Navigating the Academic Calendar and Graduation at Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University provides a flexible, student-centered academic calendar tailored for nursing and health sciences programs. Understanding this calendar, along with the graduation and commencement processes, is crucial for students to successfully navigate their academic journey. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Chamberlain University's academic calendar, graduation, and commencement procedures.

Understanding Chamberlain University's Academic Calendar

Chamberlain University operates on a cycle-based academic calendar, offering personalized pacing for students. Key features of the calendar include:

Two Cycles: The university utilizes two cycles to provide personalized pacing.
8-Week Sessions: These sessions allow for a fast-paced learning environment.
Holidays: Built-in breaks are incorporated throughout the academic year.
Short Breaks: Breaks between sessions are relatively short.
Withdrawal Timing: The timing of withdrawals is important and can impact academic standing.

Important Dates for the Academic Calendar:

The following dates from the provided data offer a snapshot of a typical academic year:

May 5, 2025: May session begins (Summer) - Start of the 8-week May block.
May 26, 2025: Memorial Day holiday - No classes, but online access remains open.
June 15, 2025: Last day to withdraw from May courses - Deadline to drop without academic penalty (per program policy).
June 19, 2025: Juneteenth holiday - No classes; plan study time accordingly.
June 28, 2025: May session ends - End of first Summer block; grades due soon after.
June 29 - July 6, 2025: Summer break - One-week break between sessions.
July 7, 2025: July session begins - Start of the second Summer block.
August 17, 2025: Last day to withdraw from July courses - Final drop deadline for July block.
August 30, 2025: July session ends - Summer semester complete.
September 1, 2025: September session begins + Labor Day - Fall semester starts (holiday-no classes).
October 12, 2025: Last day to withdraw from September courses - Drop deadline for first Fall block.
October 25, 2025: September session ends - Mid-Fall transition.
October 27, 2025: November session begins - Second Fall block starts.
November 26, 2025: November session ends (5-week NR-452 capstone option) - Early end for specific capstone students only.
November 27-28, 2025: Thanksgiving break - No classes-use for rest and family time.
December 7, 2025: Last day to withdraw from November courses - Final drop deadline for Fall semester.
December 20, 2025: November session ends - Fall semester complete.
December 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026: Winter break - Extended holiday break.
January 5, 2026: January session begins (Spring) - Spring semester starts.
January 19, 2026: MLK Jr. Holiday - No classes.

Students should note that dates are subject to change, and staying organized around these dates is crucial for balancing coursework, clinicals, and personal life.

Graduation vs. Commencement: Understanding the Difference

It's essential to distinguish between graduation and commencement at Chamberlain University:

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Graduation: This signifies the official completion of all academic and financial obligations to the university. Once these requirements are met, the degree is conferred and awarded. Attending a commencement ceremony is not mandatory for graduation. As of May 3, 2021, graduation applications are no longer required.
Commencement: This is an optional, ceremonial event that celebrates the awarding of degrees. It's a special occasion for graduates to celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

Commencement Ceremony Details

Commencement ceremonies are designed to celebrate the achievements of post-licensure, BSN Online, and graduate students. These students are invited to participate in the ceremony held in the Chicagoland area.

Key Information Regarding Commencement:

Timing of Information: Detailed information about upcoming commencement ceremonies is typically available three months prior to the scheduled date.
Commencement Fee: A $175 commencement fee is non-transferable.
Guest Tickets: Guest ticket allocations vary by ceremony, depending on the number of graduates participating and the venue's seating capacity. Refer to the registration form for specific guest ticket allocation details.
- Tickets are included in the commencement fee and have no cash value.
- Tickets are non-transferable, and Chamberlain does not endorse or permit the sale or exchange of tickets.
- Each ticket grants one seat in the Commencement Hall.
- Children age 3 and under do not require a ticket if seated on a parent or guardian’s lap.
- Requests for additional guest tickets will not be accommodated.
- A livestream viewing option is available for non-ticketed guests.
Participation in Future Ceremonies: Graduates unable to attend their assigned ceremony may participate in a future Commencement; registration details for that event will be available in late Spring of the commencement year.
Conduct During the Ceremony: To ensure an enjoyable ceremony for all, attendees are expected to participate in a positive and respectful manner. This includes:
- Remaining in designated seats for the duration of the ceremony.
- Silencing cellphones and other devices.
- Avoiding extended cheering so all graduates’ names can be heard.
- Requesting that guests remain seated during the recessional.
- Respecting commencement speakers, event staff, faculty, fellow graduates, and their guests.
Graduates are asked to cross the stage respectfully, refraining from disruptive actions. Only registered graduates are permitted to cross the commencement stage.
Regalia: Graduates are required to wear regalia (cap and gown) to participate in the commencement ceremony. Chamberlain does not provide rental gowns or regalia.

Diploma and Transcripts

Upon completing the final course(s), graduates will receive an electronic copy of their diploma within five weeks. Instructions for requesting official transcripts can be found in the provided guide. Diploma covers can be purchased even if not attending the in-person celebration.

Commencement Program Book

Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion in the commencement program book is determined by the academic completion date, independent of commencement attendance.
Printed Book: The printed commencement program book distributed on-site includes information about Chamberlain’s history, university leadership, the academic ceremony, and information about university organizations and initiatives. It does not include the names of graduates eligible to participate in that commencement.
Electronic Book: After the ceremonies, a final, electronic version of the commencement program book will be published with the names of graduates from specific sessions.
Name Announcement: All registered graduates will have their names called as they cross the stage during their ceremony.

Graduation Honors

Chamberlain University awards honors such as With Distinction and With High Distinction, as well as the Presidential Commendation for Academic Achievement (cumulative GPA of 4.0).

Only honors-eligible graduates who register to attend in-person commencement will receive their honors cord.
Graduates attending an in-person ceremony will receive instructions on where to pick up their honors items on site.

BSN Program Honors:

To be considered for honors, BSN graduates must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours in residence with a CGPA of 3.3.
Summa Cum Laude: CGPA of 3.8 or above.
Magna Cum Laude: CGPA between 3.5 and 3.79.
Cum Laude: CGPA between 3.3 and 3.49.
President’s Honors: Awarded to BSN students who graduate with a CGPA of 3.5 or above and have fewer than 60 credit hours in residence.

Doctorate and Graduate Degree Program Honors:

Students must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours in residence.
"With High Distinction": CGPA of 4.0.
"With Distinction": CGPA from 3.85 to 3.99.

All coursework, including the last semester, is included in the calculation of graduation honors. Chamberlain allows honors society graduates to wear all honors regalia during the ceremony.

Photography and Filming

GradImages will be present to capture photos before, during, and after graduates cross the stage. Chamberlain University may film or photograph commencement and associated activities for marketing and publicity purposes. By participating, graduates and guests may be photographed or filmed, and these images belong to Chamberlain University without entitling graduates to compensation.

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Accessibility

Chamberlain has ensured that commencement venues are accessible and ADA compliant.

Additional Information about Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University's College of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in New Jersey is an entry-level program with year-round enrollment. The nursing program in New Jersey features high-tech nursing skills labs and strong student support. Chamberlain’s BSN nursing program in New Jersey is designed to give pre-licensure students individualized instruction and diverse clinical learning opportunities.

Year-round enrollment
Experienced professors
3-year BSN program
Over 77,000 alumni

At Chamberlain University, a distinct culture of care supports students from day one to graduation, and beyond. More than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial assistance for school expenses.

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