Graduation Policies and 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 different; submit a change of address to the Registrar’s office.
• Anticipated graduation term (see chart above).

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.

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.

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 Susan Weisman an email 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.

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

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.

A: If the term you are registered for and grade is received by the deadline for outstanding requirements, you may graduate (i.e if you complete a course in the January Intersession, you can still graduate with the Winter graduating class pending all degree requirements are met. If you complete a course in the May Intersession, you can still graduate with the Spring graduating class pending all degree requirements are met).

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 one Commencement ceremony in May and one in February. 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.

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.

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.

Click for more Academic Policies.

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: service@studentclearinghouse.org
Mail: National Student Clearinghouse, 2300 Dulles Station Boulevard, Suite 300, Herndon, VA 20171