Requirements for Undergraduate Graduation

Requirements for Graduation

  • It is the personal responsibility of the student to ensure that all academic requirements in general education and in major and minor programs are satisfactorily completed.
  • The requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration are the following:
  • Satisfactory completion of all course requirements including general education courses, major courses, and any declared minor courses.
  • Proof of a grade of "C" or higher for each transfer course, including those from Stonehill sponsored programs (both abroad and domestic), or those taken as part of SACHEM or any other consortia agreement. Evidence of satisfactory completion must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by the due date for final senior grades.
  • A cumulative grade point average of a 2.00 or above.  A student who fails to achieve the minimum 2.00 average at the end of the fourth year may be granted one additional semester to achieve it.
  • Beginning with the Class of 2019, a GPA of 2.00 or above in all declared majors and minors.
  • For students in the Classes of 2014 - 2017: satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits, at least 60 of which must be taken at Stonehill. Beginning with students in the Class of 2018: satisfactory completion of a minimum of 124 credits, at least 62 of which must be taken at Stonehill.  Beginning with the Class of 2021: satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits, at least 60 of which must be taken at Stonehill.
  • Students must spend at least eight semesters in full-time attendance, unless the period is reduced by advanced standing credit from another institution. A student who wishes to graduate in fewer than the expected eight semesters should petition for accelerated degree completion no later than the end of the first-semester of the junior year. This requirement does not apply to students attending part-time.
  • Enrollment in the College or a College-sponsored program for at least two years, one of which is the final year. 
  • Have a completed Application for Graduation on file in the Registrar's Office.

The student is responsible for payment of all financial obligations to the College, and diplomas and academic transcripts are withheld until such obligations have been satisfied. 

Degrees ordinarily are conferred by the College at the public commencement exercises. Candidates for degrees are to be present at these exercises unless excused by the Office of Academic Affairs.

Graduation Dates

While Stonehill only holds one public Commencement Exercise in May, students who take fewer or more than the traditional eight semesters to complete their degree requirements may earn their degree at the end of the summer (September 1st) or at the end of the fall semester (December 31st).

May Commencement Exercises will normally be held on the 3rd Sunday of May, when May is a four week month, and on the 4th Sunday of May, when May is a five week month.

Candidates for May degrees are to be present at these exercises unless excused by the Provost's Office.

To be eligible for May Graduation

A student must satisfactorily complete all degree, major, and general education requirements by no later than the final due date for spring senior grades.

The official date of graduation on the diploma and transcript will be the date of May Commencement.

To be eligible for September 1st Graduation

A student must satisfactorily complete all degree, major, and general education requirements by no later than August 20th of that year.

The official date of graduation on the diploma and transcript will be September 1st. Diplomas will be mailed by October.

To be eligible for December 31st Graduation

A student must satisfactorily complete all degree, major, and general education requirements by no later than the final due date for fall semester grades.

The official date of graduation on the diploma and transcript will be December 31st. Diplomas will be mailed by February.

Students who graduate on September 1st or December 31st will be considered part of the following year's graduating class year. Students who continue part-time to complete their degree requirements may not be eligible for Financial Aid or student housing.

Participation in Commencement Exercises

Any student who has completed all official degree requirements by the final due date for Senior spring grades and who has an approved "Application for Graduation" on file in the Registrar's Office will be allowed to participate in May Commencement Exercises.

Seniors who are within two courses of meeting their graduation requirements and have submitted an approved "Application to Participate in Commencement" to the Registrar's Office by the last day of spring final exams may be eligible to participate in the May Commencement prior to completion of the final requirements. Students must also have an approved plan to complete these final requirements during the summer on file with the Office of Academic Services & Advising as part of the application to participate process.

Students approved to participate in Commencement prior to the completion of all final requirements will be noted in the Commencement Program without final honors designation. Diplomas will be mailed to these students upon completion and certification of all final requirements on the College's next official date of degree conferment.

September graduates who participate in the May Commencement prior to their degree completion may not participate in the following May Commencement. September graduates who do not attend the May Commencement prior to degree completion are automatically included in the next May Commencement.

December graduates may not participate in the Commencement prior to degree completion. December graduates are automatically included in the May Commencement following degree completion.

 

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