Academic Regulations

Commencement Participation Policy

Normally, students who have not fulfilled all the requirements for a degree from Moravian College are not allowed to participate in Commencement exercises. However, exceptions to this policy will be considered for students who (1) are not on academic probation and have a GPA of at least 2.00 in their major; (2) because of circumstances beyond their control, are no more than two course units short of the 32 course units required (33 course units for the Bachelor of Music) for a degree; (3) reasonably could be expected to complete degree requirements by the end of the summer session (that is, by August 31) immediately following Commencement; and (4) have no outstanding incompletes on their transcript. Students who meet these requirements and wish to be "walkers"—i.e., to march in the Commencement ceremony—must appeal in writing to the associate dean for academic affairs on or before March 1 of the year of anticipated Commencement and should specify the circumstances that warrant the exception. Appeals of the associate dean's decision go to the Academic Standards Committee. Appeals beyond the committee may be heard by the president, at his discretion.

To participate in Commencement, students whose appeals are approved must register and pay for the required summer-session courses by April 15. Tuition for these courses is nonrefundable. No student with a failing grade in any required course (including elective courses needed to reach the 32 units required for graduation) in the spring term immediately prior to Commencement may participate in the ceremony. No student with a pending incomplete in any course in the spring term immediately prior to Commencement may participate in the ceremony. Any full-time day-session student who deliberately "under-registers" (takes fewer than 4 course units) in the term prior to Commencement may not apply to be a "walker." Students who participate in the Commencement ceremony without having completed the degree requirements will have transcripts withheld until completion of degree requirements. "Walkers" do not receive public or printed recognition of honors (cum laude, etc.) in the Commencement program.

Students who participate in the Commencement ceremony without having completed degree requirements will be assessed a one-time deferred graduation fee. This is in addition to the regular graduation fee.