Degrees are conferred by the university only after a formal application has been filed with the registrar and upon recommendation of the faculty. Degrees are conferred and diplomas are normally issued at the annual commencement each May. A student who completes degree requirements in time to apply for an October- or January-dated degree may request an earlier issuance of the diploma. All students may request a suitable certificate for use until issuance of the diploma. Deadlines for filing the Diploma Application Form with the registrar are October 1 for an October-dated degree, January 4 for a January-dated degree, and March 15 for a May-dated degree.