Information for graduating students
Graduates from the School of Professional Studies (SPS) move on to serve their communities in various careers. Many choose positions as healthcare professionals, project managers, data analysts, researchers, investigators, ASL interpreters, and educators in companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Whichever path you choose, you will graduate from KU as a member of our storied legacy of excellence and better prepared to make a difference in the world.
Now, let's get ready for this significant and joyous academic ceremony celebrating your achievements.
Planning and preparing for graduation
Like all KU students, School of Professional Studies students apply for graduation through the registrar. SPS students meet with their academic advisors every semester to track how close they are to graduation. Undergraduate students have access to their Degree Progress Report (DPR), which helps them monitor their progress toward graduation. Graduate students typically track their progress by completing a degree plan they outline with their advisors that maps out each semester in their academic program.
Once students apply for graduation, a preliminary graduation check evaluates their progress to help ensure they will complete all degree requirements.
Regalia is required for the School of Professional Studies ceremonies and Commencement. The KU Bookstore will host a Grad fair at the Edwards Campus on Wednesday, March 12th from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. During the Grad Fair, graduation photos, regalia, class rings, invitations, and more will be available to purchase. If a student needs to borrow regalia for the ceremony they can request it here.
Applying for graduation
- Applications to graduate in the spring semester are typically available on the first business day of July. The undergraduate application deadline is March 1, and the graduate application deadline is the last day of finals.
- Applications to graduate in the summer term are typically available the first business day of September. The undergraduate application deadline is July 15, and the graduate application deadline is the last day of classes.
- Applications to graduate in the fall semester are typically available the first business day of February. The undergraduate application deadline is Nov. 1, and the graduate application deadline is the last day of finals.
When degrees are awarded
The School of Professional Studies awards degrees at the close of each academic semester in December and May. SPS graduates can participate in several graduation celebrations and ceremonies to mark this monumental point in their academic journey.
SPS graduation celebrations
SPS holds its recognition and hooding ceremonies in the Spring. For the 2024- 2025 academic year, the ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 17th in the BEST Conference Center on the KU Edwards Campus. The undergraduate recognition ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. CST, and the Graduate Hooding at 2:00 p.m. CST. RSVPs are due by April 18th! The celebration doesn’t end there!
Join us as we Head to the Hill for the university-wide Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18th . We will meet at Ascher Family Plaza in Lawrence beginning at 9:30 a.m. and walk to Memorial Drive to line up for the procession. You may want to arrive early to locate parking. The closest parking garage is the Mississippi Street parking garage. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Post-graduation
As a graduate of KU, you join a vast and supportive alumni network. Graduates are encouraged to become members of the KU Alumni Association (KUAA), which offers several programs, networks, and career resources.