Understanding USF Graduation Diploma Delivery Times and Commencement Details

Graduation is a significant milestone, and the University of South Florida (USF) has specific procedures for applying, participating in commencement, and receiving your diploma. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these processes, including diploma delivery timelines, commencement ceremony details, and answers to frequently asked questions. Applying for graduation is a necessary step to officially complete your studies at USF.

Applying for Graduation

To begin the graduation process, you must submit an Application for Graduation. A separate application is required for each degree you are seeking if you are pursuing multiple degrees in the same term.

Application Deadlines:

December Commencement: File by September 1.
May Commencement (including Summer candidates): File by February 1.

Note: Summer candidates in the School of Nursing and Health Professions are ONLY invited to participate in the December Commencement.

Commencement Ceremony Participation

Eligibility

Undergraduate Students:
- For the May ceremony, students must be within 12 credits of completing all degree requirements.
- For the Fall ceremony, students must be within 8 credits of completing all degree requirements.
- All remaining credits must be completed in the immediate next semester.
- Must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Graduate Students: Must be registered for their final course.
General: Students are invited to participate in only one commencement ceremony. If you wish to move your ceremony to a future date due to outstanding degree requirements, contact the Graduation Center before the original commencement date.

Guest Tickets

Each student receives 4 tickets for their guests. This is a fixed number, regardless of how many degrees are being earned.
Guest tickets are NOT for sale or resale.
Tickets are required for entry into St. Ignatius Church for safety reasons.
Candidates do not need a ticket for themselves.
Overflow seating is available in Cowell 106/107 for those without tickets.

Important Information for the Ceremony

Accessibility: The Parker Street entrance to the Saint Ignatius Church is wheelchair-accessible, and disabled parking is available on Parker Street. USF accommodates individuals with disabilities.
Prohibited Items: Alcohol is not allowed in St. Ignatius Church.
Valuables: There is no storage space for valuables. Leave personal possessions with family and friends.

Regalia

If someone else needs to pick up your regalia, they must have a completed Proxy Pickup Authorization Form. This is the only acceptable document.
In Fall 2023, USF debuted a new regalia design.

Academic Honors Recognition

To be recognized for academic honors at the commencement exercises, undergraduate candidates must have completed, or be in the process of completing, all courses required for their degree.

University Honors: Awarded to undergraduate students who completed at least 60 credits of eligible academic coursework (courses graded A-F) at USF and have a minimum USF grade point average of:
- 3.85 for Summa Cum Laude
- 3.75 for Magna Cum Laude
- 3.50 for Cum Laude
School of Management Honors: Awarded only to Undergraduate Professional Bachelor degree (BSM) students who meet the following cumulative grade point average in courses taken at USF and have completed or are enrolled in all courses required for their degree:
- School High Honors: 3.90 GPA or higher
- School Honors: 3.70 to 3.89 GPA
School of Nursing and Health Professions Honors: Awarded only to Undergraduate Nursing and Health Professions students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 in courses taken at USF and have completed or are enrolled in all courses required for their degree.

Other Information

Undergraduate students who complete double majors will not participate in two ceremonies.
Concentrations or minors do not appear on diplomas.
The University Bookstore, located in University Center, will be open limited hours during the commencement ceremonies and diploma frames can be purchased here.
Commencement Flowers will sell flowers and leis on campus during all commencement ceremonies.

Diploma Delivery

Diploma Timeline

Diplomas are mailed six to eight weeks after final grades officially post for the final semester.

Read also: UCF Graduation Parking Info

Name on Diploma

Verify or update the name to be printed on your diploma in Student Self-Service.
If you are a foreign national student, International Services must pre-approve a Name Change Request before you complete the graduation application.
Your full legal name must be used on the diploma.

Diploma Holds

Diplomas will not be released for students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University, outstanding academic requirements, or a Library hold. Check your Student Self-Service account for any holds.

Digital Diploma

Graduates receive a digital copy of their diploma via the Michael Sutter Company.

Ordering a Replacement Diploma

If you need to place an order for a new diploma:

Complete the Diploma Reorder Form.
Include a copy of your driver's license or government-issued photo I.D. with your signature.

Read also: Comprehensive Preschool Graduation Guide
Include a statement if you desire to have your diploma notarized.
Mail the form to:
University of South FloridaOffice of the Registrar4202 E. Fowler Ave., SVC1036Tampa, FL 33620

Important Note: If your diploma is damaged, the request cannot be processed; you will need to order a new diploma.

Additional Information and Resources

Transcripts

USF transcripts do not include Social Security Numbers.
Local Pickup: Up to 3 business days for processing.
Check for holds on your record by signing in to your Student Self-Service account and navigating to Student > Student Profile > Holds.
Official transcripts can be requested through Student Self-Service.
USF also utilizes electronic transcript exchange networks, if the recipient institution accepts transcripts via those systems.

Financial Aid

Exit counseling sessions for the Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan Program are available within thirty (30) days prior to graduation.
For more information, call the Financial Aid Office at (415) 422-3387 for Federal Stafford Direct Student Loan Program.

Registration Information

Registration times are assigned one month before registration opens.
Review your Student Self-Service account for any outstanding items that may prevent registration.
Students can register for courses at any campus location (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee), regardless of their home campus.
If you encounter registration issues, contact your academic advisor or the Registration department.

Fee Adjustments

If you withdraw from a course due to extenuating circumstances, you may be eligible for a fee adjustment.
Submit a Fee Adjustment Request form with supporting documentation.
Reasons for fee adjustment consideration include:
- Student illness of such severity or duration that precluded course completion (must provide a completed USF Medical Form or medical practice letterhead).
- Death of an immediate family member (only parent, grandparent, step-parent, sibling, spouse, or child).
- Voluntary or involuntary call to active duty as confirmed by military orders.
- University error.
- Change in a job the student was employed in before the term began.
The Fee Adjustment process is separate from the withdrawal process. You must withdraw via Student Self-Service before filing for fee adjustment consideration.

Other Important Points

Excess credit hours may affect tuition rates.
Internships, whether optional or required, are excluded from excess credit total.
USF does not currently provide third party access to Student Self-Service.
Enrollment certifications are available to students self-serve in Student Self-Service the third week of the term.
You can place additional safeguards on your student record information.
Requests for a term that hasnât yet begun are held until the Drop/Add deadline.

Read also: Commencement Speakers at UCLA

tags: #USF #graduation #diploma #delivery #time