Formal completion of all coursework, as certified by the major department, earns the student the right to have his or her name on the graduation program. Payment of the graduation fee entitles the student to receive his or her diploma either at the ceremony or at any such time the student contacts the Registrar after the ceremony.

Participation in the formal ceremony requires that the student first meet the above requirements, obtain academic regalia (available through the Living University Bookstore), and notify the Registrar of his or her plans to participate no less than six working days prior to graduation. Formal program format and procedure deemed necessary for conducting a suitable program will be up to the discretion of the University. A student’s presence at graduation is encouraged but not required.

Graduating students must:

Graduation marshals assist with the graduation ceremony and reception each spring. The selection criteria is primarily, but not limited to, grade point average.

The University designates students receiving a degree or diploma with a 3.400 and above cumulative grade point average as honor graduates as follows: "With Distinction," 3.400-3.599; "With High Distinction," 3.600-3.799; "With Highest Distinction," 3.800-4.000. Postbaccalaureate students are not eligible for undergraduate honors.

During their final semester, the Registrar will rank the candidates for diplomas and degrees according to their program cumulative grade point ratio for the previous semesters of work. Each cumulative GPA shall be rounded to three decimal places. Recognition of honor graduates is by a designation in the graduation program, a notation on the credential conferred, by an announcement at the calling of their name during the ceremony, in the privilege of wearing a white cord signifying this tribute, and a notation on the student’s permanent academic record.