Yes, you must apply for graduation after you have enrolled for your final semester. You must apply for the semester in which you complete your final requirements. For example, if you take a summer class/internship to complete your degree, you will apply for summer.  

You may apply for graduation through the mySEMO portal > Search "Apply to Graduate" > click Apply to Graduate Tool.  

Once you have applied for graduation, please regularly check your Southeast email account as all further graduation-related communications will be sent there. 

You are encouraged to apply for graduation as soon as you have completed enrollment for your final semester. The deadline to submit the graduation application is: 

Fall Graduation: Due the last day of the preceding summer semester 

Spring Graduation: Due the last day of the preceding fall semester 

Summer Graduation: 

• To walk in the spring ceremony: Due the Friday of the first week of summer registration 
• To walk in the fall ceremony: Due on the last day of the preceding spring semester  

Graduation applications are not accepted for a semester until registration has begun for that semester. 

There is a $50 non-refundable fee charged to your University account for every approved graduation application. You may also be charged late fees if you apply or are approved to graduate after the deadline. 

Finally, if participating in the commencement ceremony, regalia (cap and gown) must be purchased and worn.  If you want announcements or diploma covers/frames, they can be purchased separately through the Southeast Bookstore.

For your graduation application to be approved, you must submit proof of enrollment in your transfer course. This could be an official schedule or a screenshot from the other institution’s portal, but it must include your name, the institution’s name, the class you are taking, and the term you are taking the class. This document is used to determine if your transfer class fulfills your remaining requirements.  

Once you have completed the course, you will need to request an official transcript to be sent from the other institution to our Registrar’s Office. The official transcript must be received and credit posted before your degree can be awarded. Candidates for graduation have three weeks after the date of the commencement ceremony for our office to receive the official transcripts from the other institutions. 

• Your diploma will be mailed about eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you complete graduation requirements. Diplomas will arrive in a flat cardboard mailer with approximate dimensions of 10x13". If your mailbox will not accommodate that size mailer, speak with your local post office to make delivery arrangements.  

• The package you receive will include the diploma and a complimentary copy of your official transcript. Diplomas will show your name as indicated on your graduation application, your degree, honors if applicable, and the date of graduation. 

Graduation refers to the administrative awarding of your degree after the final semester is over, all grades have been turned in, and all requirements have been completed. Commencement is the ceremony.  

To participate in commencement, students must be approved as candidates for graduation (that is, a degree-seeking student with all requirements for their degree in progress).  While students graduate three times per year (at the end of each semester: mid-May, early August, mid-December), commencement only occurs twice per year, in May and December. Since there is no summer commencement, summer graduates who meet the requisite deadlines may participate in either the preceding spring or following fall ceremonies. 

All participants are required to wear academic regalia: 

• For undergraduate students: cap, bachelor’s gown and tassel 
• For master’s degree students: cap, master’s gown, tassel, and appropriate hood 
• For specialist degree students: cap, specialist gown, tassel, and appropriate hood 
• Beneath the gown, professional dress is recommended, but not required. 
• The following honor emblems are listed in the program and will be provided with your cap and gown or at cap and gown pick up:
  • Red tassel: Provided with cap and gown for students who earn honors in associate degrees, cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude (including grades in all repeated courses)
  • Red cord: Provided with cap and gown for students who have a 4.0 GPA at the time of commencement (including grades in all repeated courses)
  • Engraved medallion: Provided with cap and gown for students who, having completed an approved special project or scholarly paper, have earned Academic Distinction in the Department of the Major

Official cords, stoles, or medallions provided by other offices on campus or by recognized student organizations are allowed. Please contact the individual organization or office for information on qualifying/receiving those emblems. Caps may be personalized but must remain appropriate and may not be distracting or obstructive.