Students must remain enrolled until the end of the semester in which all degree requirements are completed. All degree requirements must be complete by the deadline in order to graduate in a given semester.
Obtaining Degree Certification
Provisional Certification
The Graduate School will issue a letter of provisional certification when requested by the student. The student must have completed all the requirements for an advanced degree, including submitting the thesis, dissertation, or report to the Graduate School. A provisional certification may be needed if an employer requires proof of degree completion well in advance of official certification of the degree. A provisional certification is generally not available for a coursework student, since all grades need to be submitted prior to awarding a degree. Contact the Graduate School for additional assistance.
Official Certification
The Board of Trustees receives and approves the list of degree recipients at its next regular meeting after the end of the semester. That meeting date is the conferral date for the degrees, but the effective date is the end of the semester in which the student finishes. After the end of the semester in which the student finishes, the degree awarded will appear on the student's transcript. Students may request an official transcript to obtain proof of their degree before receiving a diploma.
Diplomas
The Graduate School office authorizes and mails the diplomas approximately six weeks after the end of the semester in which the student finishes. It is important to keep the Graduate School informed of current addresses. A replacement diploma costs $35. Duplicate diplomas can be ordered through the Registrar's Office.
Participating in Commencement
Michigan Tech's commencement ceremonies are at the end of fall and spring semesters. Commencement information is e-mailed to all eligible students about two months before the ceremony.
The Graduation Application Form is due to the Graduate School by the Friday of the 5th week of classes, by 4 p.m. in order to participate in commencement.
For general information, such as dates, tickets, and accommodations, please refer to the Commencement Ceremony Page.