Graduation Information
FAQs for School of Professional Development Students
Note: All students must apply for graduation regardless of whether they plan to attend any of the commencement events.
Application Information
How do I apply for graduation?
Students apply by logging into SOLAR and clicking through the following path: Records and Registration > Degree Progress/Graduation > Apply For Graduation. You must apply for graduation before the posted deadlines at the beginning of your last semester.
You will receive a confirmation message within SOLAR upon successful submission of your application. If you are applying after the posted deadline date, the link will no longer be available in SOLAR, so you must file a late application using the link below. (Please note that late filers risk not being included in the commencement publications.)
For late filers only (SPD will not accept this application while the SOLAR link is active): Graduation Application Form
How do I apply for graduation if I am enrolled in two programs simultaneously (e.g, Advanced Graduate Certificate in Coaching and the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies)?
You must submit a separate graduation application for each of these program. If you are finished with the AGC requirements first, you may apply for graduation from the AGC without having to wait until you have finished your master’s degree.
When is the deadline to apply for graduation?
SPD's master's and certificate candidates should follow the deadlines posted below:
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Term/Semester |
SOLAR Application Deadlines |
Notes |
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Fall 2022 |
On or before 11/9/2022 for inclusion in commencement |
On or after 12/3/2022, students must use the Graduation Application for Late Filers as SOLAR graduation application is no longer available. Educational Leadership students who are registered for their internships in the Fall semester, must file for Fall graduation provided that they have completed all other degree requirements.
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Winter 2023 |
On or before 11/9/2022 for inclusion in commencement |
On or after 12/3/2022, students must use the Graduation Application for Late Filers as SOLAR graduation application is no longer available. |
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Spring 2023 |
On or before 4/12/2023 for inclusion in commencement |
On or after 5/6/2023, students must use the Graduation Application for Late Filers as SOLAR graduation application is no longer available. Educational Leadership students whose internships begin in the Spring semester and end in June, must file for Spring graduation provided that they have completed all other degree requirements.
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Summer 2023 |
On or before 4/12/2023 for inclusion in commencement |
On or after 5/6/2023, students must use the Graduation Application for Late Filers as SOLAR graduation application is no longer available. |
How do I apply as a combined BA/BS MAT candidate?
All Combined BA/BS MAT candidates will need to submit the online Graduation Application Form . This application will be applied for both the undergraduate and graduate portions of your program. After SPD processes the MAT graduation application, the Registrar's Office will process your undergraduate graduation application.
What if I need to change my graduation date?
If you apply for graduation and find out later in the semester that you will not meet the requirements (e.g., you drop or are missing a class you need to complete your program), you must submit a Change of Graduation Date form for a subsequent degree awarding period. Graduation applications are not carried over.
Degree/Certificate and Transcript Information
When will my degree or certificate show on my transcript?
Degrees will be posted to your transcript within 2-4 weeks after the semester end date provided that all of your grades are posted and you have met all of the degree requirements. Auditing your degree program is a process that takes time, and no degree will be rushed or awarded on demand. If you are subject to deadlines (e.g., teachers who need proof of degree completion for certification purposes), we encourage you to allow yourself enough time for this process to take place. Also, although most online terms last for 10 weeks, the degrees cannot be awarded until the end of the full Spring, Summer or Fall semester.
How do I order my transcript?
You may order your transcript online through SOLAR. Go to Student Records & Registration > Academic Records> SU Official Transcript. If you would like your transcript to be mailed only after your degree is posted, you may order your transcript in advance and select the option "Degree Confer Date." Once your degree is posted to your transcript, it will be mailed to the address you have indicated.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are sent from the Registrar's Office to the address listed on SOLAR. Diplomas may take 4-6 weeks to be mailed to your home from the date of clearance from the School of Professional Development. Financial holds (such as from Student Accounts, Library or Parking Services) will prevent the release of your official transcript and diploma. You should make sure that all fees/fines are paid by the time you graduate.
Commencement
What should I know about Commencement?
There will be two in-person events this May: The main University Commencement and SPD's own Commencement Convocation. You can go to one or both, but you must RSVP and wear regalia.
Stony Brook University Commencement
Friday, May 19, 2023 at 11 am
Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium
This is the big ceremony for all graduates – undergrads and grads. More speeches, more pomp and cirucumstance, but individuals are not called by name. Tickets are limited.
Visit the University Commencement website for the most up-to-date information.
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVOCATION
Tuesday, May 16 at 5:30 PM
Staller Center for the Arts
This is a smaller ceremony just for SPD graduates. All candidates will walk across the stage and have their names read aloud. There is ample seating.
Visit the SPD Commencement website for details.
Contact Information
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School of Professional Development Telephone: 631-632-7055 If you are an undergraduate, Graduate School or Health Sciences student, please contact the appropriate school/department directly with your graduation-related inquiries:
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Conferences and Special Events Website: http://stonybrook.edu/commencement/
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