May graduation for graduate students is Thursday, May 17, 2012.     

• Graduate Commencement Information Booklet

May graduation for undergraduate students is Saturday, May 19, 2012

• Undergraduate Commencement Information Booklet

If you are seeking your bachelor's degree, you should apply to graduate in your Junior year. All Master and CAGS students should apply to graduate before their final semester of coursework.

If you expect to complete your degree requirements in time for the May 2012 or January 2013 commencement ceremony, and have not yet applied to graduate, please click here Application for Degree or Certificate to complete your "request to graduate" application. Once your application is received in the Registrar's Office, and your file is reviewed, you will be contacted via email by the Registrar letting you know what, if any, requirements are missing. Be sure to check your campus email often.

Undergraduate students may petition the Registrar to participate in a graduation ceremony if they have a maximum of two courses, up to 12 credits to complete. Click here to obtain a petition form: request to participate in graduation (Word). You will be notified via your student email account of the outcome of your request. Petitions for May graduation must be received no later than April 2nd. Please note that if you are approved to participate in graduation this does not mean your requirements are met and you are graduating. Graduate students are not allowed to participate in a graduation ceremony until all their requirements are complete.

Students who apply to graduate in May 2012, who do not meet with requirements for graduation, will be moved to the January 2013 graduation. All notifications from the registrar's office regarding your graduation status will be sent to your Fitchburg State email account. To view your graduation status, if you have applied to graduate, please click the following link:

Graduation Status:

• May 2012 Graduation List (PDF)
• January 2013 Graduation List (PDF)   

View attendance List:

• May 2012 Graduation Attendance List (PDF)
• January 2013 Graduation Attendance List (PDF)   

Eligibility to Participate in Graduation Ceremonies

Any student who has completed all the requirements for degree conferral is eligible to participate in Fitchburg State University's graduation ceremonies.

How do I know if I have met the requirements to graduate?

You should consult with your advisor. If you are an undergraduate, you can find the common graduation requirements in the Curriculum section of the University catalog. Graduate students can find their requirements in the Graduate Division section of the catalog.

Undergraduate students and their advisor should also be using our automated degree audit system, which we call a degree evaluation, to assist.

How do I apply for graduation?

Both undergraduate and graduate students must apply to graduate. You can complete an Application for Degree or Certificate by clicking here. The completed online form should be submitted to the Registrar's Office no later than September 15 for May graduation or March 1 for January graduation.

There is no graduation application fee.

When should I submit an application to graduate?

You are strongly encouraged to submit an application at least one semester prior to the semester in which you expect to complete the requirements for your degree.

How can I check the status of my application to graduate in January 2012?

To check on the status of your application after it reaches the Registrar's Office please review the "January 2012 Graduation List" above. If any of the information listed for you is incorrect, please contact the Registrar's Office (email link below).

What GPA do I need to graduate with honors?

For undergraduates, Summa Cum Laude requires a FSU cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher; Magna Cum Laude requires 3.5 to 3.79; and Cum Laude requires 3.2 to 3.49. Students graduating with honors receive bronze medallions which are worn with the cap and gown. If you complete the Honors Program and a senior thesis you will graduate with Special Distinction. To be eligible to graduate with honors, you must earn at least 60 credits with a numerical grade at Fitchburg State University.

There is no graduation honors program for graduate students.

Do I need tickets for my family?

Tickets are not needed for commencement except in the case of inclement weather. Prospective January graduates will be mailed an information packet in the mail in December, with complete details about the commencement ceremony, including such things as time, where to line up, where to get your cap and gown, seating for family and guests, parking, and the inclement weather plan. Prospective May graduates will receive the same information packet in April.

I can't come to graduation. How do I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates approximately two weeks after the commencement ceremony.

My diploma has become lost or damaged. How can I request a replacement diploma?

Replacement diplomas can be requested via the Replacement Diploma Request Form.

Other questions regarding graduation? Email the Registrar's Office at registrar@fitchburgstate.edu.