Frequently Asked Questions

01. How do I petition for graduation?
02. What if I fail to submit my application by the deadline?
03. What if I need to make changes after I submit my diploma (application?
04. How will I know what courses I need to take or how many credits I need for graduation?
05. How can I resolve discrepancies on my transcript?
06. Are there any special fees associated with graduation?
07. How can I detect possible holds on my account that could prevent me from receiving my diploma?
08. When and how will I know that I have completed all of the requirements and am cleared for graduation?
09. What are the GPA requirements for receiving Honors?
10. What if I don't complete degree requirements by the August deadline?
11. Where do I get information concerning:

Cap/Gown
Invitations/Pictures/Senior activities

12. Whom do I contact regarding tickets to the commencement ceremony?
13. How do I receive my diploma after the commencement ceremony?

1. Q: How do I petition for graduation?
At the beginning of your senior year, you will begin by completing an application for degree form and submitting it to the Registrar's Office, Rockefeller Hall Rm. 107, by the first week following early spring registration. ( Click here for Deadlines) (Should Link to:http://www.spelman.edu/registrar/seniorclass.html )

2. Q: What if I fail to submit my application by the deadline?
Failure to submit this form by the posted deadline will delay processing of your academic record and diploma order. Seniors will have a second opportunity to submit their applications in the fall semester one week following arena registration. Please Note: The Registrar's Office takes NO responsibility for your neglect.

3. Q: What if I need to make changes after I submit my
diploma application?
You must, submit all changes to the Registrar's Office no later than the first week in November in order for you to have your diploma mailed immediately after commencement. Any submitted changes after the deadline will cause a serious delay in processing your diploma order. If you have a CHANGE OF GRADUATION DATE, it is imperative that you contact the Registrar's Office in order to avoid unnecessary Graduation Fees and Academic Record HOLDS.

4. Q: How will I know what courses I need to take or how many credits I need for graduation?

You may find out graduation requirements by referencing the bulletin for the year that you entered and/or going to www.spelman.edu under the Registrar's link.
Print a copy of your transcript from the Internet by going to Banner Web. If you need help, refer to the Student Web Registration Instructions.
Contact your major advisor and thoroughly review your record with him/her. During your appointment, your major advisor will inform you of major requirements that need to be fulfilled.

Sign up for a SENIOR APPOINTMENT on the SENIOR BULLETIN BOARD, to the right of the Registrar's Office, starting the 3rd Monday in September. You are assigned to a graduation advisor alphabetically, according to your last name. During your appointment, your graduation advisor will review your record with you and inform you of the core and divisional requirements as well as the number of credit hours that need to be fulfilled.

5. Q: How can I resolve discrepancies on my transcript?
You can resolve discrepancies on your transcript during your senior appointment with your graduation advisor in the Registrar's Office.

6. Q: Are there any special fees associated with graduation?
Yes. A fee is charged to seniors who have submitted a degree application. This fee will cover the rental of your cap and gown, and the purchase of your hood and diploma. In the event that you do not graduate, promptly inform the REGISTRAR'S OFFICE. We will contact STUDENT ACCOUNTS to have the fee removed.

7. Q: How can I detect possible holds on my account that could prevent me from receiving my diploma?
Verify any holds on your account at www.spelman.edu, and then contact the department that placed the hold.

8. Q: When and how will I know that I have completed all of the requirements and am cleared for graduation?
Once you've completed all requirements, confirmed completion of requirements with your advisor(s), and cleared all financial holds, a final clearance letter will be available for you to pick up the Thursday before graduation (same day as graduation rehearsal) in the Science Center Lobby at 2:30 PM .

9. Q: What are the GPA requirements for receiving Honors?
Latin Honors-

Cum Laude 3.4
Magna Cum Laude 3.6
Summa Cum Laude 3.8

Departmental Honors- Contact your departmental chairperson.

10. Q: What if I don't complete my degree requirements by the August deadline ? (Usually the last business day in August)
You must reapply by submitting another degree application to the Registrar's Office in order to reactivate the processing of your academic record and your diploma order. You may obtain the necessary forms from Registrar's Office via pick-up, mail, or fax.

11. Q: Where do I get information concerning:

Cap/Gown
Invitations/Pictures/Senior activities

BOOK STORE SENIOR CLASS COUNCIL

12. Q: Whom do I contact regarding tickets to the commencement ceremony?
Contact the Director of Special Events in the Office of Institutional Advancement: Ms. Sandy Anderson, ext. 5056.

13. Q: How do I receive my diploma after the commencement ceremony?
PICK UP: Diplomas will be available for pick up the Monday following graduation in the lobby of the Cosby building starting at 10:00 a.m. You are required to first, return your academic regalia to the Bookstore and obtain a clearance slip before picking up your diploma. Your diploma will not be issued to you without this slip.

MAILING: If you would like to have your diploma mailed, simply provide the Registrar's Office with the address to which you would like to have it mailed. Please ensure that the address is correct. Spelman College Office of the Registrar takes no responsibility for incorrect mailing information.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PERMANENT ADDRESS IS UPDATED WITH THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE!