CONGRATULATIONS, COUGARS!
Commencement is quickly approaching! We look forward to celebrating your accomplishment with you and your loved-ones. Graduates can expect diplomas delivered to their home approximately 12 weeks after conferral. Student names and mailing addresses will reflect the information on the graduate’s student portal. Any changes to first name, last name, or mailing address should be sent from the graduate’s university email to studentservices@cleary.edu. This should be completed by the last day of the graduate’s final semester. Cleary University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony:
The following security measures are implemented to ensure the safety of all attendees:
Screening Process:
Prohibited Items:
The following items are not allowed inside the Center:
Allowed Items (Subject to Inspection):
The following items may be permitted after inspection:
Additional Information:
Entrances and Screening Locations:
We recommend planning ahead to ensure a smooth entry process.
Students will receive a printed diploma when all degree requirements have been fulfilled and all outstanding financial balances have been paid in full. This process takes approximately 12 weeks after final semester grades are submitted for students with no outstanding balances. Diplomas are printed three times per year to accommodate graduates who missed their original print date due to a balance being owed.
No. The commencement ceremony is a public recognition of graduates but is not a requirement to graduate. Nor does attendance officially confer the degree. Degree conferral will be completed for each potential graduate following the posting of their final grades in their final semester. This process takes 4-8 weeks to complete and diplomas are mailed out following the conferral process. Please see the previous question for details about receiving the diploma.
The Graduation Fee is $200. Students have been charged a graduation fee for both the FA25 and SP26 semesters. SU26 students were notified that they need to pay this and that it has been added to their SU26 tuition bill. The graduation fee covers the degree audit, conferral, and verification process. The graduation fee also covers the cost of the diploma and diploma cover, program expenses, mailing fees, and other expenses associated with graduation. All graduates are listed in the Commencement Program, and all graduates must pay the fee, regardless of attendance at the ceremony.
Undergraduate academic honors printed on the diploma are computed based on all graded academic work completed at Cleary University. A bachelor’s degree (BBA and BS) candidate who maintains a GPA of 3.5 or above is recognized as follows:
GPA | HONORS |
3.50-3.69 | cum laude “with distinction” |
3.70-3.89 | magna cum laude “with great distinction” |
3.90-4.00 | summa cum laude “with the highest distinction” |
Students completing an ABA or AAS with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher graduate ‘With Honors.’
Academic honors are not offered as part of the graduate program.
If you need immediate confirmation of your degree (for example, for a current or potential employer), contact records@cleary.edu to request a confirmation of degree letter.
Our main focus at this ceremony is to celebrate students who have completed their degree programs or certificates. We also honor students who have attained special achievements. Although we do not give out actual diplomas until all graduation requirements are met, we will be giving each graduating student a diploma cover. We also recognize the significance of this ceremony with appropriate pomp and circumstance, plus words of wisdom from honorable guests.
We ask graduates to arrive at 12:30 pm to prepare for the ceremony. Students will check-in at the designated location at the Gervin GameAbove Center – the lower-level auditorium. Late arrivals will not be able to walk in the procession or sit with their class, so please arrive early. The ceremony takes about 90 minutes. At the end of the ceremony, plan for another 30 – 60 minutes to find your family, take pictures, and exit the stadium.
Cleary University has retained GradFoto to take photos during Commencement. Students will receive an email to purchase photos within five business days after the ceremony.
Privacy: Please be aware that Cleary University live-streams the ceremony on its website for the benefit of family members and friends who are unable to attend. Cleary University keeps a permanent recording of this live-stream for archival purposes.
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