While often used interchangeably, graduation and commencement refer to two distinct milestones in a student’s academic journey.

Graduation is the official conferral of your degree once all academic requirements are met. Commencement is the celebratory ceremony where graduates are recognized publicly.

Every student must apply to graduate, even if they don't plan to attend a Commencement ceremony. A $25 application fee is required, which is assessed per degree (example: master of arts, associate in science, etc.) and per completed application.

If a student is unsure which term they should apply to graduate, they should consult their academic advisor. If a student applies to graduate and then determines that they do not meet requirements for the term they apply for, they must re-apply for the correct graduation term. An additional $25 application fee will be charged.

Application fees are not refundable or transferable. 

Graduation Eligibility

Academic progress can be seen on your Stellic audit at stellic.bsu.edu.

If you have questions about your eligibility to graduate, please contact the Center for Student Success located in North Quad, room 339 | 765-285-1161.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you must complete an application in order to graduate.

Log into Self-Service Banner(SSB), then select:

  • the "Students" tab
  • "Graduation Application"

Then start the application process. Download step-by-step instructions and screenshots of the graduation application process. Please note that the first screen refers to the current term in progress. Once you have advanced to the next screen, you will be able to select the semester in which you are applying to graduate.

Application Deadlines

Students can apply to graduate using Self-Service Banner (SSB) through the dates listed below. Due to printing deadlines, student names will appear in the Commencement program book if they apply by the appropriate deadline.

If you don’t submit your application by the deadline below, undergraduate students can still apply through the Academic Advising Center, located in North Quad, room 339 (765-285-1161). If you are a graduate student who missed the application deadline, please contact the Graduate School at 765-285-1301. 

Fall 2025

Application Dates:

  • Undergraduate: March 1, 2025-December 8, 2025
  • Graduate: May 27, 2025-October 22, 2025

In order for a student’s name to be included in the Commencement program book, they must apply no later than Thursday, November 13, 2025. Any students who apply after this date will not have their name printed in the Commencement program book.

Spring 2026

Application Dates:

  • Undergraduate: September 1, 2025-April 27, 2026
  • Graduate: September 22, 2025-March 11, 2026

In order for a student’s name to be included in the Commencement program book, they must apply no later than Thursday, April 2, 2026. Any students who apply after this date will not have their name printed in the Commencement program book.

Summer 2026

Application Dates:

  • Undergraduate: February 9, 2026-July 13, 2026
  • Graduate: February 9, 2026-June 3, 2026

In order for a student’s name to be included in the Commencement program book, they must apply no later than Thursday, June 18, 2026. Any students who apply after this date will not have their name printed in the Commencement program book.