Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the 2008 commencement ceremonies?
April 19 - Georgia International Convention Center, College Park, GA
June 28 - Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
August 23 - Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
October 18 - Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
How do I know which commencement ceremony to attend?
April 19 – Georgia International Convention Center
10:00 am, All degree candidates
Suggested campus participation: Birmingham, Chamblee, Charleston, Cobb County, Columbia, Douglasville, Greenville, Lexington, Louisville, Maitland, Morrow, Nashville, North Charlotte, Orlando East, Roswell, South Charlotte, Shelby Oaks, Tampa East, Tampa Westshore, Thousand Oaks, Strayer University Online
June 28 - Patriot Center
10:00 am, Bachelor’s candidates
3:00 pm, Master’s and associate candidates
Suggested campus participation: Alexandria, Arlington, Loudon, Manassas, Takoma Park, Prince George’s, Washington, Woodbridge, Strayer University Online
August 23 – Baltimore Convention Center
10:00 am, Bachelor’s candidates
2:00 pm, Master’s and associate candidates
Suggested campus participation: Anne Arundel, Center City, Cherry Hill, Cranberry Woods, Penn Center West, Christiana, Delaware County, King of Prussia, Lower Bucks, Owings Mills, Rockville, White Marsh, Strayer University Online
October 18 - Norfolk Scope Arena
11:00 am, All degree candidates
Suggested campus participation: RTP, Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Fredericksburg, Garner, Greensboro, Henrico, Huntersville, North Raleigh, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Strayer University Online
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.
My campus is designated for the Norfolk Ceremony but I would like to participate in a different ceremony?
Students are welcome to register and participate in any commencement ceremony designated for their degree program.
I received an email indicating that I have outstanding course requirements and I’m not eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony or receive my diploma. How can I participate in commencement?
To participate in a commencement ceremony all students must have two or fewer courses to complete. Students should ensure they are enrolled and registered in their final courses. Students should speak with their campus dean to answer questions about course requirements.
I received an email indicating that I have an outstanding balance and that I’m not eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony or receive my diploma. How do I find out what my balance is?
Students should contact their home campus Business Office to answer any financial questions.
Do I have to apply for graduation in order to attend a commencement ceremony?
Yes, all graduates must complete the graduation application online and pay the required $125 degree evaluation processing fee. All applications must be received by the appropriate deadlines. To see all of the graduation application deadlines, go to the 2008 Commencement Ceremony Schedule and Deadlines page.
How do I know if I am eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony?
Within 7-10 business days after submitting the graduation application online, students will receive an email from the Strayer University Records Office stating their eligibility to participate in a commencement ceremony and eligibility to receive their diploma. Students are eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony if they have two or fewer courses to complete in their degree program, and have fulfilled all financial obligations to the University.
Do I need an Exception Form?
No. You do not need an Exception Form. Strayer University no longer uses Exception Forms. Only students in good financial standing or within two courses of degree completion are eligible to participate in a commencement ceremony.
Do I have to register to attend a commencement ceremony?
Yes, after being cleared to participate in a commencement ceremony, all students must register online by the posted deadlines. To see all of the 2008 registration deadlines, go to the 2008 Commencement Ceremony Schedule and Deadlines page.
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 graduating 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 the commencement ceremony?
No, there is no fee required to participate in a commencement ceremony.
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.
Do I have to wear regalia to participate in commencement?
Yes, all graduates must purchase regalia (the appropriate cap, gown, Stole of Gratitude or hood when applicable) directly from Herff Jones in order to participate in commencement. For more information about ordering your cap and gown, go to the Commencement Ceremony Attire and Class Rings page.
Do I have to pay for my regalia?
Yes, all students are required to pay for their own regalia. Prices and deadlines for ordering regalia are shown on the Commencement Ceremony Attire and Class Rings page.
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.
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 and guests arrive for the ceremony?
Graduates should arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time. This will ensure graduates have enough time to purchase an honor medallion (if applicable) and line up for the processional. Guest doors open one hour prior to the ceremony start time for guests to take their seats.
Do my family and friends need tickets for a commencement ceremony?
No, tickets are not needed. However, we do recommend guests arrive early to obtain desired seating. Doors open one prior to the commencement ceremony.
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. 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.
Georgia International Convention Center - Click here for more information on the area.
Patriot Center – Click here and select Fairfax Campus to view a list of area accomodations.
Baltimore Convention Center - Click here for more information on area accommodations.
Norfolk Scope Arena - Click here for more information on area accomodations.
I’m participating in the Patriot Center Ceremony. What if it’s raining?
In the event of rain at the Patriot Center Ceremony, there will be no processional. Upon arrival, students should take a seat behind their degree banner.