Preparing to Graduate
Prepare for graduation by checking eligibility, degree requirements, and submitting your application to graduate through self-service.
Eligibility
Please speak with your primary academic advisor to check your status. This is crucial to make certain you are listed in the official commencement program, and we have your name and degree(s) listed correctly. You must apply to graduate and receive your degree. You may also check your status online through Self-Service. Instructions are listed in the Verification for Graduation tab on this page.
Verification for Graduation
Follow the steps to make sure you stay on track to graduate. You must first apply to graduate and receive academic verification, before you may attend the commencement ceremony or receive your diploma.
CHECK MY PROGRESS IN SELF-SERVICE
Confirm that your major is listed correctly on the My Progress section of Self-Service. Self-Service can be accessed through My D'Youville. My Progress will list the major and degree that will appear on your diploma and in the graduation program.
If you are in two majors or 2 degree programs or have a minor, these will also be listed in My Progress. If your degree/major/minor is listed incorrectly or not listed on My Progress, contact the Office of the Registrar. Confirm that all your requirements are either completed or in progress.
If you have any requirements that are not started, see your advisor to ensure you graduate on time.
SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION
You must submit an application for graduation form online through Self-Service to verify eligibility for graduation. To apply to graduate, you will need to complete the application for graduation online at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester in which you intend to graduate.
- This should be completed no later than October 30 for students graduating in May or August of the following year.
- Students who expect to graduate in December should complete the application for graduation by March 30 of the preceding spring semester.
TWO MAJORS OR DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
If you have two majors or are in a dual degree program or will be receiving two degrees, please submit an application for each major/degree.
UNDERGRADUATE
Completion of the Application for Graduation establishes you as a degree candidate and initiates an academic verification review of your credentials. You will receive notification from your primary academic advisor only if you are missing any requirements.
GRADUATE
Completion of the Application for Graduation establishes you as a degree candidate and initiates an academic verification review of your credentials. You will receive notification from your advisor only if you are missing any requirements.
Academic Attire
Academic Attire
Dress Code
- Academic attire includes the academic gown, hood, cap and dark shoes, preferably black. Underneath the academic attire, dark clothing is highly recommended.
- The academic hood is not worn until it is officially placed on each student by a faculty member.
- The tassel is worn on the right side until the very end of the graduation ceremony.
Regalia
A cap, gown and hood are required for Commencement. Regalia is for sale through the D'Youville Campus Store with partnership from Herff Jones.
There are some important dates to keep in mind:
- If graduates are having their order shipped to the store, the last date they can place their order is: October 31st. Any orders placed after this date may incur additional fees.
- If graduates are having their order shipped to their home address, the last date they can place their order is: November 11th. Any orders placed after this date may incur additional fees.
For any graduate that is eligible for Latin Honors, the cords can be purchased from the Campus Store for $15.00.
Contact the D’Youville Campus Store at DYUstore@dyu.edu with any questions.
Latin Honor Cords:
SUMMA CUM LAUDE “With the highest praise,” is awarded for cumulative averages of 3.90 or higher.
MAGNA CUM LAUDE “With great praise,” is awarded for cumulative averages of 3.70 or higher.
CUM LAUDE “With praise,” is awarded for cumulative averages of 3.46 or higher.
To be eligible for these honors, students must have completed 60 hours of undergraduate course work at D’Youville University. Honors pertain only to undergraduate course work
Speak Up
Apply to deliver the student address at commencement. One undergraduate and one graduate student will be selected for this honor.