Graduation and Commencement

Students must complete and submit the Petition to Graduate form to the Office of the Registrar by the established deadlines posted to the College’s academic calendar to ensure they appear as candidates for the graduation date intended. The College, however, reserves the right to confer a degree on a student who has completed all requirements for a degree or certificate even though the student has not petitioned to graduate; such an individual would then be subject to the College's usual rules and restrictions regarding future enrollment or registration.  In such cases where the College confers a degree for a student who has not petitioned to graduate, the diploma will convey the legal name listed in the student record.

The Office of the Registrar may send notices to students who have completed a minimum of 21 graduate credits (depending on the program) toward their program requirements; however, it is the student's responsibility to review the deadlines and submit the Petition to Graduate form by the established deadlines. The Petition form includes information for those planning to complete their degree requirements within a year’s time. See Degree Requirements section for GPA requirements.

A list of potential graduates for master’s and doctoral degrees is submitted for faculty and trustee approval during their scheduled meetings. If a student petitions the Office of the Registrar but does not complete the degree requirements on schedule, the student must submit a new petition indicating a new completion date.

Commencement

The College celebrates graduation in a formal commencement ceremony in May. It is Hood’s policy that only those students who graduated in September and January immediately preceding the ceremony date, and those candidates for June of the commencement year, may participate in commencement. Diplomas will be available for pickup by the student in the Office of the Registrar or may be mailed to the student at his or her request after the degree conferral date. Commencement regalia may be purchased through the College bookstore. Students may only attend one commencement ceremony per degree earned. Failure to participate in the commencement ceremony where the degree was originally earned, does not qualify students to attend future ceremonies.

Students may only attend one commencement ceremony per degree earned. Additional majors that fall under the original degree do not make the student eligible to participate in an additional commencement ceremony. Failure to participate in the commencement ceremony where the degree was originally earned, does not qualify students to attend future ceremonies.

A graduating student must resolve any outstanding balances with Hood College. The deadline to complete all payments is May 5. The student's degree will still be conferred, and they will be able to access their transcripts. However, they will not be permitted to participate in Commencement ceremonies with the graduating class or in future ceremonies.

Diplomas and certificates are available for mailing or pick-up in the registrar's office after degrees are conferred for students without any obligations to the College. Students with outstanding financial obligations will not receive their diplomas or certificates until obligations are resolved. 

Questions about outstanding financial balances should be directed to the Accounting department (Alumnae Hall, Room 213) at 301-696-3607 or accounting@hood.edu.