Commencement Participation Eligibility
Eligibility Window (Academic Year):
Students may participate in Commencement only if they have completed all degree requirements within the current academic year, as defined by the University’s published academic calendar and graduation cycles.
Completion of Requirements:
No student may participate in Commencement unless all academic/course requirements are complete by the deadlines established for the ceremony. Completion means the student has completed all degree requirements (coursework and any non-coursework requirements such as thesis/dissertation components, internship/practicum requirements, etc., as applicable).
Exception (MACP):
MACP students may be permitted to participate in Commencement prior to degree conferral with written approval from the Program Chair, provided the student has:
completed most required MACP program coursework, and
only missing intensives, practicum/internship hours (with an approved plan and timeline to complete).
Doctoral Participation:
Doctoral students must satisfy all doctoral academic requirements prior to Commencement participation. Exceptions are not granted unless explicitly approved in writing by the Program Chair and the Provost.
Graduation Application and Degree Conferral:
Students must submit the University’s Graduation Application in order to have their degree posted to the academic record and to receive a diploma. Degree conferral requires:
submission of the Graduation Application,
payment of the graduation fee, as published here: Sofia University tuition and fees, and
clearance of all outstanding balances.
The Graduation Application link is available in the Sofia University Catalog under: Office of the Registrar. Please note that there is a separate Graduation Application link specifically for Global College students.
Participation in Commencement is included in the graduation fee.
Financial Clearance:
All tuition and fee payments must be settled prior to approval for Commencement participation and/or prior to degree posting, in accordance with University policy.
Commencement Application and Deadlines:
To participate in the Commencement Ceremony, eligible students must submit the Commencement Application by the published deadline for that ceremony. Late submissions may not be accommodated due to event logistics (program printing, seating, ticketing, etc.).
The Commencement Application is separate from (and does not replace) the Graduation Application. The Commencement Application link is available on the Sofia University website: Commencement Ceremony Information Page.
Purpose of the Commencement Application:
The Commencement Application is used to RSVP, confirm attendance intent, provide guest estimates, and request accommodations/assistance (e.g., mobility/wheelchair access, ASL interpreter, etc.). Students must submit the Commencement Application by the published deadline for that year’s ceremony, even if they do not plan to attend, as it supports graduation processing and communications.
Commencement vs. Degree Conferral:
Participation in Commencement is ceremonial and does not replace or guarantee degree conferral. Degrees are conferred only after all requirements are verified and posted to the student’s academic record. If a student submits only the Commencement Application and does not submit the Graduation Application (including fee payment and balance clearance), degree conferral may be delayed.
Timeline for Degree Posting and Diplomas:
Degrees post after all coursework and non-coursework requirements are complete and grades have been recorded, and after balances are cleared and the graduation fee is paid.
Degrees typically post within 1–4 weeks after the term ends, assuming requirements are met.
Diplomas are ordered after degree posting and typically take 6–8 weeks to be mailed to the address on the Graduation Application.
Authority and Review:
The Office of the Registrar administers commencement participation eligibility in coordination with Student Services, program leadership, and Student Accounts. The Provost makes the final decision on exceptions and disputed eligibility determinations.
Certificate Programs:
Students earning a stand-alone certificate (non-degree) are not eligible to participate in Commencement unless explicitly approved as part of a University-wide commencement policy.
Students requiring a visa to attend the commencement ceremony may refer to the International Student Office. Given the length of processing times, students are advised to begin this process as far in advance as possible.
Students seeking a commencement invitation may reach out to registrar@sofia.edu. For the Chinese-language programs, please contact globalcollege@sofia.edu.