Commencement Participation

Commencement Participation

The commencement ceremony, held in early May, is a time when Paul Smith's College gathers to recognize the accomplishments of members of the academic community, including distinguished guests, faculty, alumni, and students. Application to participate in commencement, including for those students not in attendance at Paul Smith’s College during the spring term in which commencement is held, must be made in writing by April 1 through the Office of the Provost, Phelps Administration 205, Paul Smith’s College.

Students with a cumulative 2.00 GPA or higher who are enrolled in the required courses to complete their degree are eligible to participate in Commencement. Students who have 4 or fewer credits remaining to complete their degree requirements AND have a cumulative 2.00 GPA or higher are also eligible to participate in Commencement. Students who are within 5 to 9 credits of degree completion, may petition to participate in commencement and are required to submit a Degree Completion Plan in writing to the Office of the Provost no later than April 1. The Degree Completion Plan should include a course path and a time frame to complete the degree. The Degree Completion Plan should indicate that the degree will be completed within 12 to 24 months. Outstanding noncredit work experience hours do not prevent a student from participating in Commencement, but must be completed before a degree is awarded.

A December Celebration is held towards the end of the Fall Semester for students who will be finishing degree requirements. The same guidelines apply as noted above for participation eligibility. If students would like to return for May Commencement, they must complete the application to participate as noted above. Students may participate in either Commencement or the December Celebration, but may not participate in both for the same degree.

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Course Descriptions