All undergraduate students must be approved for graduation through a senior evaluation prior to applying for graduation by the Advising Office. Once approved for graduation, students can apply via the PenguinPortal. Students who have not completed a senior evaluation and attempt to apply for graduation will receive a message stating "Your academic advisor has not cleared you for graduation."

Senior Evaluation Process

Students near the completion of their degree must file a Graduation Evaluation Request located in the PenguinPortal under the "Access My Student Information" tab. This will initiate a graduation evaluation of your transcript to determine your remaining degree requirements and is required before you can apply to graduate. Students should complete a senior evaluation of your transcript to determine your remaining degree requirements and is required and before you can apply to graduate. Students should complete a senior evaluation upon completion of 80 semester hours before their senior year. 

To complete a Graduation Evaluation Request, follow these steps:

  1. Go to PenguinPortal
  2. Select "Access My Student Information" under e-Services for Students
  3. Select "Graduation Evaluation Request" at the bottom of the page. 
  4. Select "Creative Arts & Communication" from the drop-down menu
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the form

Once and evaluation has been completed and approved by the department chairperson, students will receive email confirmation and be instructed to make a "Sr. Evaluation" appointment in Handshake with their academic advisor. This process takes at least 5 to 7 business days. At this time the academic advisor and student will review the evaluation and remaining degree requirements required for graduation. A Graduation Evaluation Request is not the same as applying for graduation.

Apply for Graduation

After a senior evaluation, students will be eligible to apply for graduation. To graduate, all students earning a degree must apply for graduation via the online Graduation Application located in the PenguinPortal by the deadlines listed and complete all academic requirements for the degree.