Graduation Eligibility, Application and Fees
All students who intend to graduate must apply for graduation. Links to information for undergraduate and graduate students are provided below. A graduation application is required before a student is eligible to participate in the ceremony. The application also puts the student's name on the graduation and commencement lists. Failure to complete the application promptly can result in a delay in both degree posting and diploma ordering, and it can also result in the student's name being omitted from the commencement program and ceremony ticket list. (Participation in commencement is assumed and encouraged, however, it is not mandatory.)
Rules for Participation in Commencement Ceremonies
Commencement eligibility is driven by graduation application term. Fall 2022 graduates who have not previously walked, Spring 2023, and Summer 2023 candidates are eligible to participate in the May 2023 ceremony.
bachelor’s graduates graduation@cofc.edu
master’s graduates olejniczakrl@cofc.edu.
Undergraduate Students' Graduation Application Information
Seniors who intend to graduate must apply for graduation online via their MyPortal account at the beginning of the term in which all requirements will be completed. Detailed instructions on how to apply and application deadlines are outlined by the Office of the Registrar at the following link:
» Graduation Application
How to change my graduation application (once submitted)
Students needing to change any graduation information (i.e. expected graduation term, diploma mailing address, modification to program of study, etc.) after submission of graduation application must complete the Graduation Update form to inform the Office of the Registrar of such changes. Note: Students are not eligible to register for classes past the expected graduation term.
Late Application (after deadline)
Students who miss the deadline for applying via MyPortal may still apply by submitting a hard-copy Late Graduation Application form. The form is available in the Office of the Registrar, or may be requested via e-mail. Please note that a $25.00 late fee is charged to the account of late applicants, in addition to the regular graduation fee. Both fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another term. Students should review their degree audit and/or confer with their advisor to be sure they are on track to graduate as planned before submitting the late application.
What if I encounter problems?
You must be properly declared for your program of study before you submit your Graduation Application. Make any needed adjustments via POSM before applying. If you attempt to apply online and receive an error, (such as a “no curricula” message) send an email to Graduation@CofC.edu to receive assistance.
The Banner Self-Service on-line graduation application deadlines are October 1 for fall; February 1 for spring; and March 15 for summer. See the Late Application paragraph below for more information. See "When to Apply" below for dates* of availability. If you encounter problems when you apply or if you have questions about your graduation application, please send an email to graduation@cofc.edu for assistance.
Graduation Fee
During the graduation application process, a Graduation Fee will be added to the student's account. Contact the Treasurer's Office if you have questions about payment options or deadlines. The Graduation Fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee that must be paid when the application is submitted, regardless of whether or not a student participates in commencement activities. Summer applicants may not be charged or billed for their graduation fee until mid-April. More information can be found on the Graduation Fee page.
Graduation Status Notifications
Please visit Graduation Status Notification for detailed information about graduate status notifications. Students who apply to graduate will be emailed one or more Graduation Status Notification emails during their expected graduation term. Students who fail to apply to graduate will not receive a Graduation Status Notification email.
Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
Only students who have applied to graduate will be eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony.
For questions, contact:
bachelor’s graduates graduation@cofc.edu
master’s graduates olejniczakrl@cofc.edu
Information for Students with Multiple Majors
If you are an undergraduate student graduating with multiple majors, you must select which major you wish to walk with when you complete the participation survey. All majors completed (Fall) or in progress (Spring/Summer) during the academic year will be recognized. When you make your major selection you will be selecting the Commencement Ceremony you must attend. You may only participate in one ceremony, and you may not participate with schools/majors other than your own. Visit Commencement Information for more information.
Graduate Schools' Graduation Application Information
Graduate students who intend to graduate must apply for graduation online via their MyCharleston account. Detailed instructions on how to apply and application deadlines are outlined by the Graduate School at the following link:
» Graduate School Graduate Application
Late Application (after deadline)
Students who miss the deadline for applying via MyPortal may still apply in person in the Graduate School Office. Please note that an additional $25.00 late fee is charged to the account of late applicants, in addition to the regular graduation fee. Both fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another term.
Am I eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
Please visit the Graduate School Commencement Information page for information about eligibility for either the winter or spring commencement ceremonies. http://gradschool.cofc.edu/current-students/commencement/index.php
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