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Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation

Do I need to petition for my degree?

What do I do if I have two majors?

What is the deadline for petitioning to graduate?

Can I submit my petition to graduate if my degree audit report shows outstanding requirements?

What is the criteria for Latin Honors?

What is the new rule for participating in commencement if I finish my degree in summer, fall or winter term?

What if my diploma name changes or address changes after I petition to graduate?

What is the process for awarding degrees?

Can my petition to graduate be denied?

When will I receive my diploma?

Can I get my diploma if I have a Hold on my account?

 

 

Do I need to petition for my degree?
Yes. Plese click here for more information on petitioning to graduate.

NOTE: THAT THE FILING OF THIS DEGREE APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A DEGREE WILL BE AWARDED.

 

What do I do if I have two majors?
Undergraduates must submit one "Pre-graduation Evaluation" form for two majors.  If approved, the request will sequentially proceed through two departments.

 

 

What is the deadline for petitioning to graduate?

  • Fall 2023 - Friday, October 6, 2023 (Last day to petition for degrees to be conferred in December 2023)
  • Winter 2024 - Friday, January 26, 2024 (Last day to petition for degrees to be conferred in March 2024) 
  • Spring 2024 - Friday, February 23, 2024 (Last day to petition for degrees to be conferred in June 2024) 
  • Summer 2024 - Friday, April 26, 2024 (Last day to petition for degrees to be conferred in September 2024)

 

 

Can I submit my "pre-graduation evaluation" if my Academic Progress Report shows outstanding requirements?
Yes. When filling out the form, the "pre-graduation evaluation" form must address any outstanding requirements, including GPA, N grades, I grades, etc. Your Academic Progress Report will be reviewed by your departments and record analyst. It is the student's responsibility to check their Academic Progress Reports to ensure that all requirements are met. If you notice any discrepancies or issues, please report them immediately.

 

 

What are the criteria for Latin Honors?

Awarding of honors is based on all graded undergraduate courses attempted at Santa Clara University that are counted toward the fulfillment of a student's degree. Honors will not be awarded above those merited by the student's record at Santa Clara. An indication of honors at graduation contained in the commencement program is unofficial. The final determination will be made after a review of all completed undergraduate courses counted toward the degree.

  • Cum Laude - 3.500 - 3.699 GPA
  • Magna Cum Laude - 3.700 - 3.899 GPA
  • Summa Cum laude - 3.900 - 4.000 GPA

 

 

What is the new rule for participating in commencement if I finish my degree in summer, fall or winter term?

SCU's annual commencement ceremony takes place in June. Students may participate in June Commencement if they received their degree in the preceding Fall, Winter, or upcoming Spring, Summer, and Fall quarters. 

Undergraduate students may be eligible to participate in commencement if they are within 20 units of completing their degree at the end of the Spring quarter. 

 

 

What if my diploma name changes or address changes after I petition to graduate?

Click below for more information on diploma names and addresses.

Workday Diploma Name and Address Guide

 

 

What is the process for awarding degrees?
After all grades and paperwork have been submitted, the Academic Progress Report is reviewed by your record analyst at the Office of the Registrar. After all requirements are complete, your record analyst can then post your degree. To verify that your degree has been posted, log on to Workday and run an unofficial transcript. Diploma orders are placed only after all degrees have been posted for the term.

 

 

Can my petition to graduate be denied?

There are several factors that may lead to a petition to graduate being denied. These factors include, but are not limited to:

  • All degree requirements are not met. This includes fieldwork, course work, examinations, pathway materials, etc., which are not completed by the end of your graduating term.
  • The GPA does not fulfill the stated minimum requirements. Specifically, undergraduates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA and a Program of Study GPA of 2.0.
  • Receiving an "N" or "I" grade
  • If you are unsure of the status of your petition, please check with your departments to see if your petition to graduate has been approved or denied.

 

 

When will I receive my diploma?
Students do not receive their diplomas on the day of commencement. Instead, the diplomas will be mailed to the diploma address provided 3-4 months after the degree completion date.

 

 

Can I get my diploma if I have a Hold on my account?
No. Diplomas will be held at the Office of the Registrar for students who have a financial hold or student life hold until the hold is removed. It is the student's responsibility to reconcile the hold and contact the Office of the Registrar once it has been removed.