Graduation Policies

Policy on Participation in Graduation Ceremonies

Students who will have completed all requirements in May, during the following summer session or during the following fall term are eligible to participate in the May commencement ceremony. Students completing requirements through summer or fall coursework will need to present proof of registration in order to be eligible to participate in May commencement. Students completing requirements during the summer or fall term will be noted in the commencement program.

Graduation Honors

Baccalaureate degrees with honors are conferred based upon the Loras College cumulative grade point average, computed at the time of graduation (GPAs are not rounded up). Students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits in residence at Loras College and demonstrated high academic achievement may receive one of the following honors designations:

• Summa cum laude: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.900
• Magna cum laude: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.700
• Cum laude: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.500

Graduation honors are noted in the commencement program for students who have attained the appropriate GPA at the time of application to graduate and based upon the cumulative GPA earned prior to the semester of graduation. All honors are considered unofficial until the certification of the student’s final semester grades and final cumulative GPA. Official graduation honors are noted on the final transcript and diploma.

Students not wishing to have graduation honors released to the media are required to inform the Office of the Registrar in writing within one month of the beginning of the student’s final semester.