Graduation Certification

Graduation is not an automatic process upon the completion of requirements. Students planning to graduate with a major from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must adhere to the following:

Meet with an Academic Advisor prior to the final semester to review remaining degree requirements and establish a plan for completion.

Complete an Application for Graduation in accordance with the following deadlines:

May Graduation: October 1
August Graduation: October 1
December Graduation: March 1

Applications for Graduation are available at the CLAS Student Services office, DW 3300B or you can download a copy below. You will need to attach a current, signed degree progress report from you major and minor departments before submitting it to the CLAS Student Services Office in DW 3300B. 

Graduation is not the same as commencement and each has its own requirements and procedures. Graduation refers to the completion of your degree and the receipt of a diploma; commencement is the ceremony the university conducts to celebrate your graduation. Indiana University South Bend conducts commencement once per year. Commencement is held in May for graduates from the previous December and candidates for graduation in May or the following August. Commencement is coordinated by the Alumni Affairs Office.

Degrees Awarded with Distinction

We recognize outstanding performance in course work by awarding degrees with three levels of distinction:

Distinction - 3.65
High Distinction - 3.80
Highest Distinction - 3.90

In order for a transfer student to graduate with distinction, you must successfully complete 60 Indiana University credit hours.

If you graduate with distinction, you will be given special honors cords (fourragéres) to wear at commencement.

Distinction: Crimson
High Distinction: Cream
Highest Distinction: Cream and Crimson