a few extra classes to earn a certificate or minor. So if you’re completing your degree and wish to graduate, you must declare your intent. Refer to step one of the checklist below for more information.

Finally...

Already applied to graduate? Now it’s time to ensure you've met all requirements to complete your degree and participate in Commencement. Follow the steps listed below to help you stay on track.

Double-Check These Things:

Check with your school recorder to verify your eligibility.

Find Your School Recorder
Verify that your degree name is accurate at Student Central. The spelling and formatting of your name indicated there—including apostrophes, suffixes, middle names, and spaces—will be used on your diploma and in the program book.

Verify Your Degree Name
Verify or update your mailing address on Student Central. Your diploma will be mailed to you after Commencement. If your mailing address is on-campus and you’re moving out before or immediately after graduation day, update your address to someplace you trust, like a workplace, your family’s address, or a new residence. Though your diploma is sent after the ceremony, every graduate who attends Commencement will receive a lovely diploma cover.

Double-Check Your Address
Check for record holds. Resolve any holds on your record that may impact the release of your diploma or transcripts such as an unpaid bill with the bursar. You can pay your bursar bill and check that you’re in good standing via One.IU. Other holds include parking tickets and record holds that may be in place with your student loan provider.

Check for Record Holds

More Helpful Info

Special Characters in Your Name

In the rare instance the web form at Student Central shows an issue or you can’t properly format your name, contact iudegree@indiana.edu for help.

If You Have Student Loans

Student loans need special processing with some loan providers. You may need to declare your intent to graduate with the loan servicer. Check for record holds via One.IU and contact your loan provider with any questions.

Check Your Status

If you’re unsure about your academic status, maybe due to a final exam looming ahead, check with your academic advisor or contact your school recorder. They’ll be able to help you understand what, if anything, you need to do to before Commencement.