Graduation Checklist

Apply for Graduation, Register for Commencement and Order Regalia 

Rush University will recognize over 800 graduating students at its 52nd commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2 pm at the Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, Ill.

“Graduation” is an academic distinction that refers to earning a degree and obtaining a diploma. “Commencement” is the ceremony celebrating your graduation.

Apply for Graduation

  • Fall graduates: please complete your Intent to Graduate Form by Friday, December 15, 2023 to verify your name and order regalia.
  • Spring and Summer graduates: please complete your Intent to Graduate Form by Saturday, February 24, 2024 to verify your name and order regalia.

The Office of the Registrar will send the Degree Approval form to the student’s program director a few weeks prior to the degree conferral date that is posted on the academic calendar. These forms do not require the student’s signature. Program directors will communicate with their students regarding the Degree Approval form process if anything is needed from the student. Completed forms will be sent by the program director to the Office of the Registrar by the last day of the graduation term.

Doctoral students, please submit your dissertation title by Saturday, February 24, 2024 to have it listed in the Commencement program.

Update your diploma address to ensure your diploma is mailed to the correct address.

If applicable, complete the Name Change form by Friday, December 15, 2023 for Fall Graduates, and Saturday, February 24, 2024 for Spring and Summer Graduates.

Register for the Commencement Ceremony

Attending the Commencement ceremony is optional, but completing the Intent to Graduate form is required.

Please be aware that selecting ‘Yes’ to attending Commencement allows, for purposes of the ceremony only, release of directory information. See the Rush University Graduation and Commencement policy for more information.

GradFest is a way to celebrate and prepare students for graduation and ceremony. Check back for details regarding Fall and Spring GradFest events.

For specific details about the ceremony, review the Commencement Information for Students page

Graduates participating in the Commencement ceremony will be handed a diploma cover when walking across the stage. Diplomas will be mailed to the address on the Intent to Graduate form approximately 2-3 weeks after degree conferral.

Students in PhD and thesis-track master’s programs completing their degrees in Summer 2024 will be invited to the Commencement ceremony in 2025.

Please note, certificate-seeking students are not eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. However, an Intent to Graduate Form is still required in order for the certificate to be conferred.

Meet All Graduation Requirements

To ensure you meet all degree requirements, please meet with your faculty advisor.

Settle All of Your Rush University Accounts

Graduates with unpaid financial obligations will not receive their diplomas until those obligations are met. Review your financial status through Self-Service on the University Portal and follow-up with the following offices, as appropriate:

  • Financial Aid
  • Financial Affairs
  • Rush University Library
  • Parking Office
Order Commencement Items 

Below are links to purchase other Commencement related items with the Rush University logo, such as announcements, thank you notes, diploma frames, class rings and more.

Jostens

Rush University Matthews Bookstore