What You Need to Know
- There is only one commencement ceremony held each year, in May. To be considered a member of this year’s class, and thus eligible to participate in the ceremony, you must be on track to have earned at least 116 hours by the end of May. You must fill out a Graduation Application to be approved in the class. Applications should be submitted by mid-term of the Fall semester of your graduating year.
- Academic honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) listed in the commencement program are based on grades up to, but not including, the spring semester. Final honors status is determined after all Luther grades have been added to your record. Transfer coursework does not affect your Luther GPA.
- Commencement and Graduation are terms that are often used interchangeably but are not the same thing. Commencement is the event which celebrates the completion or anticipated completion of degree programs. Graduation is the official awarding of degrees earned once it is confirmed that all degree requirements have been met. Participation in Commencement does not imply graduation.
Guide to Graduation
1. Check your Program Evaluation
Work with your advisor to map out how you will meet your final degree requirements.
If you are no longer pursuing a declared major or minor (or are adding one) update your record using the Declaration of Major/Minor Form.
2. Complete your Graduation Application
Complete and submit the Graduation Application online. You will not be considered a degree candidate or be eligible for commencement participation until your Graduation Application is received. Applications should be submitted by mid-term of the Fall semester of your graduating year.
3. Prepare for Commencement
Various offices will be sending information to your SPO throughout the year regarding graduation and the commencement ceremony. Information will be sent only to those students who have submitted a graduation application.
4. Graduate!
Once you have completed all degree requirements, your degree will be posted on your official transcript and your diploma will be mailed approximately 4-6 weeks following your graduation date.
Graduation Application
The Graduation Application is required in order to be considered a degree candidate and be included as a participant in the commencement ceremony. Complete the form by mid-term of the Fall semester of your graduation year.
Commencement Information
Each student is given one opportunity to participate in commencement exercises, held once each year, in May. You are expected to attend unless you notify us otherwise. Any requests to change your Commencement participation date must be made by no later than April 1 of your graduating year. If you decide not to show up for the ceremony, you cannot attend the following year.
In order to participate in the ceremony, you must be on track to have earned at least 116 hours by the end of May.
Transcripts and Diplomas
Degrees are posted to official transcripts after final grades are submitted and program evaluations are reviewed for completion. Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address approximately 4-6 weeks following your graduation date.
Replacement diplomas are available for a fee and can be requested by contacting the Registrar’s office at registrar@luther.edu.
The transcript is the official certifying document of degrees. To order your official transcript, complete a Transcript Request.
Office of the Registrar
Main Building 123
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1167
Fax: 563-387-1129