Applying for Graduation
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on a student’s official transcript. Please apply online for graduation on CougarNet.
Applications for graduation are due by the following deadlines:
- Spring Semester Graduates: March 1st
- Fall Semester Graduates: October 1st
Summer Semester Graduates: March 1st for students who are within nine hours of degree completion at the end of the spring semester, preceding their graduation and planning to participate in spring commencement.
July 1st for students planning to participate in fall commencement, or students who do not plan to participate in commencement
- Changes – Once you submit your graduation application, you must report any changes to your graduation officer at [email protected].
- Graduation application fee – The graduation application fee of $60.00 will be charged to your student account when you apply. The $60 application fee is to process your application to graduate, produce your official diploma and enter the Alumni Association. It is not a fee associated with commencement ceremonies. Please check CougarNet to confirm your account balance and arrange payment.
- Waiver of application fee – A fee is not required for students receiving the following scholarships: Teacher Special Education Scholarship, General Assembly Scholarship, Illinois ROTC Scholarship, Illinois Veterans Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant and Meridian Scholars.
- Application for more than one degree – Students applying for two separate degrees should submit two graduation applications, one for each degree. Students with a double major should only submit one graduation application.
- Financial Aid – If you have federal student loans (Direct and/or FFELP) for the fall term and you are applying to graduate in the fall term, please be aware that your loans will be decreased/prorated based on the number of hours in which you are enrolled. Before you submit your graduation application for fall term, please check with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- Transfer Credit – Undergraduate students transferring additional credit from another school to meet graduation requirements should obtain advanced approval to ensure the credit is applicable. For major/minor requirements, contact your program advisor. For General Education or elective credit, contact the Transfer Center staff at [email protected] or visit Rendleman Hall, Room 1218. Graduate students transferring credit from either unclassified status or from another institution should use the Graduate Student Request Form available at the Service Center located in Rendleman Hall, Room 1309 or online to request approval.
- Career Development Center – Students are encouraged to register with the Career Development Center for resume referral and other services. The Career Development Center is located in the Student Success Center, Room 0281.
- Commencement – Commencement is the ceremony in which graduates celebrate the completion of a degree by receiving a diploma cover. Commencement is held in the fall and spring semesters. Graduation staff will notify you if you are found ineligible to participate in commencement. Students may not participate in more than one ceremony for the same degree. Commencement staff will send communications to your SIUE email address pertaining to ceremony information, RSVP forms and day of instructions. All commencement information can also be found at siue.edu/commencement. Participation in commencement does not guarantee your degree requirements have been met.
- Failure to complete degree requirements – Students who are unable to satisfy degree requirements during the initial application term will be considered for the following two consecutive terms without re-applying or paying an additional fee. However, students who fail to meet graduation requirements within three consecutive terms, beginning with the initial application term, will be required to re-apply and pay an additional $60.00 fee.
- Diplomas – Diplomas will be sent to your mailing address approximately ten weeks after all graduation requirements have been met. Your diploma will not be mailed if you have an outstanding financial obligation to the University. It is important to keep your mailing address current on CougarNet. Addresses can be changed by contacting the Service Center or through CougarNet. For questions about your account, contact the Office of the Bursar at 618-650-3123. Certified electronic e-Diplomas are available for purchase at http://www.michaelsutter.com/siue
- SIUE Alumni Association – Students will be automatically inducted into the SIUE Alumni Association upon graduation. The Alumni Association provides a wide range of services including career development and mentoring services, networking opportunities, and the ability to stay connected with and influence future generations of Cougars.
- Have questions, or do not have computer access? Please contact the Graduation staff at 618-650-2268 or 618-650-2282, or by email at [email protected].
