Commencement

The University has commencement ceremonies in December and May for those meeting the graduation requirements. December graduates participate in the December ceremony; May graduates participate in the May ceremony. Students completing graduation requirements in August receive certification from the Office of the Registrar that they have completed all requirements and receive their diplomas by mail. August graduates are invited to participate in the December commencement exercises.

Students who need no more than three (3) credits to earn their degree may participate in commencement exercises if they present a documented case of extreme hardship for participation which is approved by the Provost. For students to be eligible for the exception policy, they must have made satisfactory progress in their degree program in every semester of their attendance at Lewis, and they must have submitted an application for graduation in a timely manner. Such a petition must be filed with the Provost no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled commencement.

For this policy, the term “extreme hardship” includes only those circumstances beyond the control of the student. These circumstances would involve major illnesses or the impending death of the student, or loved one, significant financial or political crisis/burden making future semester participation nearly impossible, or a circumstance of similar magnitude. The desire to participate with one’s peers is an inadequate circumstance. Being three (3) credits from graduation is only a requisite to appealing to participate; it is not a request which by itself is deemed acceptable.