Graduation FAQ
Some frequently asked questions about graduation:
Do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes. To officially graduate, students must:
- submit a graduation application online
- pay graduation fees. (See also Steps to Officially Graduate.)
What are graduation fees?
A non-refundable $35 application fee is required of all applicants. If you want to participate in the ceremony there’s an additional $50 participation fee. Additional fees may apply to PhD graduates for the doctorate hood.
How do I pay?
The graduation fees payment page appears after you complete and submit your Application for Graduation. (Note that you don’t need to have a PayPal account in order to pay online with credit card.)
Who is my Graduation Director?
- MS in Computer Science students — your Graduation Coordinator is SungChull Park: csgraduation@miu.edu
- All other graduate and undergraduate students — your Graduation Director is Avilasa Sengupta: graduation@miu.edu
How do I get a graduation application?
Our Graduation Application is available online at Application for Graduation
Is there a deadline?
April 15th is the deadline for Spring graduation application and fees.
November 1st is the deadline for Fall graduation application and fees.
I'm not sure I'll qualify to graduate. Should I apply now anyway?
Yes. Apply even if you’re not sure you’ll be able to graduate. If for some reason you don’t qualify, your application and fees will transfer to the next graduation date.
Can I participate in the ceremony even if I have remaining coursework to complete? All my friends are graduating and I want to join them in the ceremony but I have a required course scheduled next semester.
Consult with your Graduation Director.
How many graduation dates are there each year?
Two. One is at the end of the spring semester and one at the end of the fall semester.
Is there a graduation ceremony in December?
No, there’s only one ceremony per year, at the end of the school year.
I applied for graduation once before and paid the fee. Do I need to apply and pay again?
No (unless you had the fees refunded to you.) Your graduation application and fee will automatically transfer to the next graduation timeline. But do check with your graduation director to make sure you are on the list and everything’s in order for you to graduate.
I plan to attend the ceremony. Is there a rehearsal?
Yes. All graduating students are expected to attend the rehearsal the day before the ceremony. For more information, see the Calendar of Graduation Events.
I am receiving a post-graduate certificate. Can I participate in the graduation ceremony?
Unfortunately, no. Only students graduating with degrees can participate in the ceremony. You can pick up your certificate the week following the end of the semester, or request it be sent to you.
How can I find out if I qualify for Valedictorian? Who gets chosen for honors: cum laude, or above? How are these decided?
Honors are given to approximately the top 10% of the graduating class, based on GPA, participation in all aspects of Consciousness-Based Education, and number of MIU credits earned as determined by the Academic Standards Committee. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian are chosen by the Academic Standards Committee after careful consideration. You will be notified before graduation if you qualify.
How many people can I invite to the Garden Party held the Friday evening before the ceremony?
We offer up to 3 free tickets to every graduating student who plans to attend Garden Party dinner: one for you, and two for any family members attending with you.
To obtain a visa, my family need an official letter inviting them to my graduation. Without such a letter they cannot enter the United States. Can you help?
Yes. We can create an official graduation invitation letter for your family. Please contact your graduation director. (See above question: Who is My Graduation Director?)
When do I get my diploma?
You can expect to receive your diploma 3-5 weeks following graduation. There is no extra charge for shipping the diploma.
For more information about steps to graduate, and our special graduation events, please visit the Graduation page.