- What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
Graduation is a process where you complete an application in order to earn your degree. A $125 non-refundable processing fee will be placed on your account. A graduation application is required for each degree you earn at GSU. Commencement is a formal ceremony and participation is voluntary. Participating in the ceremony does not mean your degree has been earned.
- I will participate in the Virtual Ceremony, does this mean I earned my degree?
No. Only December graduates from the previous year will have earned degrees by commencement. Since spring and summer graduation applicants are eligible to participate in the ceremony, their degrees will not be posted until after ceremony has taken place.
- Can I use my financial aid to cover the $125 fee?
Please consult with the financial aid office to see if you can.
- What does the graduation fee cover?
The graduation fee covers the time and paperwork it takes to post your degree. The graduation fee also covers any items related to the commencement ceremony (e.g., student regalia, diploma covers, etc.).
- When will my diploma be mailed?
Diplomas are usually mailed six to eight weeks after final grades have been submitted.
- I missed the deadline to submit a graduation application, who do I contact?
If this happens, please consult with your academic advisor.
- How will I know which Virtual Commencement Ceremony I will attend?
Participants are grouped by Colleges. KNOW YOUR COLLEGE. Governors State University's colleges are the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Business (CB), College of Education (CE) and College of Health and Human Services (CHHS).
- How long is the Virtual Commencement Ceremony?
The Virtual Commencement ceremony lasts approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours.
- Where do I pick-up my regalia?
If regalia is ordered by Friday, February 19, 2021 at 11:59 pm, CST, regalia will be shipped directly to the graduate’s home address they provided at the time of their order placed. If graduate placed their order after the deadline, regalia may be picked up at Salute to Grads, Graduation Celebration.
- Where can I find more details about the Virtual Commencement Speaker and Vocalist application process?
The deadline to apply has been extended until 3/31/2021
For more information regarding the application process, please visit Jaguar Connection.