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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I file for graduation?
A student is expected to file an application for degree one semester before degree requirements are completed, and an application will be accepted no later than the published deadline. Deadlines are as follows:
Spring 2010 Graduation – November 13, 2009
Summer 2010Graduation – April 9, 2010
Fall 2010 Graduation – July 9, 2010
How should I file for graduation?
Students making an application for graduation should begin the process at “Steps to Graduation” at www.usm.edu/registrar/graduation. All candidates must complete the Application for Degree in addition to the USM Exit Survey. Each college has instructions for completing the degree application and the steps necessary to process. In addition, undergraduate student’s can print a graduation checklist at: www.usm.edu/registrar/graduation.
What is the Exit Survey?
The Southern Miss Exit Survey is an anonymous survey used to collect data on a student's satisfaction with services provided by Southern Miss. The overall results are used to improve services for the student body.
Are there graduation fees?
Doctoral, specialists, and master’s candidates have graduation fees in addition to cap and gown rental. Visit www.usm.edu/graduatestudies for fees associated with Graduate School. Bachelor candidates only have the fee for cap and gown rental. In addition, a $50 fee is assessed if a student files for graduation after the published deadline or if a student changes graduation terms after the initial filing.
I will be completing my degree requirements in August. Since there is no summer commencement ceremony, how can I participate in a commencement event?
August graduates will have the option to walk in the fall commencement ceremony. When you complete your degree application, you will have the option to select the fall ceremony if you wish to participate.
What is the minimum GPA required to graduate?
A student must have a GPA of at least a 2.0 on USM courses in addition to a 2.0 in the major field and in the minor field. Colleges and/or majors may have specific GPA requirements. You can verify GPA requirements with your college ACA representative (http://www.usm.edu/registrar/graduation/general_info/staff/index.php).
Who is eligible for honors and how are they calculated?
A degree with honors will be granted to a student who maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or more. A degree with highest honors will be granted to a student who maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or more. Graduation with Latin designations will be granted to students who complete the requirements for Senior Honors in the Honors College or via Outside Honors (see the Undergraduate Bulletin for specific requirements). Graduation cum laude will be granted to students with an overall GPA of 3.25 to 3.49; magna cum laude will be granted to students with an overall GPA of 3.50 to 3.79; and summa cum laude will be granted to students with an overall GPA of 3.80 or more.
Note: A student’s status concerning honors is based upon the student’s cumulative overall GPA at the end of the term preceding the commencement ceremony.
When is Fall 2009 Commencement?
Fall 2009 Commencement is scheduled for Friday, December 11th for students participating in the Hattiesburg ceremony. Gulf Coast students will have the option to participate in the Hattiesburg ceremony or can elect to postpone participation until the Spring term in which the Gulf Coast campus will hold a commencement ceremony.
Commencement ceremonies will last approximately two hours. All candidates for graduation must be in their assigned seat approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. NOTE: Graduating students will not be seated on the floor after the ceremony begins.
Ceremony times for Hattiesburg will be as follows:
10:00 a.m. College of Arts and Letters
College of Health
3:00 p.m. College of Business
College of Education Psychology
College of Science & Technology
Ceremony Etiquette
In order to maintain the integrity of the ceremony and ensure that each student is properly recognized, candidates are asked to observe the following:
Commencement is a dignified occasion honoring important educational accomplishments. Decorum and courtesy are important to you and your family, and to your fellow degree candidates and their families. Students that elect to act offensively, disrespectfully, or in any way that disrupts or delays the ceremony will be reported immediately to the Dean of Students for a review of the student’s actions. During this review a hold will be placed on the student’s record preventing the mailing of the diploma or releasing the student’s transcript. After the review, the hold may be lifted pending completion of any sanctions.
Once degree candidates have entered the coliseum and have been seated, they are expected to remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony marked by the recession of the faculty.
Adherence to the University’s alcohol policy is expected.
Improper attire, signs, and insignia will be removed by the marshals.
Cell phones and other electronic equipment should be turned off.
Most importantly, when candidates cross the stage to receive their diplomas, they are to do so by walking at a deliberate pace and without any undue actions of celebration.
As a candidate for graduation, I use a mobility device. What prior arrangements need to be made?
Candidates for graduation who use a mobility device (i.e., scooter, walker, wheelchair, etc.) are asked to provide this information on their seating card reservation. We will use this information to ensure appropriate seating assignments on the coliseum floor.
Is there a rehearsal for the ceremony?
There is no rehearsal for the ceremony as candidates do not participate in the processional march.
Are tickets/reservations required for my family and friends?
Tickets and reservations are not required for family and friends to attend the commencement ceremony. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Doors will be open to the public approximately one hour before the exercises are scheduled to begin.
I have a FERPA flag on my USM records. How will this affect commencement activities?
A FERPA flag on your record prohibits the University from acknowledging your existence as a student in any way. Your name will not appear in any official university publication distributed to the public, such as the commencement program, and no information concerning your accomplishments will be provided to the media, including a list of degree candidates.
What is the appropriate attire for degree candidates?
Men should wear white shirts with dark ties, dark pants, and dark shoes. Coats are not necessary since gowns have long sleeves. Women should wear dark clothing and dark shoes. All candidates must wear cap and gowns to participate in the commencement ceremonies.
What am I allowed to bring onto the floor with me during the ceremony?
Degree candidates typically do not bring any item with them onto the floor. Women are advised not to bring purses to the seating area and will not be allowed to carry them across the stage. Cell phones must be turned off during commencement ceremonies!
Where do I get information about caps, gowns, and invitations?
Barnes and Noble @ Southern Miss Bookstore hosts a Grad Fest for each graduation ceremony in which graduating students can order caps and gowns, invitations, class rings in addition to purchasing USM memorabilia.
Grad Fest for the December 2009 graduation ceremony will be held October 28th and 29th on the Hattiesburg campus. Hours are to be determined by Barnes & Noble @ Southern Miss Bookstore. Gulf Coast students should contact the Gulf Coast Campus Bookstore for dates and times. Students who cannot attend Grad Fest should contact the Southern Miss Bookstore directly (note: you will need to know your height, chest size, and cap size). For additional information, candidates can call 601-266-4381 or go online at www.usm.bkstore.com.
Candidates for all degrees must go by Barnes & Nobles @ Southern Miss Bookstore no later than October 29th for cap and gown rental (a late fee will apply after this date). Barnes & Noble @ Southern Miss Bookstore charges a fee for renting the cap and gown. Approximate fees are:Undergraduates - $40
Masters - $65
Doctoral - $50 (hood is provided by USM)
All candidates must wear cap and gowns to participate in the
commencement ceremonies.
Which side of my cap does the tassel hang?
Undergraduates: Your tassel will start off on the right hand side. After you exit the stage, you should move your tassel to the left hand side of your cap.
Masters/Specialists: Your tassel will start off on the left hand side and will remain on the left hand side throughout the ceremony.
When and how do I pick up my cap and gown for graduation?
Starting Tuesday, December 8th through Thursday, December 10th, students will be able to pick up their cap and gown from the Barnes & Noble @ Southern Miss Bookstore between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In addition to picking up your cap and gown, you will also be given a seating card with an assigned seat number. You must bring this seating card to the ceremony.
NOTE: DUE TO COMMENCENT CEREMONIES STARTING AT 10:00 A.M., REGISTRAR OFFICE STAFF IS NOT AVAILABLE TO ASSIST IN THE DISTRUBUTION OF REGALIA & SEATING CARDS. THEREFORE, STUDENTS SHOULD MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK THESE ITEMS UP
BEFORE COMMENCEMENT DAY (FRIDAY – DECEMBER 11TH)
What is a seating card?
The seating card is a post-card that bears the degree candidates name and their assigned seat number for the commencement ceremony.
NOTE: ALL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE THEIR SEATING CARD IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.
How is seating at commencement arranged?
Doctoral candidates and their major professors will receive additional information from the Office of Graduate Studies. Doctoral students may check the Web site at www.usm.edu/graduatestudies to view this information. Doctoral students with questions can contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 601-266-4369. Specialists and master’s degree candidates will be seated alphabetically by degree. Bachelor degree candidates will be seated alphabetically by college and degree type. Assistance will be positioned at each row to indicate when to stand and move to the stage. ALL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE THEIR SEATING CARD IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.
How will the announcer know who I am as I cross the stage?
Your name will be placed on the assigned seating card you receive with your cap and gown. You will hand this seating card to the person who will announce your name as you cross the platform.
What should I do with my cap and gown following the commencement ceremony?
Rental caps and gowns for all students should be places in the bins located next to the tunnel exits at the conclusion of the ceremony. Caps and gowns should not be left in the chairs on the coliseum floor. Doctoral candidates keep their hood as a gift from Southern Miss.
Will my family and friends be allowed to take pictures?
Yes, family and friends may take pictures from the seating area. Access to the coliseum floor during the commencement ceremony is not allowed. The University has arranged for a photographer to take pictures of graduates during the ceremony. The photographer will contact graduates after the ceremony by mail about purchasing the pictures.
I completed all requirements at USM Gulf Coast. Can I participate in the Hattiesburg ceremony or must I participate in the Gulf Coast ceremony.
Degree candidates can opt to participate in the ceremony at either campus for the spring commencement ceremony. Fall candidates can opt to walk in the Hattiesburg ceremony or opt to walk in the following Spring ceremony on the coast.
If I participate in commencement, have I earned my degree?
No. Since commencement is held before the reporting of final grades, degrees will be conferred conditionally (except for doctoral degrees). Participation in a commencement ceremony is not a guarantee of graduation.
When and how will I know that I have completed all requirements for my degree and have been cleared to graduate?
Each college ACA Coordinator will begin clearing the graduation class approximately four working days following commencement ceremonies (this allows time for all grades to be posted by faculty and end-of-term processes to be performed). If the student has met all requirements for graduation, the ACA Coordinator will forward the student’s cleared records to the Registrar’s Office for posting of the degree. If a student has not met degree requirements, the ACA Coordinator will send a letter to the student informing him/her of the missing requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their ACA Coordinator for specific information.
Who is my ACA Coordinator and how can I contact him/her?
College of Arts & Letters – Twillia Morgan (Twillia.Morgan@usm.edu) or Eric Hatcher (Eric.Hatcher@usm.edu) – phone 601-266-4963.
College of Business – Michelle Templeton (Deborah.Templeton@usm.edu) or Gennifer Hicks (Gennifer.Hicks@usm.edu) – phone 601-266-4663 or Linda Jordan (USMGC) (Linda.Jordan@usm.edu).
College of Education & Psychology – Margie Newsome (Marjorie.Newsome@usm.edu) – phone 601-266-6095.
College of Health – LeAnne Casiano (LeAnne.Casiano@usm.edu) or Matthis Piel (Matthis.Piel@usm.edu) – phone 601-266-5874.
College of Science & Technology – Dessarai Brackman (Dessarai.Brackman@usm.edu) – phone 601-266-4885.
Graduate School– Sue Fayard (Sue.Fayard@usm.edu) or Sandra Carter (Sandra.C.Carter@usm.edu) – phone 601-266-5136.
How do I receive my diploma?
Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your application for degree.
How soon after the graduation ceremony will my diploma be mailed?
Clearing students for graduation during any term is a detailed process that involves a manual check of a student’s record by your college ACA Coordinator. Once final clearances are determined, diplomas are typically mailed within 4-6 weeks following the commencement ceremony, excluding holidays. In the event of a holiday (i.e., Christmas), please allow an extra 2 weeks for delivery.
I completed a double major. Will I receive two diplomas?
Yes and No. If you are a double major in two colleges (i.e., College of Business and College of Science and Technology) you will receive two diplomas. If you are a double major in the same college (i.e., a major in Accounting and Economics-Liberal Arts) and your degree type is different (i.e., BSBA and BA), you will receive two diplomas. If you are a double major in the same college and your degree type is the same for both majors (i.e., both a BS), you will only receive one diploma.
What can prevent the receipt of my diploma?
If all degree requirements have been met, the only prevention of having your diploma sent to you is if you have any outstanding financial obligations to the University or if you have failed to complete the required Financial Aid Exit Interview. Exit Interviews can be found at:
Stafford Loans www.usm.edu/financialaid/entrance_exit_counseling.html
Perkins Loans
www.usm.edu/bizserv
Will I be notified of holds on my record that will prevent me from graduating or receiving my diploma?
The ACA Coordinator for your major will notify you in writing if you have any academic issues that would prevent your degree from being awarded. This notification is referred to as a “final audit” letter and is sent to the address you listed on your degree application.
The Registrar’s Office will contact you via mail if there are any financial holds that would prevent receipt of your diploma.
Can I receive my degree with an Incomplete grade on my record?
No, an Incomplete (I grade) indicates that the requirements for a course have not yet been completed. Degrees will not be awarded unless all requirements and grades have been met.
If I am denied graduation for the term for which I applied, what should I do?
Contact the ACA Coordinator for your college to determine your outstanding requirements. You may then reapply for graduation for the term in which your requirements will be completed.
How long will the Registrar’s Office retain my diploma after graduation?
ACA Coordinators for each college will begin clearing candidates for graduation once all grades for the term have been submitted by faculty (typically four-six days following a commencement ceremony). Diplomas on students who do not clear requirements by the deadline to close the graduation class will be returned to the printer. The Registrar’s Office will retain diplomas on students with a Business Office “Hold” until the balance is cleared. Students are responsible for contacting the Registrar’s Office once all holds have been cleared from the student’s account.
Can I obtain more than one copy of my diploma at the time of graduation?
Additional diplomas can be obtained for a fee of $30. The diploma will be a duplicate of the original diploma.
How do I order a duplicate diploma?
You can order a duplicate diploma by completing the required request form found at: www.usm.edu/registrar/forms.
I want a different name on my diploma other than what I listed on my degree application. How can I get a diploma to reflect this change?
Legal documentation (i.e. marriage license, divorce decree, etc.) must be provided to the Office of the Registrar for a name other than what appears in the student’s official records. A $30 fee applies to order a diploma with the new name.
Congratulations Graduates
Southern Miss To The Top!