About Commencement

Commencement is a recognition and celebration of academic achievement and the lasting contributions that students have made to the university.

Do not confuse the degree/diploma application with commencement and your regalia purchase. These are two separate processes.

Although often used interchangeably, the words Commencement and Graduation are not the same thing. It is important to understand that participating in a commencement ceremony does not mean that you have completed your degree and actually graduated.

Commencement is a formal ceremony for students who have been cleared to walk by their school or program.

Commencement Dates

Undergraduate Commencement Dates
college/school date time
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Saturday, May 12, 2012 4:00 p.m.
Fischler School of Education Saturday, May 12, 2012 4:00 p.m.
H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship Saturday, May 12, 2012 4:00 p.m.
College of Health Care Sciences Saturday, August 25, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Nursing Saturday, August 25, 2012 1:00 p.m.
Graduate/Professional Commencement Dates
college/school date time
Center for Psychological Studies Saturday, June 9, 2012 11:00 a.m.
College of Health Care Sciences (Except Physical Therapy) Saturday, August 25, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Health Care Sciences (Physical Therapy) Sunday, May 27, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Dental Medicine Sunday, May 27, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Medical Sciences Sunday, May 27, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Nursing Saturday, August 25, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Optometry Sunday, May 27, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Osteopathic Medicine Sunday, May 27, 2012 1:00 p.m.
College of Pharmacy Sunday, May 27, 2012 1:00 p.m.
Criminal Justice Institute Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.
Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences (Master's Candidates) Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.
Fischler School of Education Saturday, June 9, 2012 11:00 a.m.
Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.
H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.
Oceanographic Center Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:00 p.m.
Shepard Broad Law Center Saturday, May 12, 2012 11:00 a.m.