Graduation 2020: Things to Know

May Graduates: Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We are so proud of the diligent work you have made toward your studies and we are so excited for you to take these next steps toward what God is calling you to. Emily will be sending out emails with further instructors and information as we get closer to graduation, but we wanted to highlight a few things now in order to finish well.

A Few Important Dates

  • Friday, February 28th- All Incomplete Courses Must Be Finished (see policy below)
  • March 6th- Last day to order Regalia
  • March 13th – Complete portfolios are due (see email from Emily Wagner)
  • Saturday April 4th-5th- Graduation Retreat @ Covenant Harbor *If you are interested in helping plan the graduation retreat, please contact Dean Deb Auger.
  • Friday, May 1st- Graduation Clearance Form Due to Academic Services
  • Friday, May 8th – Graduation Rehearsal, 9:30 am @ Anderson Chapel, followed by Graduation Luncheon
  • Saturday, May 9th- Graduation, 7 pm @ Anderson Chapel

Those of you who have applied for graduation, should have received instructions (via your NPU email) to order your cap and gown. Please do that soon. The absolute last day to order regalia is March 6th, so do not delay. If you do not have an email with instructions, please reach out to Emily.

Academic Issues To Know

The following information can be found on page 27 of the Academic Catalog. Program specific details, such as residency requirements, can be found in the Academic Catalog:

Students are responsible for knowing the particular graduation requirements for their individual degree programs. All the following conditions must be met before the board of directors will recommend the candidate for a degree:

1. Complete the required semester hours of academic course work.

2. Complete all field education and/or thesis requirements.

3. Complete the residency requirement for their specific degree.

4. Achieve the minimum cumulative GPA for their degree program. No grade under a C- will be counted toward the degree.

5. Complete all Vocational and Spiritual Formation for Leadership evaluations and receive approval by faculty vote.

6. Complete all courses with a grade of Incomplete. No outstanding incomplete grades are permitted later than week seven of the term in which the student plans to graduate.

7. The candidate may participate in May commencement if there is an agreement with the Office of Contextual and Lifelong Learning that field education requirements will be completed by the following August. The August date will appear on the student’s diploma.

8. Pay in full all accounts and fees for the Seminary.

We particularly want to highlight point six, which states that students must complete all incomplete courses by week seven of their graduating semester. This means ALL incomplete course work must be completed by February 28, 2020.

If you have questions about any graduation requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact the Academic Services Office at semacademicserv@northpark.edu.