Graduation

Are you planning to graduate soon? Be aware of the following:

• You must apply for graduation no later than the end of the first week of classes of the semester in which you intend to graduate.
• Registrar will review your candidacy and notify you of acceptance or outstanding issues; this process can take up to 8 weeks. Don’t put yourself into a position where you are unable to graduate due to unresolved issues – take responsibility for managing your academic progress!
• Review your Academic Requirement Report (AAR) located in your Student Center (see Run My AAR if you have questions.) Be proactive about addressing discrepancies between this record and your academic history. If you see a problem, take action!
• When issues are identified, seek help. Key links that may help you:
• Graduation requirements
• Transfer Credit Evaluation process
• What-If Report – This report is most helpful if you are considering changing your major OR if you are not sure how courses you have not taken apply to your major or minor. See What-If-Report for more information.

NOTE: Processes associated with reviewing candidacy take time – do not put this off!

• Work with your advisor well in advance of graduation to insure you are on track with BSU and MBE Department requirements. Don’t know who your advisor is? – Check the COEN Advising page.
• In addition, you must obtain a C- or better in all upper division ME courses as defined in your designated University Catalog. See your catalog for a listing of courses.

The dates and schedules for commencement can be found at the University Commencement page. This page also includes information on regalia, honors, diplomas, photos, parking and more!

Graduates need to apply online by the first week of the semester they plan to graduate. There is a fee to apply that pays for your diploma and other aspects of the process.

Graduates in the Fall semester can walk in the December ceremony. Those graduating in the Spring semester can walk in the May ceremony. Summer graduates cannot walk early (in May), but must wait until the December ceremony.

Undergraduate of Boise State University are outfitted in the university’s historic Boise State blue—a color associated with the school since its inception in 1932.

Master’s students wear the traditional black cap and gown to distinguish them from the undergraduates.

Mechanical engineering students who are receiving a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree should wear a GOLD tassel. Students who are receiving a Master of Engineering degree should wear an ORANGE tassel. An overview of tassels can be found on the university commencement regalia page.

Commencements are scheduled on the Saturday following completion of finals. Winter commencement holds one ceremony in the morning, while spring commencement is split between a morning and afternoon ceremony. Check the university commencement page for when your College will be commencing.

Commencement is a public event and open to anyone to attend. Family and friends are encouraged to come support their graduates at this special transition.

The commencement ceremony is structured as follows:

• Gathering – students go to a staging area to join other members of your College and recieve instructions.
• Processional – this is a formal entrance to the arena for all graduates
• Opening and remarks – following an honor guard and opening musical number, speakers will address the graduates and guests
• Name calling – No, this is not a belittling! Students walk to the front of the arena by college where their names will be called out and they will receive their diploma covers. Students will have their photos taken at this point, as well.
• Recessional – a formal exit from the arena after which they can join with family and friends at a reception to celebrate.

Because finals will not have been graded at this point, students who walk in the commencement ceremony will receive an empty folder that will hold their diploma when they receive it. Diplomas are sent about a month after the ceremony to the address listed in your university records; make sure that the address is correct to ensure receipt of your diploma.

A student is invited to address their fellow graduates at each commencement ceremony. ME has had several students who have been commencement speakers and are pleased to help our students interested in applying.

Speaker guidelines and application information can be found here.