Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

Graduating is an exciting time for all. Please refer to the information on this page addressing frequently asked questions.

All students must apply to graduate regardless of their intention to participate in Commencement ceremonies. If a student does not apply to graduate and completes degree requirements, an application may be entered on their behalf and the application fee charged to their student account.

Graduation is the formal awarding of a degree. Commencement is the ceremonial celebration of completing a degree. Participation in a Commencement ceremony does not mean that a degree has been awarded. Diplomas are not handed out at Commencement. For more information about the diploma process, please review our Diplomas webpage.

The earliest document available for proof of degree awarding is the final official transcript. We recommend placing the order once you have seen in DegreeWorks that your degree is awarded. Look in Degree Works for degrees awarded. When the application is no longer visible and the degree is listed next to “KSU Degrees” you may order an official copy of your transcript.

General Questions

All students are protected by FERPA. However, some students may wish to not have their name in the student directory. To remove your name from the directory, you must request confidentiality in Owl Express. To see if you have requested confidentiality, in Owl Express click on the Advising tab>transcript>student records. Confidentiality will prevent you from being listed in the Commencement Book. If you have requested confidentiality, please email diploma@kennesaw.edu if you would like your name in the Commencement Book.

  • Yes, as long as all tests are taken before the semester ends. Proof of test completion must be sent to diploma@kennesaw.edu so your file will be held and not updated to the next term.
  • Yes. If the student is continuing to take classes for grad school or for personal interest, they need to submit the application for readmission found on the Admissions website. If the student is currently completing degree requirements, they can register according to their time ticket. If the student is continuing in a second major they do NOT need to readmit, however, should email registrar@kennesaw.edu. 
  • No. The minor must be completed at the time of degree completion. If the minor is not completed before or at the time of degree completion, the minor will be removed, and the degree awarded.
  • Yes, in-progress course subs need to be submitted through the Course Substitution Portal by the academic department. Please see your advisor.
  • The student must have 30 earned hours in residence at KSU in addition to meeting the 3.5 GPA or higher. 

Application to Graduate Questions

An application to graduate must be submitted by the deadlines found on the Application for Graduation page. The application portal can be found on the Graduates tab in Owl Express. The diploma application fee is $50 and the certificate application fee is $15. The fee is for the review of your record for degree completion.

An application can be submitted even with a past-due balance on a graduates account. However, if the balance is not resolved before the awarding of the degree, the diploma or certificate will not be released until the hold is resolved. Please contact diploma@kennesaw.edu when the hold is resolved.

If you need to make changes to your major, minor, concentration, diploma name or diploma mailing address after submission of your application, please contact diploma@kennesaw.edu.

  • Applications must be submitted for stand-alone certificates as long as they appear in Degree Works. If they do not appear in Degree Works, please contact diploma@kennesaw.edu.

  • Check DegreeWorks to see if your program is listed next to “Application to Graduate”. If there is no application listed, contact diploma@kennesaw.edu and include a screenshot of the error.
  • This must be your legal name. If it is different from your Student Record name, proof of name must be submitted, i.e. birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, court records of the name change, Green Card, US Passport. Email this documentation along with your request to diploma@kennesaw.edu.
  • The application is active for two consecutive semesters at which time it becomes inactive. It will be necessary to submit another application and pay the appropriate fee. The diploma fee is $50. The certificate fee is $15.00.
  • Payment can be made through Owl Express utilizing the Student Account tab or you may visit the Bursar’s Office to pay in person. 

Commencement Questions

All information related to our Commencement ceremonies can be found on our Commencement website. Ceremony dates and times will be posted on our Commencement website after the Commencement registration period for the current semester is over.

Participation in Commencement ceremonies does not impact the degree awarding process. Participation does not mean that your degree has been awarded and not participating does not prevent your degree from being awarded. Degrees are not awarded until the final audit has been completed by the Degree Compliance team. You will be notified by email when results of the audit are posted in Degree Works.

For information on how a student is eligible to participate in Commencement ceremonies, please review our Commencement Eligibility page. If you have additional questions not answered here, please contact diploma@kennesaw.edu. 

  • Cords are distributed by Approved KSU Nationally Recognized Organizations to students who are members of the organization. A list of approved organizations can be found on our Commencement Graduates webpage under Academic Regalia.
  • Undergraduates – Yes, graduates – No. The Graduate College does not recognize Latin Honors.
  • Regalia is available for purchase through Jostens and in the KSU Bookstore. 
  • Commencement tickets are distributed to the student ticket account on the date listed on our Commencement website. An email will be sent with detailed information to all eligible students shortly before distribution. The email will be sent to the student email account. 
  • Please review the Important Dates and Deadlines on our Commencement website.

  • Undergraduate students whose degrees/majors are in different ceremonies may participate in either or both ceremonies. Students will be asked their preference during registration in Tassel.

Diploma Questions

  • Major and honors (if applicable) will appear on the diploma. Concentrations and minors do not appear on the diploma, however, will appear on the transcript.
  • Approximately 10 -12 weeks after the end of the term in which degree requirements are completed.
  • No, this is not an option.
  • Yes, each copy is $30.00. Order through Parchment.
  • Undeliverable diplomas/certificates will be returned to the Registrar's Office. Diplomas/certificates will be held in the Registrar's Office for one term following the degree awarding term after which the diploma/certificate will be recycled. Should a duplicate credential be requested, a diploma or certificate will cost $30.00 through Parchment.