Early Walking Participation Agreement

Eligible undergraduate students who are unable to complete all graduation requirements before commencement may be able to walk early with approval from their academic college. Early walking allows students to participate in a commencement ceremony before their degree is awarded, but it does not constitute graduation or guarantee a diploma. Review the eligibility criteria, required approvals, and participation agreement below before submitting your request.

Early Walking Agreement Form

Early Walking Policy Eligibility and Proceedures for Students

Criteria for eligibility to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of graduation requirements: 

• Student was registered for all remaining, required coursework in the term in which s/he is requesting to “walk.”
• Student was making good progress in all courses at midterm.
• Student filed a senior audit and intent to graduate.
• Student failed one or more courses in the semester of graduation.
• Student had a GPA at or above 2.0 going into the semester of graduation. 

 
Procedures for participating in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of graduation requirements: 

• Student must obtain permission from her/his academic Dean or Dean’s representative to participate in a commencement ceremony (“walk early”) prior to completing graduation requirements.  
• Student must verify that s/he meets all of the criteria for eligibility to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of graduation requirements.
• Student must meet with her/his Deans office and to develop and file an approved plan to complete the missing coursework*.  
• Student must sign the Early Walking Agreement Form (attached).
• Student must obtain the signature of her/his academic Dean or Dean’s representative on the Early Walking Agreement Form. 

*Student may not use CLEP exams to complete degree if the remaining coursework is in the major, minor, or area of study. 
 
 
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WITH A SINGLE MAJOR.   

 

Early Walking Policy Eligibility and Proceedures for Colleges 

Criteria for eligibility to for students requesting to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of their graduation requirements: 

• Student was registered for all remaining, required coursework in the term in which s/he is requesting to “walk.”
• Student was making good progress in all courses at midterm.  
• Student filed a senior audit and intent to graduate.
• Student failed one or more courses in the semester of graduation.

Student had a GPA at or above 2.0 going into the semester of graduation. 
 
Procedures for colleges to follow when reviewing student requests to participate in a commencement ceremony prior to the completion of graduation requirements: 

• Colleges should confirm that the student meets the criteria for eligibility.  
• Colleges should work with the student to craft a plan for the student to complete the missing coursework.  This may include provision for/accommodation of any of the following considerations:  
• Missing courses may not be offered in the next semester;
• Student may be unable to register for courses in next semester due to financial holds on account;  
• Student may be on a visa type that prevents immediate enrollment in the missing courses.  
• Student must meet with her/his Deans office and to develop and file an approved plan to complete the missing coursework. Student may not use CLEP exams to complete degree if the remaining coursework is in the major, minor, or area of study.
• Student must sign the Early Walking Agreement Form.
• Student must obtain the signature of her/his academic Dean or Dean’s representative on the Early Walking Agreement Form. 
   
  THIS POLICY APPLIES TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WITH A SINGLE MAJOR.