On this page, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about commencement.
Commencement Registration Questions
What do I need to do to attend a commencement ceremony?
Associate, bachelor's and master's students are eligible to participate in commencement if you are within TWO courses of completing your degree. Interested students should register for commencement, note their confirmation number and order their cap and gown before the deadlines below.
Register for a commencement ceremony
Do I have to register to attend a commencement ceremony?
Yes, all students that are interested in attending a commencement ceremony must register online by the deadlines below:
2013 Commencement Dates and Deadlines
March 16, 2013 - Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: February 22, 2013
May 18, 2013 - Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: April 19, 2013*
*The Atlanta ceremony is limited to the first 1,800 student registrations. This ceremony will be 3-4 hours.
June 29, 2013 - Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: May 31, 2013*
*The Washington D.C. ceremony is limited to the first 1,800 student registrations. This ceremony will be 3-4 hours.
August 10, 2013 - Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: July 12, 2013
October 26, 2013 - Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: September 27, 2013
December 7, 2013 - 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: November 8, 2013*
*The Baltimore ceremony is limited to the first 1,100 student registrations.
How do I know when I'm eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony?
Associate, bachelor's and master's students are eligible to participate in commencement if you are within two courses of completing your degree (not including the courses you are enrolled in at the time of the commencement ceremony) AND you have no overdue balance. Students pursuing certificate programs are not eligible to participate in commencement.
I submitted the Degree Conferral Application and I forgot to register to attend commencement. What should I do?
If you have completed your Degree Conferral Application and would like to register to attend a commencement ceremony.
I registered to participate in a commencement ceremony, but I need to participate in an alternative ceremony. How do I change my registration?
If you would like to change your commencement registration and participate in a different ceremony; please email commencement@strayer.edu.
Is there a fee to participate in a commencement ceremony?
No, there is no fee required to participate in a commencement ceremony.
Diploma Questions
What do I need to do to receive my diploma?
Diplomas are not provided at commencement. In order to receive your diploma, you need to complete the Degree Conferral Application once you have finalized registration for your final class(es).
To Submit your Degree Conferral Application:
- Login to your iCampus account.
- Click on Student Center and the My Account tab.
- Click the Apply for Graduation link to begin the process.
I'm not interested in participating in a commencement ceremony. How do I receive my diploma?
In order to receive your diploma, you need to complete the Degree Conferral Application once you have finalized registration for your final class(es).
To submit your Degree Conferral Application:
- Login to your iCampus account.
- Click on the Student Center and the My Academics tab.
- Click the Apply for Graduation link to begin the application process.
What does the $150 Degree Evaluation Processing Fee Cover?
The Degree Evaluation Processing Fee covers the cost of the official transcript evaluation. Every student who is seeking a diploma from Strayer University must pay this fee regardless of whether or not they will be participating in the commencement ceremony. Students applying for a certificate will be charged a $25 evaluation fee.
When will I receive my diploma?
You will receive their diploma 4-6 weeks after successfully completing all degree requirements and when you have a zero outstanding account balance. Diplomas will be mailed to your home address on file with Strayer University. To update this address, please contact your home campus.
I have not received my diploma. Who should I contact?
Please contact your home campus Business Office. They can submit a request on your behalf to our Records Department to check into the status of your degree conferral application/diploma.
Cap and Gown Questions
How do I purchase my cap and gown for the commencement ceremony?
Every graduate must wear the appropriate commencement attire to participate in the commencement ceremony. After a student has registered for a commencement ceremony, students should order their cap and gown by visiting http://colleges.herffjones.com/college/strayer/. You must provide the commencement confirmation number given to you during commencement registration when ordering your cap and gown. Order your cap and gown through Herff Jones by the deadlines below to avoid late fees.
2013 Commencement Dates and Deadlines
March 16, 2013 - Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: February 22, 2013
May 18, 2013 - Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: April 19, 2013*
*The Atlanta ceremony is limited to the first 1,800 student registrations. This ceremony will be 3-4 hours.
June 29, 2013 - Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: May 31, 2013*
*The Washington D.C. ceremony is limited to the first 1,800 student registrations. This ceremony will be 3-4 hours.
August 10, 2013 - Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: July 12, 2013
October 26, 2013 - Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: September 27, 2013
December 7, 2013 - 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland, 10:00 a.m.
Registration and Cap & Gown Deadline: November 8, 2013*
*The Baltimore ceremony is limited to the first 1,100 student registrations.
Do I have to pay for my cap and gown?
Yes. All students are required to pay for their own cap and gown. Prices for ordering your cap and gown are shown below.
Associate (black gown, black cap and tassel) – $33.50.
Bachelor's (cap, gown, tassel & stole of gratitude) - $48.50.
Master's (cap, gown, tassel & hood) - $52.00.
*Prices above do not include shipping fees and sales tax..
Does it matter what I wear under my cap and gown?
There is no dress code for the ceremony. However, all gowns will hit between the knees and mid-calf. To ensure you receive the most attractive photos while crossing the stage, we recommend that men wear long pants with dark colored dress shoes and women wear either pants or a skirt with dark colored dress shoes.
Honors Designations and Honor Societies Questions
Where do I purchase an honor medallion and how do I know if I am eligible to purchase an honor medallion?
Associate, bachelor's and master's candidates whose grade point average is 3.5 or greater and who are participating in a commencement ceremony are eligible to purchase and wear an honor medallion at the commencement ceremony. Honor medallions are only available at commencement in the graduate area for $40 cash only.
Which students receive honors designations and how do honors designations work at commencement?
Associate and bachelor's candidates whose grade point average is 3.5 or greater (at the time of commencement registration) will have an honor designation printed on their name card below their name, which will be read aloud upon crossing the stage. Honors are as follows, cum laude 3.5-3.69, magna cum laude 3.7-3.89, summa cum laude 3.9-4.0. Honors designations are not listed in the commencement program. Your final honor designation is based on your completed degree program and is printed on your diploma.
Why don't master's students receive honors designations?
It is not traditional at the graduate school level for master's students to graduate with an honors designation. At Strayer University, and most other institutions, master's students do NOT have honors distinctions read aloud during the commencement ceremony nor are they printed on their diplomas.
What honor societies are recognized by Strayer University at commencement?
Strayer University recognizes four national honor societies: Alpha Sigma Lambda, Alpha Chi, The Golden Key International Honour Society, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Students who are members of Alpha Chi, Alpha Sigma Lambda, Golden Key and/or NSCS by the awards submission deadlines will be printed in the commencement program under their respective honor society. Honor society members are also encouraged to wear their respective honor society's honor cords or stoles at commencement.
Ceremony Questions
How do I know which commencement ceremony to attend?
Students are welcome to register and participate in any commencement ceremony; however, we've provided general guidelines of which campuses generally attend which graduation.
March 16, 2013 – Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10:00 a.m.
Suggested Campus Participation: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin campuses; JWMI; Online; Onsite programs.
May 18, 2013 – Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia, 10:00 a.m.
Suggested Campus Participation: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah campuses; JWMI; Online; Onsite programs.
*The Atlanta ceremony is limited to the first 1,800 student registrations. This ceremony will be 3-4 hours.
June 29, 2013 – Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia, 10:00 a.m.
Suggested Campus Participation: Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun, Manassas, Prince George’s, Takoma Park, Washington and Woodbridge; JWMI; Online; Onsite programs.
*The Washington, D.C. ceremony is limited to the first 1,800 student registrations. This ceremony will be 3-4 hours.
August 10, 2013 – Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina, 10:00 a.m.
Suggested Campus Participation: Charleston, Columbia, Garner, Greensboro, Greenville, Huntersville, North Charlotte, North Raleigh, RTP, South Charlotte and West Virginia; JWMI; Online; Onsite programs.
October 26, 2013 – Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia, 10:00 a.m.
Suggested Campus Participation: Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Fredericksburg, Henrico, Newport News, North Raleigh, RTP, and Virginia Beach; JWMI; Online; Onsite programs.
December 7, 2013 – 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland, 10:00 a.m.
Suggested Campus Participation: Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania campuses; Anne Arundel, Owings Mills, Rockville, Takoma Park, Washington and White Marsh; JWMI; Online; Onsite programs.
*The Baltimore ceremony is limited to the first 1,100 student registrations.
How will I know if I'm included in the commencement ceremony program?
All students who register before the posted deadlines who are in good academic and financial standing are included in the commencement ceremony program. The commencement program is only available at the commencement ceremony and is for registered students who are participating in the ceremony and their guests.
Is there a commencement ceremony rehearsal?
No, there is no commencement ceremony rehearsal. Processional instructions will be communicated to all graduates via postal mail one week prior to the ceremony in the Graduating Student Newsletter.
What time should graduates and guests arrive for the ceremony?
Graduates should arrive 40 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.
Do my family and friends need tickets for a commencement ceremony?
No, tickets are not needed. Guest doors open 45 minutes before the ceremony begins.
I have not received my photography from the commencement ceremony. Who should I contact?
Please contact Legacy Photographics directly with any questions related to your photos at 1.800.447.2550 or www.legacyphoto.com.
Guest Information
What accommodations are there if I have a disability or my guest has a disability?
Handicapped seating will be clearly marked in the guest seating area and is first come, first served. Please direct your guests to a seating usher for assistance. Graduates with disabilities should contact commencement@strayer.edu to ensure coordination.
My relatives are coming in from out of town and I need to find a place for them to stay.
Liacouras Center Area Information
1776 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19121
http://www.liacourascenter.com/.
For area information, accommodations, dining please visit http://www.liacourascenter.com/general-info/local-visitor-information/.
Georgia Dome - Area Information
1 Georgia Dome Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
http://www.gadome.com/.
For area information, accommodations, dining, please visit http://www.atlanta.net/.
Verizon Center Area Information
601 F Street Northwest Washington, DC 20004
http://www.verizoncenter.com/.
For area information, accommodations, dining please visit http://washington.org/.
Time Warner Cable Arena Area Information
333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
www.timewarnercablearena.com
For area information, accommodations and dining, please visit www.charlottesgotalot.com.
Norfolk Scope Arena Area Information
201 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510
www.www.sevenvenues.com/about/visitor_info/scope.com.
For area information, accommodations, dining please visit http://www.visitnorfolktoday.com/ .
1st Mariner Arena Area Information
201 W. Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201
www.1stmarinerarena.com.
For area information, accommodations, and dining, please visit http://www.1stmarinerarena.com/restaurants.php and http://www.1stmarinerarena.com/hotels.php.
Can students request letters of invitation for family members living abroad to attend commencement
We will provide students with letters of invitation to send to their family members living abroad to document the purpose of their travel to the United States. The Commencement Visa Letter Application can be found by going to www.strayer.edu/graduation (select “Guest Information” link). After completing the commencement registration steps, you can e-mail the Commencement Visa Letter Application to commencement@strayer.edu. Please allow 7-10 days for the Events Team to process your request. The letter will be sent directly to the home address you include on your application.
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