What are Graduation and Commencement?
As you get closer to finishing your program at CSI, it is important to understand the difference between graduation and commencement. They are connected, but they are not the same thing.
Graduation means you have officially earned your degree or certificate from the College of Southern Idaho. To graduate, you need to complete all your program requirements, submit the Application for Graduation, and pay any outstanding fees. Degrees and certificates are not awarded automatically, so be sure to meet with your program advisor to confirm you are on track.
Commencement is the celebration. It is the ceremony where you and your accomplishments are recognized in front of your family, friends, classmates, and faculty. You are not required to attend, and participating in commencement does not mean you have officially graduated. If you want to walk in the ceremony, make sure to RSVP on your graduation application form.
Questions About Graduation & Diplomas
How do I know whether I am ready to apply for graduation?
Meet with your Academic Advisor to review your Graduation Degree Audit Report. If you are ready to graduate, all requirements should show as “fulfilled” or “current.”
What is a degree audit?
A degree audit is the process of checking your records to ensure you have met all requirements for graduation. This includes making sure transfer courses and substitutions have been properly applied. See the Office of the Registrar if you have any questions.
When should I apply?
Students should apply for graduation as soon as registered for their final semester.
|
If you plan to graduate in: |
Recommended |
Deadline |
|
Spring (May) |
November 1 |
June 1 |
|
Summer (July) |
April 1* |
September 1 |
|
Fall (December) |
April 1 |
January 15 |
The Recommend Graduation Application Date is the date we suggest you apply by in order to have your application reviewed in time to make adjustments to the class schedule for your final semester, if needed. Early applications are encouraged.
The Graduation Application Deadline Date is the date a graduation application must be submitted by in order to graduate in that semester. Note: the graduation application date may cause you to miss commencement participation.
*If you will complete all requirements during summer, but wish to participate in the May commencement, you must have 10 or less required credits remaining at the end of Spring semester.
How do I apply to graduate?
Students are able to apply for graduation using an electronic form found in MyCSI Self Service, click Academics in the left navigation and select Graduation Application in the drop down, alternativley, you can log in and apply to graduate here.
What happens if I apply late?
If you miss the commencement application deadline, your name will not be printed in the commencement program and you may not be able to walk in the commencement ceremony.
What happens if I miss the graduation application deadline?
Your graduation date may have to be moved forward to the next semester. For example, if you want to graduate in Summer, but do not apply until September 17th, your graduation date would be moved to December instead of backdated to August.
How will I know whether my application has been received?
Your browser will display a confirmation message once the application has been submitted without error. Once your application has been reviewed by Office of the Registrar, you will receive an email stating whether all requirements have been met.
When and where do I buy my cap and gown for the Commencement Ceremony?
Caps and Gowns will be available for purchase from the CSI Bookstore at GRAD FEST.
When will I receive my diploma?
Grades are due the Tuesday following the end of the term. Once all grades are submitted by faculty, transcripts are reviewed for completion. Transcripts are evaluated based on Graduation Application date. This takes approximately 6 weeks. Once all transcripts have been reviewed for completion, diplomas are printed and mailed. This takes an additional 6-8 weeks. Please allow 3 months to receive your diploma. Your transcript will reflect graduation as soon as it has been evaluated. Transcripts can be ordered from the National Student Clearinghouse at www.studentclearinghouse.org