Academic Policies

Course Categories and Delivery Models

The University offers courses in the following four categories: lecture, combined lecture and lab, lab, or clinical. The table below describes the delivery models available in each of the four categories.  

Registration (Certificate- and Degree-Seeking Students)

Students engage with the Office of the Registrar for all activities that affect or reflect course or University enrollment, including add/drop requests, course withdrawal, prerequisite waiver requests, incomplete petitions, leave of absence, and other related items.

All new students are registered by the Office of the Registrar for their first term as a student, except for Accelerated Sciences students. In subsequent terms, most students are responsible for their own registration and for ensuring the accuracy of their schedules. Students have access to their schedule via the University’s portal.

Continuing students are required to complete registration at least seven days prior to the first day of the term; students who do not complete registration by this date will be subject to a late registration fee..

Standard Schedule (Cohort Model)

Most programs at the University follow a cohort model; students follow a lock-step schedule based upon their enrollment status as either a full-time or part-time student. Students who remain with their cohort follow a standard course schedule.

Non-Standard Special Schedule

In cases where a student desires or is required to follow a non-standard special schedule, the student must meet with the Student Support Office or the designated department or program official to create a personalized Degree Completion Plan. The new plan must be approved by the Office of Student Services and by the Dean or Program Director and submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to registration.

Note: Not all programs offer a non-standard special schedule.

Open Registration (Continuing Students Only)

Open registration begins at least six weeks prior to the term. Students are encouraged to register as early as possible but must do so no later than one week prior to the next term. For specific registration dates, see the academic calendar.

Late Registration (Continuing Students Only)

Late registration begins seven calendar days prior to start of the term and ends on the fourteenth calendar day after the start of the term (for 15-week courses) or on the seventh calendar day after the start of the block (for 7 ½-week and 5-week courses). A late registration fee will apply. For specific late registration dates, see the academic calendar. Students should be aware of attendance requirements when registering late for a course.

Registration Fees

Typically, registration fees are charged only for students enrolled in Accelerated Sciences courses.

Registration Holds (Continuing Students Only)

Students with an account hold may not register until the hold is removed. A student account may be placed on hold for the following reasons:

• The student has an outstanding financial obligation.
• The student has failed to complete or provide required documentation (i.e., payment plan, official transcript, prematriculation documentation).
• The student has failed to complete the requirements of contingent admission.
• The student is suspended.
• The student is returning from a Leave of Absence or has requested Reentry or Readmission; in these cases, the returning student will be required to submit a personalized Degree Completion Plan to the Office of the Registrar prior to registration.

Intersession Registration

Intersession courses are held during the breaks between terms. Courses are taught on a shorter, accelerated schedule. Intersession courses require daily attendance and active participation. Registration for intersessions may be done outside of the open registration period. For specific intersession dates, see the academic calendar.

Maximum Credit Hour Loads Per Term

Students who wish to exceed the recommended maximum number of credits determined by their program of study must get the approval of their Dean or Program Director. 

Prerequisite Waiver

Students are not allowed to register for a course if they have not fulfilled the prerequisites through SCU, another university, or through transfer credit or waiver. 

Course Cancellations

The University reserves the right to cancel a course at any time based upon enrollment or other factors.

Registration including Late Registration (Accelerated Sciences)

Accelerated Sciences students are responsible for their own registration and for ensuring the accuracy of their schedules. Accelerated Sciences students have access to registration via the University’s website. The registration deadline is the end of day immediately prior to the start of each block.

Late registration is subject to the time frames below and may be subject to a late registration fee.

• Online interactive, on-ground, and blended courses: late registration allowed if completed prior to the second class session.
• Online courses: late registration allowed if completed prior to the Saturday session of the first week of the block.

Add/Drop Period (Certificate- and Degree-Seeking Students)

Students may adjust their schedule throughout the add/drop period as outlined below. Students are not charged nor is a transcript notation made for courses dropped during the add/drop period. Schedule adjustments made during the add/drop period may impact financial aid eligibility.

Courses dropped after the add/drop period are not eligible for refunds. See the academic calendar for specific add/drop dates. This policy does not apply to Accelerated Sciences.

Please note: In some cases, a course may begin and end during the add/drop period. In these cases, the course is ineligible for add/drop.

Note: “Terms” are 12 or more weeks long. These are sometimes referred to as “Standard Length Terms.” “Blocks” and “Intersessions” are formally designated subsets of terms. (10 Apr 2024)

Withdrawal from a Course (Certificate- and Degree-Seeking Students)

Students may request to withdraw from a course any time after the add/drop period. Some programs may require students to meet with the Student Support Office or with the program prior to course withdrawal.  Students who withdraw from a course after the add/drop period are not eligible for a refund and a notation will appear on the student’s transcript based upon the withdrawal date and circumstances (i.e., W, WF). Students may not request to withdraw from a course after the course has completed. Course withdrawals may impact tuition, academic standing, and financial aid.

Add/Drop and Withdrawal (Accelerated Sciences)

Accelerated Sciences students may drop or withdraw from a course at any time prior to course completion. Courses that are dropped prior to the start of the block are treated as drops and do not appear on the student’s transcript; courses that are dropped after the start of the block are treated as withdrawals. Students will be subject to the applicable Accelerated Sciences refund policy and grading policy based upon the date of drop or withdrawal. 

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence is a temporary interruption in a student’s program of study. A Leave of Absence cannot exceed 180 calendar days in any 12-month period. The students must request a Leave of Absence in writing to the Office of the Registrar. The request must indicate the student’s anticipated return date from the Leave of Absence. In addition:

• Leaves of Absence must be requested in advance, be submitted in writing, be dated, and include the reason for the request.
• Leaves of Absence will not be granted for academic reasons (i.e., to keep the student from failing a course).
• There must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the Leave of Absence.
• Students who intend to take a leave exceeding 180 days will be withdrawn from the University and are subject to reentry or readmission requirements, depending on the length of the absence.   
• Students who fail to return from a Leave within 180 days will be administratively withdrawn from the University effective the first day of the Leave. In these cases, students are subject to reentry and readmission requirements, depending on the length of the absence, and to federal aid repayment requirements.
• Students on Leave may not participate in or hold leadership positions in University organizations or teams or otherwise participate in University events.
• Students who take a Leave of Absence are subject to refund and grading policies based upon their last date of attendance.

Returning from an Approved Leave of Absence

Students on a Leave of Absence are expected to notify the Office of the Registrar of their intent to return in writing at least 30 days prior to their projected reentry date. 

Students returning from a Leave of Absence will be required to meet the degree requirements in place at the time of their original matriculation date. Students who return from a Leave of Absence remain eligible for the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee in place at the time of their original matriculation date. Students must meet with an advisor to review their Degree Completion Plan. The student may be required to move from a Standard Schedule to a Non-Standard Special Schedule upon return. 

Military Leave of Absence

The University recognizes that students who serve in the U.S. armed forces may need to withdraw from a program of study without notice. If a member of the armed forces is called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, the student is eligible for the Military Leave of Absence.

The student must request a Military Leave of Absence in writing to the Office of the Registrar as soon as it is reasonable to do so. A copy of the military orders necessitating the student’s leave must be provided to qualify for a Military Leave of Absence. In addition:

• A Military Leave of Absence may be granted for the period of active duty and up to one year after returning from active duty.
• The Office of Financial Aid will review the student’s account to assist the student with loan deferment and repayment options based upon military service.
• Courses in which the student is currently enrolled will receive a military withdrawal grade (MW) unless the program of study determines that the student is eligible for another grade. 
• Students granted a Military Leave of Absence will receive a full refund and tuition and fees for any course with an MW grade. Students will not be granted a full refund of tuition and fees for other grades, including an Incomplete.

Short-term Military Absence

Students who are members of the military (National Guard, Reserves, Active Duty) who are unable to attend class for fewer than 31 days within a term due to military training or other required services are provided the opportunity to complete course requirements. In these cases, the student works directly with their instructor.  The student must notify the instructor in advance of the short-term leave to develop an agreement for completion of course work (i.e., due dates, assignments, Incomplete grade).  

Withdrawal from the University (Certificate- and Degree- Seeking Students)

Official Withdrawal (Student Initiated)

Students may officially withdraw from the University at any time by submitting a notification of withdrawal in writing to the Office of the Registrar. The date the official withdrawal is received by the Office of the Registrar is used to determine the refund eligibility and grading policy. 

Unofficial Withdrawals (Administrative)

Students may be administratively withdrawn if they fail to attend all courses for fourteen consecutive days without notifying their instructor and/or requesting a Leave of Absence. Students will be issued a warning if they fail to attend all courses for seven consecutive days without notifying their instructor and/or requesting a Leave of Absence. The student’s last date of attendance, as determined by the Office of the Registrar, will be used as the unofficial withdrawal date to determine the refund eligibility and grading policy.                                      

Attendance Policy

All courses have attendance requirements based upon regulatory requirements, program policy, and/or instructor policy. Students are expected to know and follow these attendance requirements.

Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs are expected to attend all classes unless granted an excused absence by their instructor(s) - or, for those students enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic program, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Program, and Master of Science in Chinese Herbal Medicine Program, by the respective Office of the Dean. 

Students enrolled in online courses are expected to engage in learning activities within the first seven days of an online or online interactive course.

Some programs have specific and strict attendance requirements based upon their regulatory, licensing, or accrediting bodies (e.g., the Doctor of Chiropractic program), and students that fail to attend may put themselves at risk academically and may, in some cases, jeopardize their eligibility for financial aid. In these cases, students may be automatically dropped from a course if the number of absences exceeds the maximum allowed (e.g., in the Doctor of Chiropractic program a student must be present at least 90% of class time unless excused by the instructor and approved by the Dean).

Accelerated Sciences students are expected to follow the attendance requirements in place for the course in which they are enrolled; students are expected to attend all class sessions due to the accelerated nature of the course. Accelerated Sciences courses have strict attendance requirements due to the fast-paced nature of the courses. 

Students who fail to attend all courses for fourteen consecutive days are subject to administrative withdrawal.

Excused Absences

Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs may request an excused absence by contacting their instructor directly or, for those students enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic, the Office of the Dean; the instructor or Dean may request documentation to substantiate the excused absence.  

 The following reasons qualify for an excused absence:

• Health issues (such as illness or hospitalization)
• Family emergencies (such as death in the family)
• Jury duty
• Other as determined by the instructor or, in some cases, by the Office of the Dean

Students are required to submit a request for an excused absence to the instructor as soon as possible following the absence (ideally within 24 hours of the absence) and must do so within seven days of the absence. Requests submitted after seven days will not be considered unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from submitting a request (i.e., illness).

When applicable, students may appeal an instructor’s decision regarding an excused absence to the Dean or Program Director, whose determination is final. 

Unexcused Absences

Students with multiple unexcused absences may face consequences in affected courses including course withdrawal (W), withdrawal failure (WF grade), or failure (F grade). Students may also be placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Dismissal.

Online Attendance

Attendance for online classes is defined as active, weekly participation in the course as described in the syllabus. Examples of activities could include, but are not limited to:

• Participating in weekly online chats or discussions
• Submitting or completing assignments
• Commenting on other student contributions
• Actively logged on and participating in class at least three times per week

All courses have attendance requirements based upon program policy, instructor policy, or both. Students are expected to know and follow these attendance requirements.

Downloading Examinations

In certain courses, students are required to download password-protected examinations into secure testing software platforms in advance of examination sessions. These downloadable examinations can be quizzes, midterms, and finals.   

Students should download examinations at least 24 hours prior to the examination to prevent and respond to technical difficulties. Examinations may not be available to download within 1 hour of the start of the exam.

Submissions/uploads of downloaded and completed examinations may be used to determine attendance. Make-ups may be offered by instructors consistent with the excused absence policy.  

Class Cancellations

On occasion, it may be necessary to cancel a scheduled class due to inclement weather or an instructor’s inability to attend. The instructor or designee will send a notice of such cancellations to all students enrolled in the class, insofar as there is an opportunity to do so. In general practice, students are free to assume that a class has been canceled if the instructor is not present within fifteen minutes of the usual starting time, unless the instructor has established an alternate procedure.

Grading Policy

^{*1 - Graduate Programs (except Master of Science: Physician Assistant and Doctor of Occupational Therapy), 2 - Undergraduate and Certificate Programs, 3 - Accelerated Sciences Courses, 4 - Master of Science: Physician Assistant and Doctor of Occupational Therapy}

^{**Incomplete grades are temporary. In addition, transcripts may be temporarily notated with an IP (In Progress) or NR designation (No Grade Received); IP and NR are not grades}

Incomplete Grade

An incomplete grade is a temporary grade awarded by the instructor when extenuating circumstances prevent a student from completing a course. Incomplete grades are not considered passing for the purposes of determining academic standing or financial aid eligibility.

Eligible extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• A death in the family
• Medical hardship
• Family emergency
• Natural disaster
• Recommendation by instructor or academic department.  Typically, this will include a remediation plan.

For a student to request and be eligible for an incomplete grade, the student must:

• Be actively attending the course
• Be passing the course
• Have successfully completed at least 75% of the course
• Petition for an Incomplete Grade

An incomplete course must be completed and a grade submitted within two weeks of the first day of the next term in which the student is enrolled, unless the Dean or Program Director has granted an extension to no later than the 10^th week of the next term. Incomplete courses that are not completed within these timelines are automatically assigned a grade of F by the Office of the Registrar. 

Incomplete Grade Process

To request an incomplete grade, other than when recommended by the instructor or academic department for remediation, students must submit a Petition for Incomplete Grade to their instructor prior to the end of the term or block. The instructor will discuss the remaining requirements with the student, assign a deadline for completing the course, and submit the form to the Office of the Registrar. 

The student must provide:

• The reason(s) that the student cannot complete the remaining course requirements on time.
• As applicable, documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances.

The instructor will determine:

• The course requirements/assignments that the student still needs to complete.
• The deadline for completion and submission of the remaining assignments. Typically, the deadline for final grades to be submitted cannot be more than two (2) weeks from the first day of the start of the next term. Instructors may choose to require an earlier deadline but cannot allow a later deadline without the approval of the Dean or Program Director. In these circumstances, the deadline can be extended but generally should not extend beyond the 10th week of the next term.

The instructor will review the remaining assignments at the deadline and determine the student’s final grade. The instructor is responsible for submitting a change of grade within two weeks of the start of the next term or within one week of the start of the next block to the Office of the Registrar, or up to the end of the 10th week of the next term if approved.

Withdrawal-Failure Grade (WF)

Certificate or degree students who withdraw from a course after 75% of the term has been completed will be assigned a WF. Certificate or degree students who withdraw, are administratively withdrawn, or are dismissed from the University after 75% of the term has been completed will be assigned a WF grade for all courses.  

This grade does not apply to Accelerated Sciences students.

Military Withdrawal (MW)

Only students granted a Military Leave of Absence are eligible for a grade of Military Withdrawal.

Pass/No Pass Option (P/NP)

Some courses are assigned grades on a pass or no pass basis. 

Other courses may be eligible to be taken on a pass or no pass basis. Students must request that a course be taken on a pass or no pass basis at the time of registration. Students are responsible for understanding the impact of pass/no pass grades on their ability to meet the requirements of their program of study or to meet licensure or certification eligibility. Students may elect to revert to the standard letter grading system, or vice versa, during the standard add/drop period, when this is available for the specific course.  

Auditing Courses (AU)

Currently enrolled student and alumni may audit a course on a space available basis at a reduced cost; students-at-large are required to pay full tuition. No grades are issued for audited courses, nor are students required to complete assigned coursework, nor are students automatically able to participate in all class activities. Not all courses are eligible to be audited on a space available basis (i.e., clinical clerkship courses).

Course Remediation

Programs may allow students to remediate F grades immediately after completion of the course. If a course is successfully remediated, the F grade is replaced with a passing grade; the F is removed from the student’s transcript and does not count towards Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal. If a course is unsuccessfully remediated, the F grade remains and is counted toward Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal.

This policy does not apply to the Master of Science: Physician Assistant program or Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. See “Course Failure” in the “Remediation” policy in the Master of Science: Physician Assistant Handbook and “Course Remediation - Doctor of Occupational Therapy” sections of this catalog.

Grade Changes

Grade changes may be granted at the discretion of the instructor. Generally, grade changes are used only to fix an error. Grade changes do not apply to Incompletes.

Students must submit a written request to the instructor to review their grade by the 14^th calendar day of the following term. If the instructor agrees to change the grade, the instructor must submit an official grade change form to the Office of the Registrar by the 28^th calendar day of the following term.

Grade Appeal

A student may appeal a final grade for a course. The student’s first course of action is a conversation with the instructor. If the student is dissatisfied with the instructor’s response, the student may file a formal grade appeal.

Students should be aware that evaluation of student performance is the prerogative and responsibility of the instructor. In questions relating to the quality of student performance, the professional judgment of the faculty member is commonly accepted as authoritative. An appeal is most likely to result in a change of grade for a course or assignment only if it includes documented evidence that there was an error in computing the grade, a posting/clerical error, or that the grade was determined by standards improperly different from those applied to other students in the course.

The following process will be followed for formal grade appeals:

• The student submits a written request for a grade appeal to the Office of the Registrar within one week of the grade being posted. The request must summarize the student’s communication with the instructor, clearly indicate the basis for the appeal, and provide supporting documentation as applicable.
• The Office of the Registrar notifies the Dean or Program Director that a formal grade appeal has been filed.
• The Dean or Program Director (or designee) reviews the materials. If necessary, for clarification, the Dean or Program Director meets with the instructor and/or the student.
• The Dean or Program Director (or designee) renders a final decision within two weeks of the original grade appeal.

The decision of the Dean or Program Director (or designee) is final and cannot be appealed.

Academic Awards and Honors

Each term, students will be reviewed for the Dean’s List, an honor bestowed upon students whose cumulative GPA demonstrates strong academic performance. Students who meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (graduate) and 3.0 (undergraduate and certificate) and are in good standing are named to the Dean’s List.

The Office of the Registrar reviews the academic records of all candidates for degree conferral. Students graduating with a 3.75 cumulative GPA will be designated as having graduated with Honors.

Some programs and departments, at their discretion, may elect to identify a Valedictorian of each graduating class. In addition, some programs may identify students for membership in program-specific honorary societies. 

Enrollment Status

The University has established minimum credit hour requirements by program for determining if a student is full-time, half-time, or less than half-time. Many programs require students to take more than the minimum full-time status listed below.  Students must meet the course load expectations of the program to in which they are enrolled.

(10 Apr 2024)

Continuous Enrollment

All University programs are designed as year-round programs. Students are required to be continuously enrolled from the time of matriculation to degree completion by attending at least half-time. Students who fail to maintain continuous enrollment who do not obtain an approved Leave of Absence will be administratively withdrawn from the University.

Academic Advising

Academic advising is intended to assist students with understanding their degree requirements, addressing academic challenges, and identifying and leveraging student support resources. Academic Advising is also a vehicle through which faculty and staff guide and encourage students in the pursuit of their educational and career goals. In cases where a student is experiencing personal challenges, advisors are encouraged to refer the student to the Office of Student Services.

The University employs a shared model of advising, in which students receive advising services from both their program of study and from the Student Support Office (SSO). A further explanation of academic advising by program appears below.

Academic Good Standing

Students are considered in Academic Good Standing unless they are on Academic Probation.

In-Term Academic Monitoring

Students are evaluated throughout the term by program faculty to provide early intervention for issues that may result in academic challenges up to and including failure, warning, probation, and dismissal. The intent of In-Term Academic Monitoring is to provide students with an opportunity to remediate any skills, behaviors, or attitudes (which can include professionalism) that may impede the student’s ability to meet degree requirements. Generally, in-term monitoring will result in informal faculty intervention, a mandated remediation plan with the faculty, referral to the Student Support Office or another department for assistance, and/or an Academic Development Plan. It may also result in an Academic Warning or Academic Probation.

^{*Please note: The program may initiate other monitoring efforts. For example, a program may choose to more closely monitor students in their first term of enrollment.}

Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Academic Dismissal

Students are placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Academic Dismissal any time that any item in the table below occurs.     

Appeal of Academic Dismissal

Students who have been academically dismissed may appeal the decision by submitting a written letter of appeal to the Office of the Provost within two weeks of the date of notification as determined by the date of the letter or email notifying the student of dismissal. Appeals of academic dismissal will be considered only on the basis of extenuating circumstances such as health, financial, legal, or personal issues that contributed to the dismissal.

Students in programs leading to professional licensure will have more stringent review of any extenuating circumstances reported in appeal, given the expectations of independent judgement and professionalism attendant to licensure.   

Students who have previously been academically dismissed may appeal; such appeals are viewed with increased scrutiny and concern.

Students may be permitted to remain temporarily enrolled while the appeal is considered at the discretion of the Provost or designee. 

The Provost or designee will decide, with or without the assistance of others, whether or not to reinstate the student. The outcome decision is final and not subject to further appeal. If the appeal of academic dismissal is granted and the student is reinstated, they may be placed on probation and required to participate in an Academic Development Plan.  

Please note: A student may be ineligible for financial aid even if they are temporarily re-enrolled during appeal or are reinstated as a result of an academic appeal. Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Financial Aid prior to returning.

Reapplication to the University after Dismissal

Students who have been dismissed from the University are ineligible for reentry or readmission to the same program.  Students who have been dismissed from the University may reapply to another University program.

Students must reapply and go through the same admissions process as first-time applicants.  Students must notify the admissions office that they are reapplying after having previously been dismissed from another University program. 

The following conditions must be met as part of the reapplication process:

• The student must fulfill all outstanding financial obligations to the University or arrange a payment plan with the Office of Student Accounts. 
• The student must meet with an advisor to develop a personalized Academic Development Plan. 
• Student seeking financial aid must meet with the Office of Financial Aid to review financial aid eligibility.

Academic Development Plans

Academic Development Plans (ADPs) are intended to support students who may be at-risk academically. The plan is typically developed by the Student Support Office in consultation with the student’s program of study.   In some cases, the plan is developed by the student’s program of study, then shared with the Student Support Office (e.g., the Master of Science: Physician Assistant program, Doctor of Chiropractic). The ADP is intended to support the student in meeting academic expectations.

Students may be placed on an Academic Development Plan:

• on the recommendation of their program of study (e.g., as a result of in-term monitoring).
• because they have been placed on Academic Warning.
• because they have been placed on Academic Probation.

The ADP will stay in place for at least one term and will consist of one or more of the following:

• Complete special assignments.
• Participate in mandatory exam prep workshops.
• Participate in mandated tutoring.
• Participate in mandated remediation.
• Complete mandatory success modules or related workshops.
• Attend one-on-one advising sessions.
• Participate in additional skills labs or technique sessions.
• Move from a Standard Schedule to a Non-Standard Special Schedule (also referred to as deceleration).
• Audit or retake all or a portion of a course previously taken.
• Take a Leave of Absence during which specific academically related requirements must be met.

Failure to comply with or meet the requirements of an ADP may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the University.

Student Success Modules and Workshops

The Office of Student Services has developed a series of workshops and online modules intended to assist students in improving their skills, ability, or knowledge in a given area (e.g., Chemistry, Study Skills). These modules may be taken voluntarily, may be required under the terms of contingent admissions, may be assigned by the student’s program of study, or may be required as part of an Academic Development Plan. These modules and workshops are typically available to students at no cost.

Technology Requirements

Students are required to have technology equipment and software necessary to successfully complete their program of study. Technology requirements are detailed in an enrollment agreement or other disclosures signed by all students prior to matriculation. 

The University strives to minimize changes in technology requirements. However, because technology continues to rapidly advance, students may be required to acquire or purchase additional or different technology hardware, software, or services throughout their time at the University. The Office of Student Services will alert students of changes in technology requirements, as necessary.  

Petition to Graduate and Degree Conferral

Students are required to petition to graduate via the University’s portal by the end of the second week of the term prior to their final term. This allows the Office of the Registrar to conduct a degree audit and determine a degree conferral date. It also allows the Office of the Registrar to clear the student to attend the commencement ceremony.

Participation in Commencement

Commencement is a ceremony and does not constitute degree completion nor result in the conferral of a degree. Students who wish to participate in commencement must notify the Office of Student Services of their intent to participate. Students are eligible to participate in the annual commencement ceremony as indicated in the table below. Students may request an exception to this policy with the approval of the Office of Student Services.