Early and Late Walks

Early Walk Policy

Students who will have two or fewer courses remaining in their final semester and who are in good academic standing may request to participate one semester early. Early walks are approved on a case-by-case basis as space allows. Prior to completing this form, students must complete a Graduation Application in OSCAR for their graduating semester. Ceremony participation is not guaranteed. 

Late Walk Policy

Students who experienced a hardship that prevented them from attending Commencement during their graduating semester may request to participate up to one calendar year after graduation. Late walks are approved on a case-by-case basis as space allows in our venue.  Ceremony participation is not guaranteed. 

 

Additional Information

Early and late walks are intended for hardship situations that prevent the graduate from attending the ceremony. Examples of this include: 

  • Personal or family emergencies such as a serious medical emergency or death of an immediate family member.
  • International students with visa restrictions that prevent the student from attending.
  • Student called into active military service. 

Timeline

Registration forms open the first week of classes each semester. Requests are only approved for the current semester's Commencement and do not carry forward to future ceremonies. To be considered, students must submit this form by the withdrawal deadline of the semester they wish to participate.

Decisions are issued one week after the application closes. The Commencement Office is unable to guarantee a student's request in advance. 

Ceremony Participation

If approved, early and late walks should expect the following changes:

  • Will receive the same ticket allotment as current semester graduates.
  • Will not be able to RSVP prior to approval. 
  • Will not be listed in the Commencement program. All students are listed in their graduating semester's program.
  • Undergraduate early walks will not receive honor cords
  • All students will have their name called and displayed as they walk across stage.