Rush University's Commencement ceremony is held once a year at the end of the spring quarter. The exact date for Commencement is published in the academic calendar. Students will be notified by the Office of Student Affairs concerning participation in the event. Up-to-date information can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs' web site at: www.rushu.rush.edu/studentlife/commence.html

Students are expected to march in commencement exercises. Information regarding degree requirements, deadlines and eligibility to participate is available at www.rushu.rush.edu/catalog/acadresources/graduation.html. Most students who complete all requirements for the degree by the end of the summer quarter are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony the preceding June. Doctoral candidates normally must have degree requirements completed by May 15th to participate in the June ceremony. Exceptions must be approved in writing by the appropriate college dean and communicated to the Office of the Registrar. Students, whose academic plans change, making them ineligible to participate in the June ceremony will be then eligible to participate the following June should they successfully meet degree requirements. During the ceremony, diplomas are given to students who have completed their programs, discharged their financial obligations to the Medical Center, and returned all library books and other University property. Students will be notified of all outstanding obligations, and the Office of the Registrar will encumber the diplomas and transcripts of students until these obligations are met.