Graduation

The University holds commencement exercises in December and May. Students completing graduation requirements in August receive certification from the Office of the Registrar that they have completed all requirements and receive their diplomas by mail. August graduates are eligible to participate in the December commencement exercises.

Diplomas will be mailed to students who successfully complete their degree studies following compilation of grades. Specific details are available through the Office of the Registrar. It is important to understand that the student’s record becomes permanent upon graduation. Nothing is added, deleted, or changed on the student’s transcript after the graduation date.

Students who need no more than three (3) credits to earn their degree may participate in commencement exercises if they present a documented case of extreme hardship for participation which is approved by the Provost. For students to be eligible for the exception policy, they must have made satisfactory progress in their degree program in every semester of their attendance at Lewis, and they must have submitted an application for graduation in a timely manner. Such a petition must be filed with the Provost no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled commencement.

For this policy, the term “extreme hardship” includes only those circumstances beyond the control of the student. These circumstances would involve major illnesses or the impending death of the student, or loved one, significant financial or political crisis/burden making future semester participation nearly impossible, or a circumstance of similar magnitude. The desire to participate with one’s peers is an inadequate circumstance. Being three (3) credits from graduation is only a requisite to appealing to participate; it is not a request by itself which is deemed acceptable.