Graduation FAQs

Do I have to complete my graduation application?

Yes.  The graduation application is a requirement whether you plan to attend the ceremony, or not.  This serves as a notification to the Records Office to do a final check of your coursework to make sure there is nothing outstanding that could delay your graduation.  We also use the information you list on the application to know where to send your cap and gown and diploma, and to know whether or not you plan on attending the ceremony

What are the seating arrangements? 

The seating will be first come, first served.

Do I have to pay the graduation fee if I’m not attending the ceremony?

Yes.  All students are required to pay the graduation fee, even if you don’t attend the ceremony. 

When will I receive my cap and gown?  Do I have to order my own?

GU orders caps and gowns for each student planning to participate in the ceremony using the information provided in the graduation application.  For traditional on-campus students, caps and gowns will be delivered to the university and distributed by the Records Office beginning in May.  For online-only students, caps and gowns will be delivered to the home address listed on the graduation application.

Will I receive honors cords to wear during the ceremony?

Students who will graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher as of April 1st will receive honors cords to wear during the ceremony.  For the traditional on-campus, undergraduate students, the Records Office will run a preliminary list to determine who is eligible, and an email will be sent to those students when it is time to pick them up.  For undergraduate online students earning honors cords, they will be sent to the student’s home address ahead of the ceremony.  Final honors will be calculated after all coursework is graded.

Please note that students in the master’s degree program do not earn honors cords.  Master’s degree students receive a hood to wear that will be distributed ahead of the ceremony.

Is there a limit on the number of guests that can attend?  Do they need tickets?

There is no limit on the number of guests that can attend, and there are no tickets needed.

When will I get my diploma?

Diplomas are ordered by the Records Office and will be delivered to the address listed on your graduation application in approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester.   Please note that you MUST have a zero balance with Student Accounts.  Your diploma will not be ordered if you owe a balance.

Where can I go to find more information about the graduation ceremony?

More information can be found on the Greenville University’s website- https://www.greenville.edu/academics/information-resources/commencement