Undergraduate Graduation

Application for Graduation

The undergraduate graduation application should be filed after the student has earned 90 hours..

1. Obtain advisor(s) signature
2. Obtain signature from the Alumni Office (JW100)
3. Submit to the Graduation Office (DH122) by published deadlines.
   • Fall 2012 deadline is August 10, 2012
   • Spring 2013 deadline is December 14, 2012
   • Summer 2013 deadline is December 14, 2012

 Graduate students must contact the Graduate School Office, Derryberry Hall, Room 306.

Commencement

*****Spring Commencement Ceremony*****

The Spring Commencement will be divided into TWO ceremonies on May 11, 2013.

The 9:30 a.m. Ceremony includes both Graduates and Undergraduates from the following:

• College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Engineering
• School of Interdisciplinary Studies

The 2:00 p.m. Ceremony includes both Graduates and Undergraduates from the following:

• College of Business
• College of Education

Rehearsal will be May 9, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the Hooper Eblen Center.

The Commencement ceremony will last approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours.  Participants are not allowed to leave until the ceremony is over. 

 Participation in the ceremony does not confirm clearance for receipt of a diploma. 

 All students participating in the ceremony will receive a diploma cover as they cross the stage and will only receive their diploma in the mail after confirmation of graduation.  Those graduating in absentia will receive only a diploma in the mail.

Summer Graduation

There is no longer a graduation ceremony for the summer term.  Students can apply for graduation in the summer, and receive a diploma, but will participate in the Fall ceremony.

Additional information regarding commencement on the web site http://www.tntech.edu/records/commencement/ .

Catalog Requirements

All students must complete the general requirements as prescribed by the University and the specific requirements set forth for the degree sought. Catalogs are available on the web.

• A minimum of 120 hours is required. In order to meet the residence requirements, a student must complete at least 25 percent of the credit for the degree requirements including a minimum of 24 of the last 30 hours of 3000 and 4000 level requirements at Tennessee Technological University.
• A student must have a 2.00 GPA overall and a 2.00 average in the major. Transfer students must also have a 2.00 GPA in their TTU overall average and a 2.00 GPA in the TTU major average.
• Undergraduate students may be required, as a prerequisite to graduation, to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievement and achievement in the major areas for the purpose of evaluating academic programs.
• Graduate degree candidates will be given a comprehensive examination. Contact major advisors concerning exam dates.

Degree Analysis

A degree analysis that lists all remaining requirements needed for completion of your academic program will be sent to you and to your major department as soon as possible after receipt of your application for graduation.

Meet with advisor regarding requirements remaining and submit any necessary forms (ex: substitution forms) to the Graduation Office as soon as possible.

• All degree requirements, general and your specific, must be fulfilled prior to graduation (see above).
• Notify the Graduation Office immedicately of any change in your graduation status. 

Diplomas

Diplomas are usually mailed 3 weeks after the commencement ceremony.

• Undergraduate students contact Denise Burgess
• Graduate students contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 If you need a replacement diploma, please fill out the Replacement Diploma Application.

Exams for Graduation

• The Senior Exit Exam (offered through Academic Affairs) is the only exam that is required of all undergraduates who plan to graduate. There are a few allowances for this exam. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Derryberry Hall, Room 204, (931-372-3463) for information.
• The Praxis Exam is required of all students who are seeking licensure. To ensure that you are registered for all necessary parts of the exam, check with your advisor or Laboratory Experiences at 931-372-3170.
• The ETS Exam is administered by the College of Business for all of their graduates. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   (931-372-3372) is the contact person from the college.
• The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is required in several departments in the College of Engineering. Check with your advisor to see if you need to take the exam.

Any or all students may be required to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievement and achievement in major areas as a prerequisite to graduation, for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs.

Graduation Fee

Graduation fees are now included in the general access fee.

Graduation with Honors

Graduation with honors as listed in the commencement program is determined by the cumulative GPA, which is all TTU and transfer degree credit courses, at the beginning of the final semester of enrollment.  

• Cum Laude: 3.50 – 3.69
• Magna Cum Laude: 3.70 – 3.89
• Summa Cum Laude: 3.90 – 4.00 
•  W.A.Howard Award : 4.00

The W.A. Howard Award will be announced at the commencement ceremony and after confirmation of all grades a plaque will be mailed to the graduate and it will be noted on the diplomas and the transcript.

The honors notation on the diploma and on the transcript is determined by the cumulative GPA on all degree-credit courses at the end of the final semester. 

These honors are only available for undergraduate degrees. 

Graduation Coursework and Requirement Deadlines

All coursework for undergraduate degrees must be completed and grades submitted (including Incomplete grade removals) by the Monday following commencement. 

Students taking coursework at other colleges must have the official transcript sent to the Office of the Registrar, P O Box 5026, Cookeville, TN  38505 no later than 2 weeks after graduation date. 

 Any transcripts received late will be considered for the next semester’s graduation.

Misrepresentation of Academic Credentials

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person:

1. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;
2. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or
3. Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

Personnel

Denise Burgess, Administrative Associate 7	(Q-Z)	DH 122	(931) 372-3543	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sherry Ligon, Academic Support Associate	(A-G)	DH 122	(931) 372-3542	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mary McCaskey, Academic Support Associate	(H-P)	DH 122	(931) 372-3303	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Substitutions

Course substitutions must be approved by the department chairperson and the dean of the college. The form can be downloaded or can be picked up at the Graduation Office, Derryberry Hall, Room 122.