Commencement and Degree Completion/Graduation Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear expectations and requirements for participation in the annual commencement ceremony and related events. This policy ensures that all graduates and anticipated graduates are recognized fairly and that ceremonies are conducted in a safe, respectful, and organized manner.
Eligibility for Graduation (Graduation Stages)
Stage 1: Graduation Application
In September annually, students with anticipated completion dates falling in the current academic year (December - May), are invited to and must submit a graduation application by the designated deadline, October 15th. The Registrar’s Office will review academic records and confirm initial eligibility.
Stage 2: Eligibility Verification
Initial Eligibility Determination
Initial eligibility for commencement participation will be determined following the verification and posting of fall semester grades. The Registrar's Office will review each student's academic record to identify students who have completed their degree requirements or who are projected to have fifteen (15) or fewer credits remaining at the time of commencement.
Students identified as potentially eligible to participate in commencement with outstanding degree requirements will be notified and required to submit a degree completion plan for review and approval.
Ineligible students will also be notified and asked to update their anticipated completion dates.
Stage 3: Ceremony Participation Approval
Students seeking to participate under the fifteen (15) credit exception must submit all required documentation, including an approved degree completion plan, by February 15th. The final eligibility review will consider the student's academic record, remaining degree requirements, and approved plan for completion. Final eligibility determinations for participation in commencement exercises will be completed following the February 15th deadline in the academic year in which the ceremony is held.
The February 15th deadline allows the College sufficient time to:
- Verify commencement eligibility.
- Prepare the official commencement participant list.
- Develop and publish the commencement program.
- Prepare awards, honors, and recognition materials.
- Coordinate ceremony logistics.
- Ensure the accuracy of graduation-related records and communications.
Students who fail to submit required documentation by established deadlines or who do not meet eligibility requirements by the deadline are ineligible to participate in that year's commencement ceremony and should plan to participate in the following year's ceremony.
It is important to note students approved for graduation may participate in one Hartwick commencement Ceremony. Participation in the ceremony does not constitute official conferral of a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Stage 4: Commencement Ceremony
Graduates are expected to:
- Arrive at the designated location and time.
- Wear approved academic regalia or attire.
- Follow all instructions provided by event staff.
- Demonstrate respectful behavior throughout the ceremony.
- Refrain from actions that disrupt the ceremony or compromise safety.
Hartwick College reserves the right to remove any participant whose conduct is disruptive, unsafe, or inconsistent with institutional standards.
Stage 5: Award Conferral
Degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other credentials will be officially conferred only after final verification that all graduation requirements have been satisfied.