Graduation
Graduation Ceremonies - IWU graduation ceremonies are held two times a year. Degrees are conferred and posted to the student's transcript on these dates. Four additional conferral dates are available in between the graduation ceremonies in which degrees may be conferred and posted to the student’s transcript should all requirements be completed.
Eligible students are notified by the Office of Student & Faculty Support Services of procedures and requirements concerning graduation.
Each student must complete an “Application for Graduation” provided by the Office of Student & Faculty Support Services. This application indicates the student’s intent to graduate and initiates the final evaluation of the student’s academic record.
Students are also asked to inform the university as to whether they will be attending the ceremony. This allows the university to determine the number of tickets available for students who are attending. If a student cannot attend graduation due to unforeseen circumstances, the degree is still conferred; however, attendance at a future graduation is not an option.
Graduation Requirements - All requirements must be met and transcripted by the date established by the Office of Student & Faculty Support Services prior to the degree conferral date. Students taking internal or external coursework need to make sure that transcripts, grades, and scores can be received and transcripted by the deadline date.
Students may receive one degree only per commencement. Students meeting requirements for more than one degree must apply for and participate in two different ceremonies. Any university-approved dual degree program is an exception to this policy.
Students who have received a degree from IWU and have returned to meet requirements for an additional major at the same degree level will have the second major posted to their existing degree. The second major can only be posted at one of the six conferral dates, and students receiving the second major are not eligible to participate in another graduation ceremony.
Academic Honors (Baccalaureate Candidates) - Academic Honors are awarded at commencement to baccalaureate degree candidates with the identified grade point averages listed below. Academic Honors are not awarded to associate’s or master’s degree students. Academic Honors are based upon the Honors grade point average (GPA). It should be noted that the Honors GPA includes transfer grades and as a result may differ from a student’s cumulative GPA. For student enrolled in undergraduate programs at the Marion campus, Academic Honors listed in the commencement program are based on all IWU academic work completed one semester prior to the student’s final semester and all transfer work. Academic Honors listed on the official transcript and diploma will reflect all applicable academic work at the time of conferral. Academic Honors are awarded based on the following criteria:
- A minimum of 80 graded hours from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body or the Association for Biblical Higher Education (formerly the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges).
- A minimum of 40 graded hours must be from Indiana Wesleyan University.
- The student’s current Honors GPA, as listed on the student’s degree audit, which includes transfer grades.
Baccalaureate degree candidates will be awarded Honors as follows:
- GPA of 3.5 or higher - “cum laude” (with honors).
- GPA of 3.7 or higher - “magna cum laude” (with high honors).
- GPA of 3.9 or higher - “summa cum laude” (with highest honors).
Diplomas - Diplomas are mailed after the conferment of degrees. Diplomas indicate degree earned, date of degree, and honors (bachelor's only). A student’s financial account must be settled to receive a diploma.
