Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

When is the personalized slide for virtual commencement due?

Slides must be submitted by April 14, 2021.

How do I submit my personalized slide?

Students should have received a text to access the submission form via their cell phone. If you did not receive the text message,

Class of 2020 (December 2019, May 2020 and summer 2020 graduates)

Please text "SXU 2020" to 58052 to access the submission form.

Class of 2021

Please text "SXU 2021" to 58052 to access the submission form.

Do I have to use the social media filters for my picture?

No, students may select a professional picture or any picture of their choosing and upload it from a site accessible on their cell phone.

Will my name still be included in the virtual Commencement ceremony if I do not submit a personalized slide?

Yes, your name and school will still be included as part of the virtual Commencement ceremony even if you do not submit a personalized slide.

Transfer Credits

If your degree completion is dependent upon additional transfer credit, it is your responsibility to submit official transcripts once final grades are posted. Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Records and Registration. Your degree will not be posted if you have outstanding transfer credit.

How To Order Transcripts

Visit the mySXU portal: Click on the Student tab > Academic Profile > Request Official Transcript. Click on the "Request a Transcript" button. Transcript Ordering Services will open in a new window. Click on the "Begin Order" button. Complete all the required fields. After payment information is entered, be sure to click "Authorize Now" and sign electronically.

Diplomas

Diplomas** will be mailed out by the Office of Records and Registration the week of:

• For spring 2021 graduates: June 28, 2021
• For summer 2021 graduates: September 7, 2021

Degrees will also be posted on student records on the date listed above. When ordering transcripts, be sure to indicate if you need the transcript to be held for degree notation.

**Diplomas or transcripts will NOT be released if you have any financial holds on your account.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams

To receive credit via CLEP, the exam must be successfully completed before the virtual Commencement ceremony.

Graduation Fee

The graduation fee is charged to all students once they have completed 90 hours of coursework (at the undergraduate level) and 24 hours of coursework (at the graduate level), regardless of their decision to participate in the virtual Commencement ceremony. The fee covers expenses including the diploma, diploma cover, regalia, and mailing and administrative costs related to the degree audit and transcript posting. This has always been the practice related to the graduation fee and does not represent a change in policy due to the virtual format.

Honors Cords

This year, honors cords are being distributed in advance to provide recognition for graduates during the commencement walks.

Honors cords distributed prior to the end of this semester are anticipated honors based upon grades posted to the student record, excluding the current active semester.

Students who are eligible for honors based on anticipated honors will receive an email from Records and Registration and can pick up their honors cords in the offices of Records and Registration between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The honors posted on the transcript as part of the student's official record are based upon grades earned through the final semester.

Due to the timing of cord distribution and final grade reporting, honors posted to the official transcript may differ from anticipated honors.

If you have questions, please contact gradapplFREESXU.