The university grants degrees at the end of each summer, fall, and spring term. Commencement ceremonies are held mid-May, to recognize summer and fall graduates and spring degree candidates.

Students file an application to graduate for summer, fall, or spring as they register for what they expect is their final term of study. The application triggers a review of the student's academic record to determine whether or not it is possible for the student to complete degree requirements at the end of that term. Students whose records indicate they are on schedule to graduate at the end of the term for which they have applied are invited to commencement. Students whose records indicate that degree requirements cannot be completed in advance of commencement will have to wait for a later ceremony and reapply for graduation at the appropriate time.

The university strictly enforces the policy for attending commencement. Students planning to graduate at a particular time are responsible for maintaining an appropriate course load and completing degree requirements in time to be eligible for their targeted graduation.

Only those students whose academic records indicate that they can satisfy degree requirements by the end of the term for which they have filed an application to graduate will be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony for that term.