The registrar, in conjunction with program directors, is responsible for certifying that all graduation requirements have been met prior to the awarding of degrees. The Office of the Registrar is located in Dorsey Center Room 207.

Students may receive their degree and diploma in August, December, or May. The Commencement ceremony takes place once a year only, in May. All students completing a master’s degree and graduating that academic year may participate in the May Commencement.

It is the responsibility of each student to monitor his or her academic progress. The student is expected to know the graduation requirements pertinent to his or her program, to be cognizant of his or her grade point average, to make appropriate elective course selections, and to add/drop courses to facilitate attainment of his or her educational goals. To assist in making these decisions, the college provides each student with an academic advisor.

APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION

How do I apply for ?

Complete the online application for degree in your myGoucher account. Please read the instructions provided below on how to access the form. If you have any questions about the form, or you do not see this link on your myGoucher account, please call 410-337-6090 or e-mail registrar@goucher.edu.

Instructions to access Application for Degree:

1. Log into MyGoucher
2. Click on "MyGoucher Links" tab
3. Click on the "Graduate Application for Degree" link – found in the Student Links section
4. Complete all pertinent questions

Click on the “Submit” button at the end of the form

You can access the form by clicking on this link if the above instructions do not work.

When should I submit my application for degree?

You must apply for your degree by February 22, 2023. Failure to complete the application by the deadline could result in you not being allowed to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Please contact your advisor if you wish to apply after the deadline.

When and how will I know that I have completed all the requirements for my degree and am cleared to graduate?

Each semester, you should check with your advisor to update your program plan. Your program plan will indicate requirements that are not complete or pending.. Please meet with your advisor before the end of the add/drop period each semester to determine if any additional courses are needed.

Will I be notified if I have any holds on my record that could prevent me from graduating or prevent me from receiving my diploma?

The Office of Financial Aid and the Bursar’s Office, as well as any other office having a hold on your account, will notify you prior to graduation if there are any holds on your record that will prevent you from receiving your diploma. If you receive financial aid, you must complete an exit interview with the Office of Financial Aid prior to graduation.

Office of Financial Aid - FinAid@Goucher.edu, 410-337-6141

Bursar's Office - billing@goucher.edu, 410-337-6022

What happens to a student who completes degree requirements at the end of the summer or in December?

A clearance form is sent to the appropriate program director. Once you have been cleared for your program plan requirements, your diploma will be mailed to the permanent address on file unless the Registrar’s Office is notified otherwise. Your transcript will also reflect the fact that you graduated and your graduation date.

Are degree candidates exempt from taking final exams?

Degree candidates are not exempt from taking final exams.

What is the minimum GPA required to graduate?

Please consult your program catalog for those requirements.

What grade must be obtained to complete a major requirement?

Please consult your program catalog for those requirements.

How many credits are needed for graduation?

Please consult your program catalog for the total of credits needed for graduation.

How do I receive my diploma?

All students who have completed all degree requirements by May 27, 2023 will be mailed their diploma within a few weeks after the Commencement ceremony. Any student who is not attending the commencement ceremony and will be receiving a diploma in abstentia is to notify Office of the Registrar at registrar@goucher.edu, prior to graduation.

What appears on the diploma?

The Goucher diploma has your name, degree (based on your program), and the date of graduation.

How do I change the name on my diploma from what is in the official school records?

Diplomas are issued in the name recorded in the student records database. The name listed in the program will be the same name listed on your diploma. Your application for degree should reflect this name. No nicknames are allowed. An initial can be used for the first name only if legal documentation can be provided showing that you use only the initial in your legal name. If the name in the database is not correct, documentation is required before any change can be made. See the Name Change Policy page for more detailed information.

GRADUATION REGALIA

When do I receive information about invitations, photographs, and Commencement activities?

Detailed information concerning all aspects of graduation can be found on the Commencement page.

How do I order my cap and gown?

Goucher College will be working with Herff Jones in regards to academic regalia. We are working to get the Herff Jones website up and running. You will receive a link and code to order your regalia and graduate paraphernalia after the February 1 "Application for Degree" deadline. Payment will be processed at the time you submit your order.

COMMENCEMENT

Which degree candidates will be allowed to participate in the Commencement exercises?

As it has been customary, only those earning a master's degree will be invited to this celebration. Because commencement exercises are held only once a year in May, only graduate students who have completed all academic requirements for the appropriate master’s degree and who have settled all college accounts and all student disciplinary matters are allowed to participate. Graduate students in good academic standing who are within six credits of completing graduation requirements may petition to participate in commencement exercises only if they can demonstrate that the remaining credits and requirements will be completed by August 31^st of that year. Students must submit their petition to the Associate Provost for Curriculum at least four weeks prior to Commencement. The commencement program will list all such students as completing degree requirements by August 31 of that year.

Transcripts

Fill out the transcript request form on the Registrar’s website.

If you want to review your own transcript, you can also request an unofficial student copy for your records or view it online through myGoucher. Your ability to access myGoucher will end shortly after you graduate, and you will not be granted further access after that time.

If you want to review your own transcript, you can also request an unofficial student copy for your records or view it online through myGoucher. Your ability to access myGoucher will end shortly after you graduate, and you will not be granted further access after that time.