Spring 2024 Commencement

General Information for Graduates and Guests

Viewing Commencement Virtually

A live stream video of the commencement ceremony will be available the morning of the ceremony.

Name Card and Honor Cord Pick Up

Name cards will be distributed by the Registrar’s Office staff at the Waller Gymnasium before the ceremony. Eligible students will also receive their honor cord at this time.

Graduates must have this name card to have their name announced. During the ceremony, each graduate will hand their name card to the individual reading names.

Ceremony Line Up

Graduates will line up in the hall of Kricker Hall and Health Sciences:

• All graduate (MA, MSM, MBA, MED) and the College of Professional Studies baccalaureate will line up in Kricker Hall. 
• All other graduates will line up in Health Sciences (this includes faculty).

Diploma Covers and Commencement Programs

Students will receive a commemorative diploma cover as they walk across the stage. If you are unable to attend the commencement ceremony, you may contact ssu_registrar@shawnee.edu to arrange pick-up.

Photographs

Each graduate is professionally photographed at multiple points during the ceremony. Approximately three weeks after the ceremony, each graduate will receive a proof of their pictures taken along with ordering instructions.  For more information about photographs, please go to Grad Images’ website at gradimages.com. Family and guests are free to take pictures from their seats.

When are Diplomas Mailed? What Happens after Commencement?

Following commencement and after all grades are posted, the Registrar’s Office staff begins the task of reviewing petitions for degree posting.  This includes reviewing final grades to determine that all degree requirements have been met.  If all requirements are met, the Registrar’s Office posts the degree to the transcript and orders the diploma from Paradigm Inc. The diploma is printed and mailed by Paradigm Inc. to the student at the address listed on the graduation petition. Students will receive an email to the SSU student email address once the diploma has been mailed. This process is ongoing for about 45 days past commencement.

To verify that your degree has been awarded, view your unofficial transcript through the MySSU portal.

Digital Diplomas

SSU now offers complimentary digital diplomas and certificates. These are certified electronic credentials known as a CeDiploma or CeCertificate. Learn more about digital diplomas and certificates.

Cap and Gown

Academic Regalia for all students is available for purchase from the University Bookstore located in the Morris University Center. Students participating in commencement are required to wear appropriate regalia. 

Honors

Honors for the graduation program are based on your cumulative GPA at the end of the semester before you graduate and entitle you to wear an Honor Cord at graduation.

The actual honors awarded at the time a degree is posted are based on the final cumulative GPA.  The diploma will show the honors awarded with the degree.

Summer Graduates

Although there is not a summer commencement ceremony, all summer graduates are invited to participate in the fall commencement ceremony and will have their names published in the fall commencement program unless otherwise indicated as participating in the following spring ceremony.

General and Accessibility Parking

Students being dropped off for the ceremony can be dropped off at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts entrance. See Campus Map and driving directions.

Additional Tips for Graduates

Leave personal items like coats and purses with guests.  There are no facilities available for storing these items.

Remember to wear the sash, medal, cord, etc. that corresponds with your honor society.

For safety reasons, graduates are discouraged from wearing high-heeled shoes, as graduates will process down steps.

Need Help?

To request special accommodations for the ceremony or ask questions, please email commencement@shawnee.edu or the Registrar’s Office at ssu_registrar@shawnee.edu.