Commencement

Unable to attend

If you are unable or wish to not attend the commencement ceremony, please follow these instructions to ensure you will receive your diploma.

1 Apply to graduate through your college office.

Colleges have different deadlines. Be sure to apply by these deadlines to ensure your information is included in the commencement program and you receive a diploma for the appropriate semester. Find contact information for your college if you have more questions.

2 Verify the accuracy of your name and degree as it is listed with your college office.

Your name and degree being received will appear on your diploma and in the commencement program exactly as it is listed with your college office. If there is an error, notify your college office by Wednesday, November 27. Please make sure your name appears correctly, as changes will not be made after this date.

  • Name changes entered through the Student Center in Buckeye Link will NOT change the name printed on your diploma. To officially change your name on your academic record, you must submit a Request for Change of Record form online along with appropriate documentation verifying your name change by the date listed above.

3 Update your permanent address on the Buckeye Link website with a mailing address that will be valid for at least one month following commencement.

4 Complete and submit a commencement excused form to your college office.

This form must be completed if you do not plan to attend commencement. The information you provide is essential for you to receive your diploma. Please complete and return this form by Wednesday, November 27.

  • Graduate students do not submit the regular commencement excused form. Graduate Students should indicate a commencement absence by completing the commencement absence section on the Application to Graduate. 
  • If you do not file a commencement excused form, you may not receive your diploma. Diplomas can be picked up at Buckeye Link until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20. If you have not claimed your diploma by this date, it will be mailed to your permanent address, as listed on Buckeye Link, and should be delivered within one month. After this time, missing/undeliverable diplomas from participants who did not attend the commencement ceremony or file a commencement excused form must be replaced at the graduate's expense.

5 Decide how you will receive your diploma: