Graduating

Graduating is the act of successfully completing a program of study and having a degree, diploma, or certificate officially conferred by an educational institution. The term is used for both secondary and postsecondary education, and it denotes the transition from student status to graduate status. A related term, graduation ceremony, refers to the event that publicly recognizes the achievement.

The process typically involves meeting all program requirements, including completed coursework, credit hours, and any required exams or capstone projects. Students must often maintain satisfactory academic progress and obtain approval from the registrar or the relevant department to apply for graduation. Once eligibility is confirmed, the student submits an application for degree conferral or graduation. The institution then records the degree on the student's transcript and issues the diploma or certificate on or after the official conferral date.

Graduation ceremonies are common in many educational systems. These ceremonies, sometimes called commencements, celebrate the completion of studies and the awarding of degrees. Participants usually wear academic regalia, such as gowns, hoods, and caps, and may hear speeches from faculty or guest speakers. Attendance is voluntary in many contexts, and the ceremonies may be held separately from the day the degree is officially conferred.

After conferral, graduates receive a diploma or certificate and an official transcript reflecting the degree. Some institutions mail diplomas to the graduate, while others provide pickup at the registrar or a commemorative event. Honors, such as cum laude or summa cum laude, may be noted on the diploma and transcript where applicable.