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. A student will not graduate and a degree will not be conferred until a student has met all graduation requirements. A Gustavus degree is conferred on a date when all graduation requirements are met, typically the end of term (e.g. May or Dec or Summer).

Gustavus currently holds one commencement ceremony annually in May. Students may participate in only one commencement ceremony. Students may participate in the May commencement ceremony if they have no more than 8.0 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.