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 attend the ceremony, you must have earned 116 hours by the end of May. You must fill out a Graduation Application to be approved in the class.
• To graduate with honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude), you must complete at least 64 credit hours at Luther. Honors listed in the May 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.

Guide to Graduation

1. Check your Program Evaluation

Sit down with your advisor to map out how you will meet your final 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

The Graduation Application can be submitted online or stop by the Registrar’s Office to fill it out. You will not be considered a degree candidate or be eligible for commencement until your Graduation Application is submitted.

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 filled out 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.

Graduation Application

The Graduation Application is required in order to be considered a degree candidate and be included in the commencement ceremony. Complete the form below or in person in the Registrar’s Office by mid-term of the Fall semester of your graduating 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. If you decide not to show up for the ceremony, you cannot attend the following year.

In order to participate in a ceremony, you must have earned 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. 

Replacement diplomas are available for a fee and can be requested by contacting the Registrar's office at [email protected].

The transcript is the official certifying document of degrees. To order your official transcript, complete a Transcript Request.