Steps to Graduate

This is the first step of the degree conferral process. When a student applies to graduate, this begins the audit process as students approach the end of their degree programs. When you apply to graduate, it does not mean you will attend the Commencement Exercises Event. Whether or not you intend to participate in the Commencement Exercises, you will need to apply to graduate to receive all degrees, credentials, and diplomas. You will apply to graduate in student self-service on Inside Loyola. Successfuly submitted applications to graduate will produce a confirmation email to your Loyola email account. If an application to graduate is denied for any reason, you must submit another application for the semester in which you finish the program requirements. Please connect with teh Registrar's Office if you have any questions.

Commencement is a celebratory event to recognize and honor students completing academic programs. Commencement differs from graduation; an official degree status is awarded when all program requirements are met. Loyola University Maryland holds one Commencement ceremony a year in May. Attending Commencement does not guarantee the conferral of a degree.

The posting of a degree to a graduate’s academic record (transcript). Conferral indicates that all degree requirements have been met. Degrees are conferred on September 30th, January 31st, and the third Saturday of May.

The document given by Loyola University Maryland to show that graduates completed a course of study. No diplomas are given out at the Commencement Exercises. Students with an active financial hold will not receive their diploma until the hold is resolved with Student Administrative Services. Diplomas are mailed to the permanent home address on file about two to three weeks after conferral.  Alternate mailing can be requested with the Office of the Registrar. Diploma FAQ.

Students who have a balance owed on their student account and are on financial hold will be restricted from participating in commencement and receiving their diploma. Please contact Student Administrative Services with any questions. 

A term used colloquially to refer to both Commencement and Conferral. However, graduation is technically the process by which the university marks a student’s completion. For example, attending Commencement does not guarantee the conferral of a degree. 

A review of a student’s completed coursework as it applies to the requirements of a specific degree program. This audit ensures degree requirements have been met. The process differs for undergraduate vs advanced degrees. Undergraduates should refer to Academic Advising and Support Center website for additional information. Graduate students should connect with their Director of Program Operations. 

A token awarded by academic honor societies and various campus organizations. Honor cords are worn as part of regalia to the Commencement Ceremony.

Varying levels of outstanding academic achievement based on cumulative QPA – applies to undergraduate degrees only. Latin Honors are assessed after all final grades are recorded. Please check your unofficial transcript on Loyola Self-Service to find your QPA as your record in Moodle may not be complete.  No honor cords are given for Latin honors. The policy for Latin honors can be found in the academic catalogue.

Official academic apparel worn for ceremonies – comprised of cap, gown, hood, potential cords, & tassel. Students must mark that they plan to attend Commencement on their graduation application in order to purchase regalia. Please contact the Graduation Specialist in the Office of the Registrar for application questions

A student’s official record of academic achievements, including courses taken, grades, and degrees earned as certified by the Registrar. Unofficial transcripts can be viewed on Self-Service. Official transcripts can be ordered through the Office of the Registrar.

The requirements for participating in Commencement exercises varies by degree level. Undergraduate and Graduate students should consult their course catalogue for the most up to date information.