Academic Honors

Honors for undergraduate commencement are based on the cumulative grade point average for the semester prior to the spring. Honors for the diploma and final transcript are based on the cumulative grade point average, including the spring semester. A minimum of 45 credits must be earned in residence at Bloomsburg University as of the next-to-last semester in order to qualify for honors at the ceremony.

Honors are: Cum Laude, 3.50 to 3.74; Magna Cum Laude, 3.75 to 3.94; and Summa Cum Laude, 3.95 to 4.00.

Application for Graduation

It is the graduating student's responsibility to complete an Application for Graduation form and return it to their department (timeline on Graduation home page) in order to notify their department and the graduation office of their intent to graduate. Secondary education, double majors, and dual degree students must submit two applications. If a student has a question about eligibility, contact the advisor or department chairperson as soon as possible.

It is the responsibility of the department to notify expected graduates if there are any graduation deficiencies. February 15 is the deadline for the departments to approve applications for graduation and submit to the graduation office. Department approval is necessary in order to be eligible to participate in commencement, have a name printed in the program and for the degree to be granted. Students who will complete requirements for a minor or career concentration, please request verification of completion from the appropriate department to be sent to the registrar for inclusion on the final transcript.

Awards presentation

Awards will be presented for academic and other honors through individual departments. Contact department or dean with questions or concerns.

Cap, gown and tassel

Academic attire for undergraduate students may be purchased for $25 at the Grad Finale' and any time thereafter at the University Store. The gown, cap, or tassel may also be purchased separately. If students are not able to get to campus, contact Carl Sodergren at the University Store to arrange for mailing: (570) 389-4180 or by e-mail. The university store will be open the day of graduation. Caps and gowns can be purchased on May 18, although more popular sizes could be sold out.

Undergraduate academic regalia consists of black gowns with wide, straight-edged sleeves and black mortarboard caps with maroon and gold tassels. The tassel is worn on the right side of the cap until the degree has been awarded. The uniform of the armed forces is the only other apparel officially recognized and permitted to be worn.

Although there is no dress code for commencement, since the gown has an open collar, please wear appropriate attire underneath. Men should wear shirts and ties. Any ornamentation, other than university-related honor cords, is not allowed on the cap and gown.

Class rings

A Jostens' representatives will be available with sample rings at the Grad Finale'. Call 1-800-424-1492 or visit Jostens' website for more information.

Grad Finale'

Photo I.D. is necessary to attend the event (details on Graduation home page, under Timeline). This is an opportunity for bachelor's candidates to purchase their cap and gown ($25), obtain the name card (to be used to announce graduates when crossing the stage) and honor cord if eligible.

Students can have their senior picture taken for the yearbook (no appointment necessary), order a class ring and purchase announcement cards. They can also speak with career development counselors, sign up for the alumni newsletter and check out BU's graduate programs. The University Store will offer a special alumni T-shirt package for graduates and a buffet will be served compliments of the Alumni Association.

Honors/honor cords

Students eligible for a gold academic honor cord (see Academic Honors) will receive the cord at the time they obtain their name card at the Grad Finale' or at the graduation information table in the lobby of Centennial before the ceremony. All other graduation cords come from the department or program.

Name cards

At the Grad Finale', expected grads will be given a colored-coded index card with their name as it will appear on the diploma along with academic honors listed if eligible. If the name is difficult to pronounce, print it phonetically on the card. Be sure to bring the name card to the commencement ceremony, as graduates will need to hand this card to the faculty reader to announce names as they cross the stage.

If the card is forgotten or misplaced, another can be made at the Graduation Information Table, which will be located in the lobby of Centennial, where you enter the building to line up with your college.

Rehearsal

There is no rehearsal for the graduation ceremonies. Please read the written instructions under "Day of Graduation."

Yearbook

Call 1-800-687-9327 to schedule an appointment with a photographer for senior pictures. Contact Community Activites at, 570-389-4463, for more information. Distribution of the yearbook, which includes December, May and August graduates, is free to all graduating seniors. The Obiter will be sent to graduates during the fall semester following commencement.