1) Go to Self-Service, log in and click on Application for Degree in the Academic Profile section.2) On the application, be sure to verify and fill out all required information:

• The name you would like to appear on your diploma, which is your official name. You can choose whether to have your middle initial or entire middle name printed on your diploma.
• Verify your mailing address, if it is different; submit a change of address to the Registrar’s office.
• Anticipated graduation term (see chart above).

Remember, if your specialization, minor, or major does not appear, please file an updated major/minor declaration form to the Registrar’s office.3) You will need to file an application for a degree for each program of study.4) The Office of the Registrar retains the right to postpone degree candidacy if applications are turned in after the deadline date. After we have reviewed your record, we will send a letter to your official USPS address and your official SFC email.

Meet with your advisor and/or the academic dean to make sure you have all academic requirements addressed by the end of your graduation term. Bring a copy of your program evaluation (degree audit) with you so you can discuss any outstanding requirements. Making sure that you are on track to graduate on time is YOUR responsibility.

All requirements must be met by Outstanding Requirement deadline (see chart above).

This includes the completion of thesis/major project, comprehensive exam(s), minimum GPA requirements, and minimum credit requirements. Grade changes are not permitted after your degree is conferred. (see chart for dates)

Residency requirement must be complete
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at St. Francis College.

Study Abroad: It is recommended that you do not take study abroad courses in your final semester as there is often a delay in receiving transcripts which may postpone your graduation.
Waivers and Substitutions: All waivers and/or substitutions must be received from the appropriate authorities before you can graduate:

• Major/Minor/Concentration - Department Chair or designee
• Core Requirements - Office of the Academic Dean

Minimum Overall GPA: Undergraduates must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Minimum GPA in Major Courses: Students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for courses in their major. Note that a C- may be allowed by your major program but the grade has a GPA of less than 2.0. Your department may have more stringent requirements. Credit Deduction: Before graduation, credits will be deducted for the following:

• Unauthorized repeats
• Transfer credit awarded if Official Transcript has not been provided or if transfer course has been repeated at St. Francis College.

Credit Requirements: In order to graduate, students must complete the minimum number of credits associated with their program of study. This varies based upon the degree and major. Approved waivers of course requirements do not substitute for meeting the minimum number of credits required for graduation.
Graduation Honors: Graduation honors are printed on baccalaureate diplomas, transcripts and, when feasible, recorded in the Commencement Program, please note information on candidates is not final.

*Students must complete 60 credits in residence for these honors.

Records are sealed at graduation.
After a degree has been awarded, no changes may be made to the academic record (transcript). Names of candidates for graduation will appear in the Commencement Program as they appear on students' academic record (transcript).

Commencement activities are organized through the Office of Special Events. Please contact David Loufti, Director of Events Management, Facility Rentals & Campus Security. Telephone: 718.489.5271 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Holds

All academic and financial obligations must be cleared before a graduate’s record (transcript) will be released. Diplomas and transcripts of graduates with holds on their record cannot be released.

Correspondence

During the graduation candidacy period, an official correspondence regarding their candidacy will be sent to their St. Francis email account. It is recommended that students check their email often.

Diplomas

Diplomas are available for pick up approximately 4 weeks after the graduation date. Graduates will be notified via email of the exact date. If you are unable to come to St. Francis College to pick up your diploma you must make other arrangements with the office. Diplomas must be picked up within 5 years of graduation. Diplomas that are not picked up by that time will be shredded and graduates will have to order a replacement diploma for a fee.

Q: Since I applied for graduation I added a minor. Do I need to submit a new application?

A: No. You can either come to the Office of the Registrar and update the Application For Degree we have on file or you can send an email to the Office of the Registrar from your St. Francis email account regarding the update to your program. Forms must be received within the first two weeks of the semester of graduation.

Q: I decided to drop my second major so I did not include it on my application for graduation. Is that sufficient?

A: No. You must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing to have something officially removed or added to your academic record.

Q: My audit states that I have not declared a minor. Do I need a minor to graduate?

A: No, minors are optional and not required to graduate. However, if you do have a minor you must let us know. You should have previously declared a minor with the Office of the Registrar. If you do not see a minor on your academic profile and/or your program evaluation, you must come to the Office of the Registrar and declare your major or minor.

Q: Can I repeat a class or receive a grade change after I graduate? A: Your academic record is sealed after you graduate. You can receive no grade changes and you cannot repeat a course to improve your GPA.

Remember: You are responsible for ensuring that all degree requirements are met. To avoid any delays, all Exemptions/Waivers/Substitutions* must be handled prior to deadline (see chart above). See your academic advisor to ensure all appropriate documentation has been prepared and properly submitted.* Exemptions/Waivers/Substitutions do not reduce the number of credits required for the major/degree!

Q: I am receiving information regarding Commencement. Does that mean I am graduating? I did not complete any forms, am I all set for graduation?
A: No. All students must apply for graduation through the Office of the Registrar. Students who have submitted their Application for Degree will be sent official academic audit results. The results will be mailed to the students’ college email account. Information sent by other offices is in anticipation of graduation only. Only the Office of the Registrar determines graduation eligibility. Filling out information regarding Commencement Exercises does not substitute for filling out an application for graduation.

Q: Is there a separate Commencement ceremony for August or February graduates?
A: Currently the college offers only one Commencement ceremony in May. Commencement activities are organized through the Office of Special Events.

Q: My name is published in the Commencement Program. Does that mean I’ve graduated?
A: Not necessarily. The list of candidate names in the Commencement Program is unofficial.

Q: I have completed all graduation requirements. Can I receive proof of this prior to diploma distribution?
A. Yes. Please request a letter stating you have met graduation requirements. You can send us a letter stating what you need or you may make this request by using the Request for Enrollment Letter. Please state that you need a graduation verification.

Q: When will diplomas be distributed? Is there a deadline for retrieving my diploma?

A: Students who have completed all academic requirements and have no Financial Holds may pick up their diploma approximately 4 weeks after degree conferral. Proof of identity is required (official photo ID) to pick up diplomas. If someone else will be picking up your diploma, a written request bearing your signature is necessary. Your designee must present proof of identity (official photo ID).

Students who have met graduation requirements will be advised of exact dates.

Diplomas not claimed within 5 years of graduation will be destroyed. If you attempt to claim the diploma after such time, a replacement diploma must be requested for a fee.

Major Fields of Study

At St. Francis College, you may choose your major from a large variety of options, provided you meet all entrance requirements. Minors and specializations (concentrations) may also be available depending on the major. More information is available in the College Catalogue. You must designate a major field by the end of your sophomore year or you will jeopardize your financial aid. Keep in mind, choosing a major as early as possible helps you to graduate earlier.

You are also responsible for consulting your major department for advice on planning your semester schedule. If you wish to change your major field of study contact the chairperson of the department in which you wish to enroll for specific information. Declaration/Change of Major forms may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office.

St. Francis College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide degree and enrollment verification. Companies interested in validating student enrollment or degree completion should visit www.studentclearinghouse.org or www.degreeverify.com to submit a request for verification. Companies should be prepared to submit the correct spelling of the student's name and all names used while attending college, social security number, date of birth and signed release from the student to receive timely response and verification. (For privacy regulations please visit FERPA)

National Student Clearinghouse may be contacted at:
Tel.: 703.742.4200
Fax: 703.742.4239
E-mail: [email protected]
Mail: National Student Clearinghouse, 2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300, Herndon, VA 20171