On this page, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about comencement.
- What do I need to do to receive my diploma?
All students seeking a diploma from Strayer University must complete the Degree Conferral Application and pay the $125 Degree Evaluation Fee. (Students seeking a certificate will be billed a $25 Evaluation Fee.) Please click here to complete your Degree Conferral Application. The Degree Conferral Application is NOT related to registering and participating in a commencement ceremony.
After submitting the Degree Conferral Application, students will receive a confirmation e-mail from the Records Department. In 10–14 business days, students will receive a second e-mail stating that they are cleared to receive their diploma OR that there are additional requirements to meet. During the evaluation of the Degree Conferral Application, the student’s ledger will be billed a $125 Degree Evaluation Fee. The fee covers processing expenses related to reviewing the student’s academic record. The Degree Evaluation Fee is not related to commencement ceremony participation.
After the student successfully completes all the degree requirements, the student’s diploma will be sent to his or her home campus 10–12 weeks after the quarter in which the program of study is completed. A postcard will be mailed to the student’s home indicating the diploma is available for pick-up. Students who have outstanding courses will not receive the diploma until they successfully complete their outstanding courses. All questions regarding academic requirements should be directed to the Campus Dean.
If you have used Federal Financial Aid Stafford or PLUS loans to finance your education, you are required to complete Exit Counseling before graduating. Click here to complete it before you submit your Degree Conferral Application or you can complete it at any time prior to graduating at http://www.strayer.edu/exit_counseling.
- What do I need to do to attend a commencement ceremony?
Following the online submission of the Degree Conferral Application, students will be directed to register to participate in a 2009 commencement ceremony. Students are eligible to participate in commencement if they are within two courses of degree completion and are in good financial standing. If a student is planning to participate in a ceremony, it is necessary to register online by the posted deadlines. For students that have completed the Degree Conferral Application and would like to participate in a 2009 commencement ceremony, please click here to register.
- 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 deadline below.
December 5, 2009: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
Degree Conferral Application, Registration and Regalia Ordering deadline: Monday, November 2, 2009
- How do I know when I’m eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony?
Associate, bachelor’s and master’s candidates are eligible to participate in commencement if they are within two courses of degree completion and are in good financial standing. Certificate candidates are not eligible participate in commencement ceremonies.
- I submitted the Degree Conferral Application and I forgot to register to attend commencement. What should I do?
If you would like to register to attend a commencement ceremony, please click here to register.
- I completed my course requirements and the Graduation Application (now Degree Conferral Application) in 2008 and I’ve been cleared to graduate. What do I do?
You do not need to complete another Degree Conferral Application. If you would like to attend a commencement ceremony, please click here to register.
- 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 e-mail commencement@strayer.edu.
- I’m not interested in participating in a commencement ceremony. How do I receive my diploma?
If you would like to receive a diploma only and do not want to participate in commencement, complete the Degree Conferral Application only. Do not take the second step to register for commencement. After submitting the Degree Conferral Application, students will receive a confirmation e-mail from the Registrar. In 10–14 business days, students will receive a second e-mail stating that they are cleared to receive their diploma OR that there are additional requirements to meet. During the evaluation of the Degree Conferral Application, the student’s ledger will be billed a $125 Degree Evaluation Fee. (Students seeking a certificate will be billed a $25 Evaluation Fee.) The fee covers processing expenses related to reviewing the student’s academic record. This fee is not related to commencement ceremony participation. All students seeking a diploma will be charged this fee. After the student successfully completes all the degree requirements, the student’s diploma will be sent to his or her home campus 10–12 weeks after the quarter in which the program of study is completed. A postcard will be mailed to the student’s home indicating the diploma is available for pick-up. Students who have outstanding courses will not receive the diploma until they successfully complete their outstanding courses. All questions regarding academic requirements should be directed to the Campus Dean. Online students should e-mail continuing_online@strayer.edu for diploma receipt.
- How do I know which commencement ceremony to attend?
Students are welcome to register and participate in any commencement ceremony designated for their degree program. However, we’ve provided general guidelines of which campuses generally attend which graduation.
October 17, 2009: Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia
10:00 a.m. – All degree candidates
Suggested Campus Participation: Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Fredericksburg, Henrico, Newport News and Virginia Beach; Online Campus
December 5, 2009: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
10:00 a.m. – All degree candidates
Suggested Campus Participation: Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania campuses; Anne Arundel, Owings Mills, Rockville and White Marsh; Online Campus
- What does the $125 Degree Evaluation Processing Fee Cover?
The degree evaluation 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.
- Is there a fee to participate in a commencement ceremony?
No, there is no fee required to participate in a commencement ceremony.
- Where do I purchase an honor medallion and how do I know if I am eligible to purchase an honor medallion?
Honor medallions are available for purchase at the commencement ceremonies only. Honor medallions cannot be purchased online. Honor medallions are $40, cash only. Associate, bachelor’s and master’s candidates whose cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or greater are eligible to purchase and wear an honor medallion at the ceremony.
- 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 the student successfully registers online to participate in the ceremony, the student must order regalia (cap and gown/Stole of Gratitude or hood) online from Herff Jones. Students should order their regalia by the posted deadlines to avoid rush fees. All graduates must complete the Degree Conferral Application AND register online to participate in a commencement ceremony before ordering regalia. Following commencement registration, students should order their regalia by visiting http://www.herffjones.com/college/strayer. Ordering regalia is not confirmation of registration to participate in a commencement ceremony. Deadlines for ordering regalia are below.
October 17, 2009: Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia
Regalia ordering deadline: Monday, September 14, 2009
December 5, 2009: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
Regalia ordering deadline: Monday, November 2, 2009
- Do I have to pay for my regalia?
Yes. All students are required to pay for their own regalia (cap and gown). Prices and deadlines for ordering regalia are shown below.
- Associate degree: $30.50 (cap and gown)
- Bachelor’s degree: $48.50 (cap, gown and Stole of Gratitude)
- Master’s degree: $52.00 (cap, gown and hood)
(Pricing does not include applicable taxes and shipping fees)
- Does it matter what I wear under my regalia?
There is no dress code for the ceremony. However, all gowns will hit between the knees and mid-calf. To ensure graduates 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.
- How will I know if I’m included in the commencement ceremony program?
Students who register before the posted commencement registration deadlines who are in good academic and financial standing will be included in the commencement ceremony program. The commencement program is only available at the commencement ceremonies. The program is for registered students that are participating in the ceremony and their guests.
- When will I receive my diploma?
Graduates will receive their diploma approximately 10-12 weeks after the quarter in which they complete their coursework. Graduates will receive a postcard from the university indicating that their diploma has arrived and can be picked up at their home campus Business Office. For online students, please contact the academics at Strayer University Online to arrange to receive your diploma.
- I have not received my diploma. Who should I contact?
Please e-mail records@strayer.edu and provide your SID# and our Registrar's Department will follow up on the status of your diploma.
- Is there a commencement ceremony rehearsal?
No, there is no commencement ceremony rehearsal. Processional instructions will be communicated to all graduates one week prior to the ceremony in the Graduating Student Newsletter.
- What time should graduates arrive for the ceremony?
Graduates should arrive 45 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.
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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.
Norfolk Scope Arena Area Information
201 E. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
www.sevenvenues.com/about/visitor_info/scope
For area information, accommodations, and dining, please visit the Norfolk Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Web site.
1st Mariner Arena Area Information
W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
www.1stmarinerarena.com
For area information, accommodations, and dining, please visit http://www.1stmarinerarena.com/lodging-restaurants.shtml.
- I have not received my photography from the commencement ceremony. Who should I contact?
- Where can I find information about 2010 commencement dates?
2010 commencement dates and deadlines will be posted at http://www.strayer.edu/graduation later this year. Commencement registration for 2010 ceremonies will open in January 2010.
