Graduation Timeline

The timeline below provides step-by-step information on what to expect up to and during graduation.

Step 1: Decide if You Are Attending or Not Attending a Ceremony

If You Are Not Attending a Ceremony

It is not necessary to fill out any forms. The Office of the Registrar will automatically mail your diploma approximately eight weeks after completion of your final class and all program and financial requirements have been confirmed by University officials according to the University Catalog. For questions regarding diplomas, please email the Office of the Registrar at rsupport@purdueglobal.edu.

Step 2: Determine Which Ceremony to Attend

University Graduates

You've decided to attend a ceremony—great! Here’s what to do next:

Determine Eligibility—Review your remaining credits and expected graduation date on your degree plan to determine when your degree will be completed as your degree must be completed before the date of the ceremony. You may also contact your Student Advisor to review your remaining requirements.
Determine which ceremony is for you—Once you have your expected graduation date, visit the Graduation Center page to view the ceremonies taking place after your degree is complete.
Review Financial Obligations—Participating in the graduation ceremony can be a financial commitment, as students are responsible for any costs associated with getting to the ceremony, including airfare, hotel, etcetera. Because costs vary with each ceremony, we recommend researching your costs before registering to attend the ceremony.

Step 3: Register to Attend the Ceremony

Students must register to attend the ceremony by the posted deadline. Visit the Graduation Center page to view specific registration instructions. Note: it is not necessary to wait until you reach your final term to register. As long as Student Support has confirmed your degree is scheduled to be completed prior to the ceremony date, you may register as soon as registration opens.

Order Your Cap and Gown—Caps and gowns are available through Jostens. Orders will open for each ceremony approximately 4 months prior to the ceremony and will close 7 weeks prior; orders will be available on the ceremony’s information page when open. Orders take up to 7 weeks to process, so be sure to order by the posted ordering deadline.
Make Your Travel Plans—Students who do not reside near the ceremony venue are responsible for making all necessary travel plans to get to the ceremony. We recommend booking your airfare and hotel early to avoid high prices.*

*It is recommended that graduates and guests refrain from booking travel accommodations until after the ceremony registration opens. In the event of a schedule change, Purdue Global is not responsible for reimbursing travel costs or other expenditures associated with attending the ceremony.

Helpful Hints

Be Prepared to Walk—Before processing into the theater, you will line up in a holding area with your classmates. There is moderate distance between the holding area and the theater, which may include stairs. Handicapped parking, sign language interpreters, early Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seating and a designated ADA seating area will be available the day of the ceremony for both students and guests, however, if further assistance will be required, please contact graduation@purdueglobal.edu.
Do Not Arrive Earlier Than Requested—While we encourage you to arrive early enough to become familiar with the area, if you do not have questions or do not require assistance, please refrain from arriving more than an hour prior to the start of the ceremony to avoid long wait periods.

Step 4: Life After Graduation

Graduation is now behind you, but Purdue University Global has more to offer.

Join the Purdue Alumni Association. As a graduate, you are now part of the alumni family. The Purdue Alumni Association harnesses the power of more than 600,000 alumni and a world-class institution to enrich the personal, professional, and intellectual lives of alumni and advance the University’s mission.
Explore the Alumni page to stay connected with fellow graduates and peers, and to take advantage of the many benefits available to Purdue Global graduates, including discounts with select retailers, continuing your education, and more.
Career Services provides resume and job search assistance. Check out the career search tools available through the Career Network. The Career Network is accessible via the Purdue Global portal to currently enrolled students and graduates of Purdue Global. It is a social platform for our students and alumni to collaborate with each other and the Career Services team. You can search for jobs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as track your job search activity.
Check out our social channels to stay connected with us in the social media community: