Graduation Guide (Checklist & Deadlines)
Everything you need to prepare
Congratulations on completing your journey at Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts! Below is information to help you complete the final step and make it through your graduation ceremony.
Get excited for your big moment as you prepare for Commencement celebrations! It’s your moment to be recognized for all you’ve accomplished at Howard, and we’re here to help you do it. Everything you need for your big day is right here. From making sure you’re eligible to graduate to requesting accommodations for your guests, find everything you need to prepare for Commencement. Be sure to complete these tasks and view corresponding due dates, so you don't miss any deadlines.
Share your journey to graduation in photos
You've been on a journey, along with those who have supported you along the way! We invite you to submit up to 4 photos that embody your graduate or undergraduate academic journey at Howard and the people who have supported you along the way (i.e., a photo of you and your family/friends/mentors) and to share a few words of advice for fellow graduates. We'll include it in a rolling video gallery during the College of Fine Arts Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. See your email for photo submission link.
Your Graduation Checklist
Order Your Cap, Gown & Hood
If you missed the HU Bookstore 2025 Graduation Fair you can still order your regalia online from the HU Bookstore. Click on "Main Campus Graduates." Wednesday, April 16is the last day for graduates to order their academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood) online to guarantee delivery in time for Commencement week. Regalia is required at all events.
Order Regalia HereRSVP for 2025 College of Fine Arts Recognition Ceremony
RSVP by Wednesday, April 23, at the link you received via your HU Bison email, for the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Spring 2025 Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) at Cramton Auditorium. The Annual Dean’s Reception for graduates and their families will follow in the lower level of the auditorium.
Order Your 2025 Commencement T-Shirt
Celebrate your achievement with the limited-edition 2025 Commencement T-shirt, now available for pre-order. To order, click the link below, select your size (S, M, L, XL, XXL), and submit payment. Monday, April 7 is the deadline for graduates to order their t-shirts. Pick-up dates are from Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Order Your T-Shirt HereCheck Your Eligibility
Talk with your advisor(s) to ensure you are on track with degree completion requirements and to determine your eligibility to graduate in the Spring 2025 semester. Prospective Spring 2025 graduates must be registered as full-time or part-time students in the semester of their intended graduation.
BisonHubApply to Graduate via BisonHub
Friday, April 18 is the deadline for prospective Spring 2025 graduates to apply for graduation via BisonHub. If you are a Spring 2025 prospective graduate, to participate in commencement activities, you must apply to graduate (use the BisonHub guide "Apply for Program Completion" to complete this process). Please ensure the name indicated on your graduation application (printed on your diploma) is accurate.
Apply via BisonHubCheck Your Transcript via BisonHub
Check your unofficial transcript for missing or incomplete grades from a prior semester and reach out to your professor(s) to submit a change of grade request. You are responsible for resolving any holds on your record or outstanding grades that may impact the release of your diploma or transcript(s).
BisonHubComplete the Graduating Student Exit Survey (GSES)
Upon completion of your academic requirements, we would like to request your help in completing a short survey concerning your plans after graduation for the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment. You will receive the survey link via email. The survey should take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will be kept confidential.
Email for SurveyCheck Your Financial Status
Log on to BisonHub > Student Account > View and Pay Your Bill and ensure that you have no outstanding obligations, financial charges, or financial holds that would prevent you from participating in Commencement ceremonies. You must satisfy all debts or obligations owed to the University to participate.
BisonHubComplete Financial Aid Exit Counseling
Complete the online loan exit counseling required of all borrowers of federal and University-administered student loan programs. Exit counseling provides information regarding the rights and responsibilities of a borrower and a lender/servicer and information about repayment, deferment, and loan cancellation.
Complete exit counselingAccessibility Accommodations
The University's Commencement organizers will provide services to graduates and guests who need accommodations. Sign language interpreting services will be provided at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Recognition Ceremony at Cramton Auditorium and the Main University Commencement Convocation.
AccessibilityOrder Gifts and Announcements
Wednesday, April 16 is the last day for graduates to order academic regalia (cap, gown, and hood) as well as announcements and gifts online from the HU Bookstore (click on "Main Campus Graduates") to guarantee delivery in time for Commencement Week celebrations. Students may also order stoles and diploma frames online from the HU Bookstore.
Order GiftsBag Policy
On Commencement Day, bags that measure no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ are permitted and will be subject to visual screening depending on the size of the bag. Clear bags no larger than a fanny pack are allowed. Medical bags and baby bags will be permitted and must be screened before entry. All other bags will not be allowed into the arena.
Howard Bag PolicyTickets
The 157th Commencement will celebrate the largest graduating class yet at Howard University. Each graduate will initially receive four (4) tickets for guests, with the possibility that more tickets may become available. Please check back for updates, as we're committed to accommodating as many guests as possible to share in this special milestone for the Class of 2025.
Learn More