Office of the University Registrar

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When and how do students apply for graduation?

Students can apply for graduation as soon as they arrive on campus. Graduation applications protect or “lock in” a student’s catalog & degree requirements. This allows the student to temporarily leave the university and come back to the same requirements & plan of study upon return. For those students who have not applied for graduation in advance, Evaluation Services staff will send a postcard informing students who have completed 88 semester hours that it is time to apply for graduation. This information is mailed approximately early in the fall and spring semesters.

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When and how do students apply for Teacher Certification?

After a student has been finalized for their degree by the Evaluations office, the student will receive a letter from Evaluations explaining how to obtain their teaching certificate via the Illinois State Board of Education’s(ISBE) website. Certification applications are done on line there and payment is with a credit card.

Students unable to use the on-line program can down load an application for teacher certification form from the ISBE or ISU websites or from their Regional Office of Education (ROE). The student then must complete the front page & bring it to Evaluations for official signatures & seal. The official application, along with appropriate fees & official transcripts must be taken to the ROE to complete the processing.

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When are diplomas mailed?

The diplomas are mailed to all students who graduate, by the Evaluation Services staff generally in July [for May grads], October [for August grads] and in March [for December grads].

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If all graduation requirements are not met, does the student need to reapply for graduation?

Yes. The person will need to reapply for graduation prior to the graduation deadline date for that session. The graduation deadline date is published in the catalog and in the Registration Information .

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What should a student do if he/she forgot to apply for graduation by the deadline date?

If the student has completed all requirements and does not plan to enroll as an undergraduate student next semester, he/she should submit the application for the next session. If the student so desires, he or she can put a request to be a current candidate, in writing, noting justifications, and submit the signed written request along with completed application and fee. The request will be reviewed and either approved or denied.

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Are statements of transfer work prepared for an unclassified student?

Only if the student plans on attending ISU regularly. Summer only students & short term visiting students [those who intent to graduate from another college/university] do not have their transfer coursework evaluated. Students may present their transcripts to the department advisor if an override is needed.

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What are the graduation requirements at Illinois State University?

The graduation requirements for Illinois State University are listed in each catalog. The student is responsible to check the catalog which he/she is following. By obtaining an Academic Progress Summary from the SSRC, students can review their requirements and progress toward completion.

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What is Entitlement?

The Illinois State Board of Education has evaluated Illinois State's teacher education programs and has given the University authority to grant entitlement to those students who complete an approved teacher education program. The entitlement directs the Illinois State Board of Education to issue a teacher's certificate.

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How do I get all the endorsements I qualify for on my teaching certificate?

During the semester during which a student has applied for graduation, the Evaluation Services staff audits for all possible endorsements for each teacher education candidate. The student and their major department are notified of the endorsement the University will recommend for them.

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I walked in Commencement. Doesn’t that mean I graduated?

No. Commencement is the celebration of the end of your schooling. Graduation is the official awarding of the degree after Evaluations has audited your record for requirement completion. That audit does not happen until after final grades are turned in, which happens after the commencement ceremony.

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How can I get a letter verifying that I will be graduating at the end of the current semester and will be receiving a Bachelor’s Degree?

Letters of verification of enrollment and candidacy for graduation can be requested from the SSRC. We do not issue letters verifying students will be receiving a Bachelor’s Degree.

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Where do I get a graduation application?

Graduation application may be found on the Registrar’s site under Forms. They may also be picked up in person at the SSRC in Moulton Hall, room 107.

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How does a student get an Early Check-Out?

To be eligible for an Early Check-Out, the student must have completed all coursework for which he/she is registered and must have applied for graduation and completed all requirements or indicate when to be done. The student should make the request by purchasing a transcript and noting Early Check-Out on the request form. If all grades have been turned in to the Student Service and Referral Center or Academic Records, they will be posted to the academic record. If the student has completed all requirements for graduation, the degree is finalized and a transcript will be mailed to address requested.

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What’s the deadline to apply for graduation?

See Important Dates for Students.

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Where do I go to pay the graduation application fee?

Turn in the completed application and fee to Student Accounts or their mail slot on first floor Moulton Hall.

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