| Policy Title | Commencement Participation Policy |
| Type or category of Policy: | University Policy |
| Approval Authority: | Provost |
| Responsible Executive: | Provost |
| Responsible Office: | Registrar’s Office |
| Owner Contact: | Kari Bennett, Registrar |
| Reviewed By: | Academic Affairs |
| Reviewed Date: | January 15, 2025 |
| Last Revised and Effective Date of Revision: | January 15, 2025 |
*Brief Overview of the Policy
Siena University hosts one Commencement weekend, during the month of May each year. While students may complete their degree in August or January, the only opportunity to participate in a Commencement ceremony is during the May Commencement events. This policy outlines the requirements for students wishing to participate in a Commencement ceremony without having met all of their degree requirements.
Reason for Policy
To provide clear guidelines for prospective graduates wishing to participate in a Commencement ceremony without having fulfilled all degree requirements.
Scope of the Policy: Entities or Individuals affected by this policy
- Prospective graduates
- Registrar’s Office
- Provost’s Office
- School Offices
- Academic advisors
The Official Policy
Students in degree-granting programs at Siena University who have not yet met degree requirements in a given academic year may apply to participate in Commencement under the following conditions:
- Eligibility Requirements
- Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must have 84+ credits completed.
- Students seeking a master’s degree must be within 9 credits of completing degree requirements.
- The student must be in good academic standing and have a clear plan to complete the remaining coursework within the following academic year.
- Application Process
- Students must submit a Commencement Participation Form via the Registrar’s Office by the posted deadline. Please visit www.siena.edu/walkerapp This form will indicate your desire to participate as a non-graduate.
- Master’s seeking students will be asked to provide a detailed plan for completing the remaining credits, verified by the student's academic advisor or program director.
- Conditions of Participation
- Students approved to participate in Commencement will be included in the Commencement program, but please note that academic honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) will not be included for participants.
- Participation in Commencement does not guarantee the awarding of the degree. During your final semester, you must submit a Degree Application through Banner Self-Service by the designated deadline for the expected completion of your graduation requirements.
All students who completed their degree in August or January and have not yet participated in a commencement ceremony are invited to participate in that academic year.
* Resources
a. Registrar’s website
b. Commencement website
c. Participation application
Adopted: January 15, 2025
Reviewed: January 15, 2025
Revised: