Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation

• When is graduation?

  Purdue Global holds graduation ceremonies throughout the year. Please visit the Graduation Center page for the list of ceremony dates and information. Dates are posted as soon as they are scheduled.

• Which ceremony can I attend?

  Ceremonies are open to all Purdue Global and Purdue Global Law School graduates. Students may attend any ceremony that takes place after their final term ends.

• Am I eligible to participate in the ceremony?

  Candidates may participate in any graduation ceremony that is held after their final term ends. If you are not sure of your final term end date, please contact your Student Advisor or Student Support to go over your credits and requirements. You can reach Student Support at 866-522-7747.

• How do I participate in a graduation ceremony?

  Students who want to participate in a ceremony must register by the posted deadline for the ceremony they choose to attend. Visit the Graduation Center page for registration details.

• Can I participate in a ceremony if I have a balance on my student account?

  Yes, you can participate in a ceremony even if you owe a balance on your student account.

• How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?

  There is no guest limit and tickets are not required for any ceremonies held at Elliott Hall of Music in West Lafayette, IN.

• Is my name called if I'm not registered or can't attend in person?

  Names are called at the in-person ceremony for attendees only. Virtual names are called only for those who registered for the virtual ceremony by the deadline, and the ceremony can be viewed anytime after. Graduates unable to attend in person must register for the virtual ceremony by the deadline.

• What is the ceremony cancellation policy?

  Ceremony participation cancellations must be received in writing at graduation@purdueglobal.edu no later than 5 weeks prior to the ceremony. Cancellations received after the deadline will result in a nonrefundable fee of $125 charged to the graduating student's account.

Caps and Gowns, Diplomas, and Transcripts

• How do I get my cap and gown?

  Caps and gowns must be purchased from Herff Jones at least 6 weeks prior to the ceremony date. Graduates must bring their own caps and gowns as they will not be available at the ceremony.

• Do I need a hood?

  Hoods are part of the master’s-level and doctoral-level cap and gown packages and come with the set when ordered through Herff Jones.

• When will I receive my diploma? Do I have to attend a graduation ceremony to receive it?

  Diplomas are mailed by the Office of the Registrar approximately 8 weeks after completion of the final class and all program requirements have been confirmed by University officials according to the University Catalog. For questions regarding diplomas, please email the Office of the Registrar at registrar@purdueglobal.edu or call 866-522-7747 (Toll Free). Diplomas are not distributed at the graduation ceremonies.

• How do I obtain a copy of my transcripts?

  Official transcripts can be ordered through Parchment Exchange. Please see the “Transcripts” link in the Registrar and Credits page of Purdue Global Campus for ordering instructions. You can contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@purdueglobal.edu or 866-522-7747.

• What size will my diploma be?

  Diplomas are 11.0" x 8.5."

Academic Honors

• How do I know if I have earned academic honors?

  Students earning an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or law degree through Purdue Global are eligible to receive academic honors based on cumulative grade point average. Non-law doctorate, master’s-level, and certificate graduates are not eligible for academic honors. Academic honors statuses will be noted on diplomas and transcripts.

  The academic honors statuses are as follows:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.70–3.79: Cum Laude
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.80–3.99: Magna Cum Laude
  • Cumulative GPA of 4.0: Summa Cum Laude
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00–3.29: With Honors (Purdue Global Law School)
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.30–4.00: With Highest Honors (Purdue Global Law School)
• Will I be recognized at the ceremony for academic honors or high GPA?

  Graduates participating in commencement who earned academic honors or qualify for high GPA recognition are acknowledged during the ceremony and listed in the program. This recognition is for ceremonial purposes only and may not be final, as it is based on cumulative GPA as of the registration deadline date. Final honors for bachelor's, associate, and law degrees appear on diplomas and transcripts. High GPA recognition is for ceremonial purposes only and is not included on diplomas or transcripts. (View qualifications.)

• Can I wear my honor society cords at the ceremony?

  Yes, graduates who are members of an honor society may wear their honor society regalia (cords, stoles, pins, etc.) at the ceremony. They should contact their society for information on ordering these items, as they will not be available at the graduation venue. Graduates must be existing honor society members prior to their final term.

Purchasing Additional Graduation Items

• Where can I purchase printed graduation announcements, or diploma frames?

  Download and personalize your commencement invitation from the “Decorate and Celebrate Graduation at Home" section on the Graduation Center. Email or print it to invite your guests.

  Announcements, diploma frames, and StageClips can be ordered through Herff Jones.

• Where can I purchase Purdue Global branded items?

  Purdue Global branded items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, and more can be ordered through the Student Store.