Graduation and diploma services

Don’t see the answers you’re looking for?

Here’s how to reach the Mane Desk for help:

鈽庯笍&苍产蝉辫;214-768-5555
馃摟  registrar@smu.edu
馃毝馃従&苍产蝉辫;

 

There are two  each year — one in May for students on track to complete degree requirements during the spring or summer term and one in December for students on track to complete degree requirements during the fall or January term.

If you earn your degree requirements during the summer term, you will receive your degree in August, and you can participate in either the May or the December ceremony, but not both. If you are on track to earn your degree in the January term, you may take part in the December ceremony, but you’ll receive your degree in January. 

What you'll find here: Applying for commencement, information on diplomas. Visit the Academic Ceremonies page for information on commencement tickets, parking, ceremony livestreams and more. See the Degree Honors page for information on graduation summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude.

Applying for commencement

How do I participate in a ceremony?

Apply through and file an Application for Candidacy to Graduate or Intent to Participate Form with your school’s records office. The deadline to file for graduation for each conferral term is the census date of that term. A $30 late fee may be applied to your account if the Registrar’s Office receives an Application for Candidacy to Graduate (ACG) after the last day to file.

Note: Doctoral candidates must complete all degree requirements prior to participation in a Commencement ceremony.

Is there a statute of limitations for a degree plan?

A student who has been readmitted to the University following an absence of more than three years will be expected to meet all current requirements for graduation.

Diplomas

You can order a certified diploma or transcript certification for international companies or educational institutions through the our official diploma vendor, . After submitting your order, you must provide your diploma to the University Registrar’s Office in person or through mail.

To do so in person, take your diploma to the Laura Lee Blanton Building, Room 101.

To mail in your diploma, send it to:

University Registrar
夜色王朝
P.O. Box 750181
Dallas, TX 75275-0181

You also can get a set of three notarized copies of your diploma for $15. These diplomas will include the signature of the Associate Registrar, the Notary’s seal, signature, and the expiration date of the Notary.

There are two options to get the Apostille seal:

  1. You can authorize release of the certified diploma to  using this form.
  2. You can forward the certified diploma with instructions to .

For both options, you will need to complete and submit forms 2101 and 2102 on .

Submit in person (room 106) or by mail to:

Secretary of State
Authentications Unit
P.O. Box 13550
Austin, TX 78711

For additional assistance, contact the Graduation and Certification team at desrodg@smu.edu or 214-768-5555.

You can order one through our official diploma vendor, . It can take 2-3 weeks for the new diploma to arrive.

Yes. You can do so through , unless you are an international student — in which case your name must match documents with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

This will change the name on your diploma only. Your academic records, such as your transcript, still will display your primary name. Discrepancies can cause delays for international processes.

You can’t change your name to anything profane, explicit, or vulgar in nature. If you do so, your primary name (legal name) will be used.

Your diploma will be mailed directly from the vendor to your diploma address in . If none is listed, your diploma will be mailed to your listed home address.

You will receive an e-mail conformation when your diploma has shipped.

If you owe money to the University, you will not receive your diploma until your account has been cleared.

Diploma mailing schedule:

  • Fall diplomas: late January
  • Spring diplomas: mid-June
  • Summer diplomas: late August

Your diploma will contain your name, degree name, conferral date, signature of the academic deans, and the officials who are currently in office. Majors are printed on the diplomas along with earned degree honors when applicable.

Diploma sizes are:

  • 8 ½ x 11 inches for undergraduates
  • 11 x 14 inches for graduate and professional students