Information for Graduating Students

Graduation is on the horizon. You’re finishing your academic program requirements. You’ve told all your friends. Now it’s time to make it official by taking these important steps. Once you’ve completed these, you’ll be ready for the congratulations and confetti.

Eligibility

You’re eligible for graduation and allowed to participate in commencement activities if:

• You have declared your intent to graduate by the appropriate deadline.
• You have completed all degree requirements.
• You have met all financial obligations to Lesley University.

Preparation

1. Check your unofficial transcript and your "My Progress" screen on Self-Service.
2. Review your transcript and progress with your academic advisor.
3. If eligible, submit your graduation application on Self-Service.
4. On Self-Service, check User Options > Required Agreements and Financial Information > Student Finance > View Billing Activity to check for account holds and make sure your bills are paid.

May graduation candidates: expect to do accelerated coursework during the final semester. All grades, including outstanding incompletes, are due one week before graduation.

Transfer credit, life-experience portfolio credit, and course-waiver procedures are due before the beginning of the final semester before your anticipated graduation.

Deadlines

Lesley offers three conferral periods per academic year:

If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to apply online and must submit a late filing form. If you apply late for May graduation, your name won’t appear in the commencement program. Please contact the Support Hub to obtain a late filing form.

Intent to Graduate

Declaring your intent to graduate by submitting a graduation application on Self-Service will place you in line for an academic audit. Once your audit is complete, the Registrar will let you know your status. Be sure to regularly check your Lesley email or the email account you use for Lesley communications.

A graduation application must be filed whether or not you intend to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Not sure how to submit a graduation application? Consult this knowledge base article for assistance.

Deferrals

If you don’t complete your degree requirements, your intent to graduate will be moved to the next conferral period. This deferral is allowed one time only. You must submit a new declaration of intent and a new fee will be billed to your account.

Minimum Attendance at Lesley

You’re not eligible for graduation during the same semester that you were admitted to Lesley. There must be a minimum of one full semester between official admission and the date of graduation.

Commencement

Detailed information regarding Lesley's May commencement ceremonies can be found on the Commencement Office website. Information is emailed approximately one month before the event to all those who have submitted a Commencement RSVP.