Degrees are conferred by the university upon recommendation of the College of Nursing faculty. Degrees are conferred and diplomas issued only at the annual commencement each May. A student who completes degree requirements in October or January may request a diploma in October or January, respectively. October and January diplomas may be picked up at the Office of the Registrar.

Diploma information cards are distributed by the staff in the Office of Student Affairs to all degree candidates. For timely graduation, the cards must be returned to the staff for submission to the Office of the Registrar by the date specified.

Degrees are conferred in absentia only if the candidate has been excused in advance from attendance at commencement exercises. Requests to be excused should be sent to the registrar as early as possible, and candidates should indicate the address to which the diploma should be sent when it is mailed in July.