Students may complete their programs of study and be certified for degree completion during any semester of the year.  There are guidelines, however,  which must be carefully followed.  Failure to follow the established procedures will postpone graduation by one semester or longer.

2. Please note carefully the general graduation requirements: 
   (See p. 32-33 of the 2012-2013 Catalog)
   
1. Give evidence of orthodox belief, genuine Christian character, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership.
2. Demonstrate an ability to use the English language with precision in both speech and writing.
3. Complete the prescribed course of study within the time limitation and achieve the required grade point average as outlined in the catalog.
4. Remove any admission provisions.
5. Complete at least 30 residential credit hours.  Program handbooks contain residency requirements for the D.Min. and D. Miss. Programs.
6. Settle all financial obligations, including payment of the graduation fee.  Students who have not made satisfactory financial arrangements will not have access to any student services, including transcript, diploma, or enrollment for a second degree.
7. Receive the recommendation of the Faculty and approval by the Board of Trustees for graduation.
8. File all graduation information with the Registrar’s Office no later than the first day of the last semester of enrollment, or by December 15 of the academic year in which the student plans to graduate (whichever comes first).
9. Attend the annual commencement exercises. An Academic Petition must be filed at least six weeks prior to commencement to request permission to graduate in absentia.   Such permission is normally granted only when it would cause serious hardship for the student to attend. 
3. Additional graduation requirements for specific degrees are listed in the degree sections of the catalog and in the program handbooks.
   
   
4. All graduation requirements must be completed by the last day of the semester in order to graduate that semester: December 15, 2012; April 26, 2013; August 17, 2013.  If a student completes a graduation requirement (e.g. turns in an assignment) after these dates, he or she will graduate at the end of the following semester (i.e., the official degree date on the diploma and transcript will be the last day of the following semester).
   
   
5. Students are accountable for library fees (e.g. , thesis binding) and graduation fees.
   
   

Note:  GSD students who opt to participate in commencement will be charged a $195 grad fee. GSC students do not participate in commencement.                        

Graduation fees are not reduced or waived for masters or diploma of divinity students who successfully petition to graduate in absentia.  A processing fee of $20 may be assessed if a student changes his/her declared graduation date and expenses are incurred (i.e. a new diploma is needed).