Commencement

John Carroll University conducts formal commencement exercises each year in May. Attendance at these exercises is optional; those attending must wear academic cap and gown. Diplomas are also issued in January and August, but students are invited to march in commencement the following May.

Summer Graduates Participating in Commencement Ceremony

John Carroll University conducts a formal commencement ceremony each year in May, which signifies academic completion and merit for the year’s graduating class of students. In some instances, students may participate in the ceremony prior to the completion of all degree requirements (i.e., walking short). Graduate students who will complete degree requirements in the summer and who wish to participate in the May commencement ceremony must meet the criteria laid out below. Summer graduates who are approved to walk short are reminded that participation in the ceremony does not mean a student has graduated. Graduate students who completed their degree requirements in the fall are eligible to walk in the commencement ceremony held the following spring.

To participate in the May Commencement ceremony:

(a) Graduate students must have an active graduation application for the summer term;

(b) Graduate students not writing an essay, project, or thesis must have no more than 9 remaining hours, or 20% of the total program hours (whichever is greater), in order to complete their degree program;