MCS Graduation Procedures

Handbook Table of Contents | Constitution | Faculty Policies | Degree Policies

Policy on Graduation Procedures for Doctoral and Master's Degree Candidates in the Mellon College of Science

Approved by College Council April 24, 1997

Guidelines for Participating in Commencement Exercises

Doctoral and Master's Degree candidates will participate in the commencement exercises according to the following guidelines:

  1. MCS doctoral degree candidates who have completed their requirements (courses and thesis) one week before the date of the May commencement (MCS policy 23 January 1987), and whose thesis and other required documentation have been delivered to the MCS Dean's office by the yearly stipulated deadline, will:

    • be entitled to march at commencement;
    • be listed in the commencement book;
    • receive a valid diploma dated May or the previous August or December as appropriate.
  2. MCS Master's degree candidates who have completed their requirements by the Friday before commencement, and whose thesis (if a part of their degree requirements) has been delivered to the MCS Dean's office by the yearly stipulated deadline, will:
    • be entitled to march at commencement;
    • be listed in the Commencement book;
    • receive a valid diploma dated May or the previous August and December, as appropriate.
  3. MCS Master's degree candidates who are certified by their department as expected to complete the degree requirements by the deadline for August graduation, and whose thesis (if a part of their degree requirements) has been delivered to the MCS Dean's office by the yearly stipulated deadline, will:
    • be entitled to march at commencement;
    • be listed in the Commencement book as August graduates;
    • receive a blank diploma case (see guidelines below for receiving a valid diploma).

    Guidelines for Receiving a Valid Diploma

    MCS Master's degree candidates falling under item 3 above will receive a valid diploma only after completing all the degree requirements, and the diploma will be dated as follows:

    • if they complete their degree requirements before the first day of the following fall semester, they will receive a valid diploma dated August;
    • if they complete their degree requirements later than the first day of the following fall semester, they will receive a valid diploma dated for the degree award period (May, August, or December) appropriate for the time when the requirements are completed.