Commencement
Participating in Commencement:
Marietta College has one traditional graduation ceremony held in May each year. The college also holds a more modest yet formal ceremony in December each year. Students may participate in only one ceremony for the same degree.
Students who meet either of the criteria below are eligible to participate in the Spring ceremony:
- Students who are scheduled to complete all graduation requirements as of the conclusion of the spring semester.
- These students will have honors recognized based on the cumulative grade point average as of the mid-point of the semester. However, formal awarding of honors will be determined based upon the cumulative GPA after all requirements are completed and final grades are submitted.
- Students who are scheduled to complete all degree requirements by the end of the same calendar year.
- Summer and fall graduates who choose to participate in the spring ceremony prior to completion will be recognized for induction into academic honoraria only.
- Fall graduates who choose to participate in the fall ceremony will be recognized for eligible academic honors based upon the cumulative GPA at mid-terms, as noted above.
Applying for Graduation:
Graduation applications are due at the start of the term prior to the term in which the student plans to graduate, although summer and fall graduates who wish to participate in the spring ceremony should apply a full year in advance, during the fall term prior to completion.
Please note: It is important that students notify the Records Office regarding in which ceremony they wish to participate as the student's name and degree information will be included in only one Commencement program.
Degree Conferral:
Semester grades are due at the Records Office Commencement. Students will be notified of any change in status by the Registrar and will have an opportunity to review the final degree audit for accuracy.
Diplomas will be withheld from any student whose financial obligations to the College have not been satisfied.
Graduating versus "Walking":
Participating in a commencement ceremony prior to completing all degree requirements is "walking," whereas graduating indicates that all degree requirements have been completed. As noted above, only students who are truly graduating are eligible to be recognized for academic honors that are based on the cumulative GPA and/or completion of all program requirements.
Previous graduates who are completing an additional major, minor, or specialization are not eligible to participate in Commencement and will not be recognized in the program.