Commencement Ceremony Participation
Commencement is a ceremony celebrating the completion of a student’s academic requirements. Participation in a commencement ceremony usually occurs when a student graduates, meaning the student has completed all academic requirements for their certificate or degree.
Bachelor's degree students who have not yet graduated (i.e. completed all academic requirements) may participate in the commencement ceremony if they meet all the following conditions:
- Students have no more than one more semester to complete their academic requirements after the commencement ceremony.
- Students have equal to or fewer than six credits (including incomplete grades) to complete.
- Students have a 2.25 or higher cumulative GPA.
- Students have completed a graduation plan form in coordination with their advisor. The plan form is signed by the student, student’s advisor, and the Registrar, and kept in the student file.
Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Dean. Appeals may be submitted to the Registrar.
Master’s degree students who have not yet graduated (completed all academic requirements) may participate in the commencement ceremony if they meet all the following conditions:
• Students have equal to or fewer than six credits (including incomplete grades) to complete.
• Students have a cumulative GPA that is .25 points higher than the GPA necessary to graduate as determined by the program in which they are enrolled (see program handbook or Seminary & Graduate Handbook) at the time of application.
• Students have completed a graduation plan form in coordination with their Student Success Coach. The plan form is signed by the student, Student Success Coach, and the Registrar, and kept in the student file.
• Students must be registered to complete their remaining academic requirements during the summer term following the May commencement ceremony.
Participating in the commencement ceremony before graduation is a privilege, not a right. It is LBC’s responsibility to ensure that those students who participate will, in fact, finish their degrees. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Dean. Appeals may be submitted to the Registrar.
Please Note: this policy only applies to Master’s degree students. Doctoral students must complete all graduation requirements before participation in the commencement ceremony.