Graduation Timeline -- Fall 2009

Overview of events and dates associated with

December 2009 commencement activities:

June 26, 2009

The deadline to apply for August 2009 graduation is June 26, 2009. We will be consistent and adhere to that deadline. Those students graduating in August 2009 can participate in December 2009 graduation ceremonies.

September 25, 2009

The deadline to apply for December 2009 graduation is September 25, 2009. We will be consistent and adhere to that deadline.

Remember, only those students graduating in August 2009 and December 2009 are permitted to walk. (Under extenuating circumstances, some students may gain approval to walk early. Please see your Dean's office for additional details.)

• Application for Graduation Deadline Details: Graduate Students must submit the Graduate Level Application for Graduation to the Graduate Office. 

  Undergraduate Students must obtain an application for graduation at their academic dean's office. The application must be submitted to their academic dean's office as well.
  
  NOTE: All students should contact their academic department in order to obtain further information on official graduation requirements and responsibilities. Honors status should also be reviewed and established at this time.

October 19, 2009

All graduation accessories will be available for purchase at the University Bookstore “Senior Salute Day” which will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Also, faculty regalia will be available for rental.

 
Mid-October

Commencement information brochures (concerning cap and gowns, tickets, and FAQs) will be sent to the student's legal address. This information will also be available in their academic dean's office.

• Honors/Honor Cords: Commencement honors are awarded to students in the graduating class who have earned 60 credits at California University in a baccalaureate degree program and achieved the required QPA.  

Highest Honors (Summa Cum Laude) 3.75 to 4.00

High Honors (Magna Cum Laude) 3.50 to 3.74

Honors (Cum Laude) 3.25 to 3.49

ü  Credits, grades, and quality points earned as part of a previously completed associate or first degree are not used to calculate commencement honors designations.

ü  Because of print deadlines for the Commencement brochure, Quality Point Averages from the semester prior to the last semester are used to determine honors status at Commencement. Those students who meet the requirements after the last semester grades are posted can obtain and wear an honor cord, but name will not be listed in the program. Cords can be obtained at the University Bookstore; there is no charge for honors cords.

ü  NOTE: Don't forget to pick up honors cords at the University Bookstore. If you have questions regarding your status after reviewing your last semester prior to graduation QPA (based on the criteria listed above), please contact Jodie Rooney, Academic Events Coordinator, Dixon Hall 303 or 724-938-1584 or rooney@cup.edu).

• Yearbook Photos: Sign up at the information center or call 724-938-5669. There is no sitting fee!!! Appointments, although not required, are strongly encouraged. Appropriate attire is required for yearbook pictures. For more information regarding yearbook photos, contact Joy Helsel at helsel@cup.edu or 724-938-4339.
• Cap and Gown: Each participant must be attired in an academic robe and matching cap, except those who chose to wear their military uniform.
• Academic attire for undergraduate students can be purchased at the University Bookstore. The robe should be pressed. It is inappropriate to attach flowers, signs, or messages on the gown or cap. The cap should be worn flat on the top of the head, with the top of the cap parallel to the floor. The tassel should hang on the right side of the cap at the start of the program.
• Academic attire for graduate students must be purchased through the University Bookstore. 
• Teacher Certification Applications: (See College Dean)
• Verification of Minor or Career Concentration: (See College Dean)
• Financial Aid Loan Exit Interview: Recipients of the Stafford Loan program must complete an exit interview online at www.cup.edu/financial_aid/ (click on-line Student Loan Exit Counseling) or at the Financial Aid Office, Dixon 105, 724-938-4415 before graduation.
• Voter (Un)Registration: Graduating seniors who will be moving and are registered to vote in this county should cancel their registration to vote in Washington County and re-register at their new address, if staying within Pennsylvania. The form is online at http://www.votespa.com/ApplicationsandForms/tabid/90/language/en-US/Default.aspx. Return the form to the county courthouse where you are moving.   

November 3, 4, and 5, 2009

Yearbook portraits for the Fall 2009 semester will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Alumni Room of Hamer Hall. Please contact Joy Helsel, helsel@cup.edu, with any questions.

November 16, 2009

Students with Disabilities: There are a substantial number of steps for general access to the Commencement Dinner and for the Commencement Processional. Alternate access arrangements for these events and/or all other accommodation requests should be made to the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), preferably by Monday, November 16, 2009. Contact OSD in person (Azorsky Hall – Room 105) or by phone, 724-938-5781.        

December 4, 2009

Last day for faculty regalia rentals at the University Bookstore.

December 4, 2009

It is highly recommended that all graduating students purchase caps and gowns by Friday, December 4, 2009; after this date, sizes will be limited and it will be too late to place special orders.

December 2009

Book buy-back begins at the University Bookstore.

December 17, 2009

President's Dinner for Graduates (in Gallagher Music Center) and commencement rehearsal (Hamer Gymnasium for Undergraduates / Steele Hall for Graduates) will be held.

Did you forget to have your portrait taken for the 2010 Monocal? It's not too late: Spellman Studios will take portraits at the Graduate Dinner, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the Gallagher Music Center Recital Hall. Contact Joy Helsel at helsel@cup.edu with any questions.

December 18, 2009

Graduate Commencement at 7:00 p.m., Hamer Gymnasium

CCAC Nursing Pinning Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., Steele Hall