Graduation

Intent to Graduate:

Students must file their intent to graduate via the application for graduation clearance via KSIS. The deadline for students to declare their intent to graduate must be submitted no later than the fourth (4th) during the first four weeks week of the semester (first two weeks for the summer semester) in which the degree is to be completed. Students are prompted to verify their curriculum, and graduation term, and to give their desired name (within reason) for the commencement program as well as their diploma.

Graduation Application for Completion of a Major, Minor, or Certificate:

Graduation applications reflect the most updated version of the DARS, which is used for final graduation certification. Graduation applications are reviewed electronically within KSIS utilizing the student’s DARS in consultation with their advisor(s) at each department where the student is enrolled in a major, minor, or certificate program of study. Students seeking to graduate should review their DARS in KSIS to ensure all requirements are in progress or complete. A review of Graduation applications showing an approval status must be completed by the application deadline of the student’s graduation term.

Off-Campus Completion of Degree Requirements:

It is the student’s responsibility to be certain that transcripts from all transfer institutions are on file and have been articulated/reflected in the DARS in the Registrar’s Office before the end of the semester the degree requirements will be completed and no later than the deadline date designated on the Academic Calendar.

Commencement (Graduation Ceremonies)

Students may graduate in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. K-State celebrates Commencement Ceremonies twice a year, at the end of each Fall and Spring semester. Candidates for spring graduation should attend the spring commencement exercises in May. Fall graduates are asked to participate in the fall commencement exercises in December or the following Spring. Approved summer degree candidates may participate in the fall or spring exercises before or after graduation.

Graduation (degree awarding/conferral) occurs when students complete all degree requirements, it is confirmed and certified, and then officially posted to a student’s academic record (official transcript).

Commencement is a formal ceremony, celebrating the graduation of K-State students twice a year. When students participate in Commencement, they are considered candidates for graduation but attendance at the ceremony does not mean that a student has officially graduated from K-State.

Graduation Process

Degree Requirements

All degree requirements must be complete by the last day of the semester for which the graduation application is submitted. Students whose Graduation Application is denied for any reason or do not meet the requirements for graduation must submit a new application for the semester in which the requirements are met.

Good Standing Status

A student must be in good standing to receive a K-State degree. Accordingly, any student who is subject to academic warning/probation or dismissal for scholastic or disciplinary reasons will not graduate until the conditions of suspension or probation have been satisfied.

Timeline

The Office of the Registrar will begin reviewing potential graduates approximately one week after grades are due. Awarding of degrees should be completed approximately 4-6 weeks (excluding weekends and holidays) following the review. Once your degree has been posted (conferred), your unofficial and official transcript will reflect this information. Be sure to review the step-by-step instructions for Viewing your Academic History in KSIS.

Please see the Scholastic Honors portion of the Undergraduate Academic Catalog for specific information used to determine scholastic honors. Be aware, that honors indicated on the commencement program are tentative since current semester courses are not included in the cumulative GPA.

Diplomas

Upon completion of a degree, students will receive one complimentary diploma. Diplomas will be mailed to the DIPLOMA MAILING ADDRESS indicated on the student’s graduation application approximately six (6) to eight (8) weeks (excluding weekends and holidays) after graduation.

All financial/academic holds must be cleared before a diploma can be mailed. Check your KSIS Student Center for hold and departmental contact information. (How to View Holds)

Students have 90 days after graduation to clear holds without delaying the mailing of a diploma. If holds are cleared after such time, students will need to notify the Office of the Registrar to arrange the release and mailing of a diploma. Diplomas will be retained for two years after the graduation date and will then be destroyed. After that time, any request for a diploma by the student will incur all charges associated with ordering a duplicate or replacement diploma. Refer to the Registrar’s Website for additional information.

Honorary Degrees

Regents’ institutions may award honorary degrees upon approval by the Kansas Board of Regents (Board of Regents Policy and Procedures Manual Chapter III, Section A.7). {University Handbook, F140}

Posthumous Degrees

A student who dies while actively pursuing a degree at Kansas State University may be considered for a posthumous degree. The dean may nominate the student for consideration by the Academic Affairs Committee and the Faculty Senate. If approved, it will be noted on the transcript and the diploma that it is a posthumous degree. {University Handbook, F150}