Union offers the following undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
STUDENT CHECKLIST FOR COMMENCEMENT
Use this form to submit your name as it should appear in the commencement program (brochure), to confirm your name as it will appear on your diploma and your mailing address. Please note the form closes on May 1st.
To qualify for a degree, a student must:
- Satisfactorily complete 12 terms of study at Union, including 36 term courses plus any additional courses taken as electives or to satisfy program requirements.
- The engineering programs require 40 courses over 12 terms. Please see exceptions to the requirement of 12 terms of study in the section, "Academic Calendar and Enrollment Requirements" of the academic catalog.
- For two-degree programs, refer to the section, "Combined Degree Programs." Satisfactorily complete requirements in the Common Curriculum (General Education or Complex Questions.
- Satisfactorily complete requirements in the major field, degree program, or interdepartmental major, including senior capstone requirements such as a senior thesis, as applicable;
- Attain minimum cumulative indices of 1.800 overall, and 2.000 in the major (and 2.000 in the minor if a minor has been declared).
- Prior to graduation, a student should pay all sums due to the Finance Office and make satisfactory payments of any other financial obligations assumed while in college, and should return all books and materials borrowed from the library.
- The individual student is solely responsible for assuring that the program presented for graduation fulfills all requirements, both in general and in specialized study.
- The Office of the Registrar should be consulted when questions arise about the satisfaction of graduation requirements.
- For questions concerning graduation, please contact the Registrar's Office.
APPLY FOR GRADUATION
Please visit Student Self Service and applications for graduation directly online.
If you need assistance with the application, please reach out to registrar@union.edu
PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION
- All students who start with a class may march with that class at Commencement, subject to the following conditions:
- They must be in good academic standing*;
- They must be enrolled at Union for at least one of the three terms of the year in which they are marching; and,
- There exists a path to completion of degree requirements by the end of the summer and/or fall term following the June Commencement.
- In circumstances falling outside of these parameters, students can request an exception from the Dean of Studies.
- Diplomas will be mailed to students that have completed all degree requirements 6 to 8 weeks after Commencement. Any student who has not completed degree requirements will need to follow up with the registrar's office regarding outstanding coursework and requirements.
- Once the student has completed all program, degree and College requirements, the Registrar's Office will confer the degree at the next conferral date, and a diploma will be mailed.
- If a student faces an unresolved charge pertaining to the honor code or conduct code, that student may be denied the opportunity to participate in the Commencement ceremony.
LATIN HONORS
Union College recognizes academic distinction by awarding some undergraduate degrees summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude, these Latin honors signifying various levels of the graduates' cumulative grade point averages. The faculty has the responsibility and authority for setting the levels necessary to attain the various honors. Standards are summa cum laude (3.800 or higher), magna cum laude (3.650 to 3.799), and cum laude (3.500 to 3.649 or better). To be eligible, students must have taken at least eighteen courses toward their undergraduate degree while enrolled at Union. Latin honors are calculated for graduating seniors at the end of the winter term. If a student's spring term grades elevate their GPA such that they qualify for the next higher level of honors, then a new diploma will be ordered upon receipt of the old one.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Faculty and/or chairs and program directors can nominate a graduating senior for departmental honors using the form found here.
CLOSING OF RECORDS POST-GRADUATION
Upon graduation from the College, your academic record at Union College will be closed and cannot be changed.
All degrees granted by Union College require the approval of the Board of Trustees.