All undergraduates (from any campus) who have enrolled in courses necessary to complete the degree by the August conferral date may be allowed to participate in Commencement in the Spring preceding their summer enrollment. Fill out the appeal to show proof of enrollment.
PLAN AHEAD BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPEAL
Prior to submitting this appeal, be prepared with the following documents:
- Proof of summer enrollment at the University of La Verne OR transfer college or university with an easily viewed term of enrollment dates.
- Proof of PAID graduation fee to the University of La Verne (FYI).
- Brief statement (250 words) explaining the extenuating circumstances that warrant your appeal to participate in Commencement (allowing you to copy/paste to the appeal).
CONDITIONS FOR APPROVED APPEALS
Students who are (rarely) approved to participate in Commencement would agree to the following conditions:
- Commencement does not constitute “graduation”.
- Students may only participate in ONE (1) ceremony for each earned degree.
- Degree completion is based on earning passing grades in final courses and satisfying all subject and university minimum requirements.
- The degree completion date is based on the final semester/term of completion where the final courses are finished (earned). [Summer enrollment results in an August degree date].
WHY WOULD YOU BE DENIED?
Permission will not normally be given if:
- you are required to return in fall term (or later) to complete the degree.
- your claim for exception comes down to having purchased regalia and/or Commencement related merchandise and/or invited family members to Commencement.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Submission of this appeal constitutes your consent to be truthful and your certification to reading this website in its entirety. Submitting dishonest (and easily verifiable) answers or fraudulent documents constitutes academic dishonesty. Students who engage in academic dishonesty may be subject to student disciplinary actions that may include being barred from Commencement. Furthermore, you consent to accept the decision of the Dean of Academic & Career Services as final.
STUDENT APPEAL FORM
Why Do I Need to Appeal to “Walk” at Commencement? What’s the Harm?
No one is being harmed in a literal way, obviously. However, there is a “harm” that is based on fundamental fairness and the credibility to the students who did everything they needed to do to legitimately complete their degrees on-time (for this ceremony) and for the institution’s credibility to maintain a standard that protects its reputation and integrity, and that of the graduating students. There are other detailed considerations, too:
- Academic Integrity and Completion: Commencement is a celebration of academic achievement and the completion of a degree program. Allowing a senior to participate before they have finished their final courses could undermine the integrity of the ceremony. It’s essential to maintain consistency and uphold the standards set by the institution.
- Fairness to Other Graduates: Other students who have completed all their requirements deserve recognition during Commencement. Allowing an incomplete senior to participate might be seen as unfair to those who worked hard to meet all the criteria. It’s essential to treat all students equally and ensure that everyone has met the necessary requirements.
- Symbolic Meaning: Commencement represents the beginning of a new chapter in graduates’ lives. By participating, students symbolically transition from their academic journey to the next phase. Allowing someone who hasn’t completed their coursework to participate might dilute this symbolic meaning for everyone involved.
- Logistical Challenges: Managing Commencement logistics can be complex. From seating arrangements to diploma distribution, institutions plan meticulously. Including seniors who haven’t finished their courses could create logistical challenges, disrupt the flow of the ceremony, and cause confusion (possibly even anger) among faculty, staff, or administrators if they see a student whom they “know” has not graduated and ask, legitimately, “what are they doing here?” or “why are they here?” or “what are staff doing that allowed this student to participate when I ‘know’ they are not finished yet?”.
- Consistency with Policies: Most institutions have clear policies regarding Commencement participation. These policies are in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and adherence to academic standards. Upholding these policies maintains the institution’s credibility and ensures a smooth ceremony.
Sources:
(1) The Pros and Cons of Skipping Commencement | BestColleges.
(2) Graduation Day: When May Schools Keep Graduates Away From Commencement.
(3) ‘Why we walk’: Students share why they are — or are not — walking…
What Happens After an Appeal is Filed?
Understand that your request is important to us and that you are seeking an exception to the University’s policies and procedures. Expect a decision within 5 business days for a completed appeal. Partially completed appeals will not be recorded until/unless you submit the form to the “thank you” note, “Your response has been recorded.”
NOTE:
1) An appeal approval does not guarantee the inclusion of your name in the Commencement Program book (publication).
2) An approval does not guarantee a full allotment of tickets. Rather, the amount of tickets will be based on the amount available at the time of your approval.
Submission of this appeal constitutes your consent to be truthful and your certification to reading this website in its entirety. Submitting dishonest (and easily verifiable) answers or fraudulent documents constitutes academic dishonesty. Students who engage in academic dishonesty may be subject to student disciplinary actions that may include being barred from Commencement. Furthermore, you consent to accept the decision of the Dean of Academic & Career Services as final.
