Office of the Registrar Commencement Participation

Participation in graduation ceremonies is a celebration of work accomplished and is reserved for those students who will complete all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester. An exception to participate in commencement will be made if a student can complete their remaining degree requirements in Mayterm. In these cases, students must be registered in the appropriate Mayterm classes by March 15.

In extenuating circumstances only, a student may petition the Academic Senate for an exception to this policy.  The petition must be submitted to the Student Records Office by March 15 and will be reviewed according to the following guidelines:

1. The petition must explain the extenuating circumstances that prevent the student from completing degree requirements at the end of spring semester or Mayterm.
2. The petition must include a written plan demonstrating how the requirements will be met during the summer immediately following the graduation ceremony.
3. The plan may include a maximum of eight (8) pre-approved units to be completed after commencement.

Students who exit Westmont at the conclusion of fall semester (December) will be allowed to complete a maximum of eight (8) pre-approved units during the following spring semester away from Westmont to complete remaining degree requirements and to be eligible to participate in commencement. 

Degrees for Mayterm candidates are conferred as of June. Degrees for summer candidates are conferred as of August. Degrees will not be awarded until work is completed and grades are recorded and computed.