Commencement
Ceremony Details
Important Commencement Update
The Commencement Committee recommended, and the President approved, the University move from two Commencement ceremonies a year to a single ceremony in the Spring. This decision was reached to first prioritize an on-campus outdoor ceremony that centers on robust goodwill and celebration. It was also made in an effort to offer all graduates from all programs and their families the opportunity to experience the Baccalaureate and Commencement celebrations.
For those of you completing your coursework this summer, please note that your degree will still be officially conferred on August 22nd and for those of you whose coursework will be completed in the fall semester, your degree will be officially conferred on December 20th – it is simply the ceremony memorializing and celebrating your achievement that does not take place until May 7th, 2022.
For questions about this change, please email commencement@simpsonu.edu.
Regalia
Caps/Gowns: Regalia is usually received around March or April. Please continue to check our website and your Simpson email for updates on when and where to pick it up. If you do not plan to attend Commencement but would still like your cap and gown, please fill out the Request to Mail Cap and Gown form and return to registrar@simpsonu.edu.
Honor cords are calculated by your final GPA or your previous semester’s GPA (if final courses are still In-Progress). They will be handed out with your caps/gowns.
Master’s Hoods are handed out with your caps/gowns.
Cap Tassels will be handed out at the GRADUATION REHEARSAL on May 6th.
Tickets: At this time, Commencement will be held outdoors and will not be ticketed, but please keep the seating needs of your fellow students and their families in mind when deciding how many people to invite.
- Cum Laude: 3.5-3.59 GPA (1 Cord)
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.6-3.84 GPA (2 Cord)
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.85-4.0+ GPA (3 Cord)
- Distinction: 3.8+ GPA (Degree Completion only)
- Highest Honors (Degree Completion only)
Commonly Asked Questions