Commencement Policy

The commencement ceremony is an event held to celebrate the academic achievements of Gustavus Adolphus College students. Participation in commencement does not mean that a student has graduated from the College. Gustavus degrees are conferred at the end of Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Degrees will be conferred after all graduation requirements are met.

Gustavus currently holds one commencement ceremony annually at the end of the Spring semester (i.e., late April or May). Students may participate in only one commencement ceremony. Students may participate in the Spring commencement ceremony if they have no more than 10 credits outstanding or only have student teaching outstanding*. Students who do not meet these criteria but would like to participate in the ceremony must submit an Academic Petition for consideration by the Adjudication Committee by March 1. Students who cannot meet the March 1 deadline may submit a petition in April, however, these petitions will only be reviewed in exceptional circumstances.

*Students who are approved for the ninth semester free tuition program may participate in commencement if all requirements will be complete at the end of the student's 9th semester.