Graduation: Policies and Procedures

The following are minimum requirements for graduation:

1. Complete and pass all coursework as determined by the student’s specific program.
2. Comply with program guidelines regarding the maximum allowable transfer hours from other institutions.
3. Earn the grade point average (GPA) required by the student’s specific program.
4. Complete and pass a Bible course as required by the University and specified by the student’s program.
5. Submit an online “Application for Graduation” form.  (See the University calendar for deadlines.) 
   NOTE:  This may change to a “Graduation Course” in the 2011-2012 school year.
6. Complete a signed degree evaluation audit with the program office at the beginning of the final term.* (See the University calendar for deadlines.)
7. Fulfill all financial obligations to the university.
8. Be recommended for graduation by the specific program/college.

*Note: When students apply for graduation, which should occur prior to the beginning of the final term, the student should meet with the adviser to complete and sign the graduation audit. Signatures of the student and adviser should be obtained, and the student should submit the signed graduation audit and the application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar. The signed graduation audit will be used by the Registrar as a checklist to assist with the verification of the student’s graduation requirements. Lack of knowledge or incorrect interpretation of University policies and regulations does not remove the student from the obligation to satisfy all requirements for a degree. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for completing a degree program. Information on how to generate a degree audit may be found at www.harding.edu/registrar.

A graduation ceremony will be held on the Saturday immediately following the last Friday of the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. The official date on which degrees are conferred is the first work day at least two weeks after the respective ceremony.

For purposes of minimum requirements for graduation, a graduate or professional student may use any one catalog from the date of initial enrollment in the University up to and including the year of graduation from Harding, provided that such catalog is not more than eight years old at the time of the student’s graduation, unless otherwise specified by the program. Please note that accrediting agencies or licensure requirements may mandate changes, necessitating program modifications. Students are encouraged to stay current with such changes and should consult with their advisors. The student bears the ultimate responsibility for completing a degree program.