Registrar's Office

  

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• Commencement Ceremony:  With the change in venue for the May Commencement Ceremony providing significantly more room for graduates and their friends and family, there will no longer be a separate August Ceremony.  August graduates wishing to partake in commencement activities are welcome to participate in the May ceremony.  Please review the information under May 2006 for details about caps/gowns and the ceremony.
  

• Awarding of Degrees:  Though there is not an August ceremony, there will be degrees awarded in August for students who apply and complete their degree and university requirements by the appropriate deadlines.

• Application Deadline:  All students wishing to receive an August 2006 degree must submit an 'Application for Graduation' to Student Services by December 1, 2005.  Applications are available on the wall across from Student Services and on the Registrar's Office website.  All students must apply, regardless if they intend to participate in commencement.
  

• Issues to Address Before the Awarding of August 2006 Degrees:  All candidates must have the following issues resolved by August 25, 2006 in order to receive a degree:

• Outstanding Grades:  All Incomplete grades, In-Progress grades, and missing grades must be assigned a final grade.
• Final Grades for the Term:  All courses from the student's final term (Summer 2006) must have final grades.
  
• Missing Transcripts:  Final high school transcripts and transcripts from other colleges/universities required by PLU must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.
• Missing Final Academic Program Contracts: A final APC for each major and minor the student is applying for must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.  APCs must have signature of the department chair in the ‘Graduation Clearance’ box.
• Missing Waivers:  If a student required a wavier, it must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's Office.  Waiver forms are available on the Registrar's Office website.
  
• Missing Degree or University Requirements:  Reference the University Catalog for details on GURs and specific degree requirements.  All requirements must be fulfilled.
  

• Requirements Not Met:  If any of the above listed issues/requirements are not addressed and resolved by the 5:00pm, August 25, 2006 deadline, the candidate will not receive an August degree.  The candidate’s application will be made void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to the deadline.

• Receipt of Grades:  Faculty submit Summer 2006 grades by 5:00pm on August 25, 2006.  If a candidate’s grades are not submitted by the deadline, the candidate will not receive an August degree.  No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

• Diplomas:  Diplomas will be mailed in early October 2006 to the diploma address specified by the student on the original 'Application for Graduation'. It is the candidates responsibility to make sure their 'Diploma Address' in Banner Web is up-to-date and accurate.  All diplomas are mailed First Class.  If a candidate's 'Diploma Address' is inaccurate and the diploma does not reach the candidate, it is the candidate's responsibility to order a duplicate diploma at the cost of $55.00/each.

• Requesting Official Transcripts: Students may contact the automated Transcript Information Line at 253.535.7135 to request official transcripts.  Transcripts cost $5.00/each.

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• Commencement Ceremony:  The December Commencement Ceremony will take place in Olson Auditorium on December 9, 2006 at 10:30am. Candidates must arrive a Leraas Lecture Hall no later than 9:15am.  Doors will open to the public at 10:00am.  Tickets are not required, so please feel free to invite friends and family. Commencement will be broadcast live over the Internet using LuteCast.

• Application Deadline:  The Graduation Application deadline for December 2006 is May 1, 2006.  No late applications will be accepted.

• Graduation Evaluations:  Degree Evaluations will be completed for all students who have applied to graduate.  Candidates are encouraged to make an appointment with the Registrar's Office to complete a personalized degree evaluation before the begining of their final term to identify any missing requirements.

• Issues to Address Before the Awarding of December 2006 Degrees:  All candidates must have the following issues resolved by noon, January 8, 2007 in order to receive a degree:

• Outstanding Grades:  All Incomplete grades, In-Progress grades, and missing grades must be assigned a final grade.
• Final Grades for the Term:  All courses from the student's final term (Fall 2006) must have final grades.
• Missing Transcripts:  Final high school transcripts and transcripts from other colleges/universities required by PLU must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.
• Missing Final Academic Program Contracts: A final APC for each major and minor the student is applying for must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.  APCs must have signature of the department chair in the ‘Graduation Clearance’ box.
• Missing Waivers:  If a student required a wavier, it must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's Office.  Waiver forms are available on the Registrar's Office website.
• Missing Degree or University Requirements:  Reference the University Catalog for details on GURs and specific degree requirements.  All requirements must be fulfilled.
• Requirements Not Met:  If any of the above listed issues/requirements are not addressed and resolved by the noon, January 8, 2007 deadline, the candidate will not receive a December degree.  The candidate’s application will be made void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to the deadline.

• Caps, Gowns & Announcements:  The Graduation Fair, to order cap, gown, announcements, rings, diploma frames, etc., will take place in mid-October 2006.  At this time, candiates also have the opportunity to verify their degrees and the spelling of their name for the ceremony and diplomas.  Candidates must pick-up their cap and gown (graduate students must also pick-up their hood) from the Alumni Office, located in Nesvig House, dates and times TBA (usually the week before the ceremony).

• Ceremony Photos:   A professional photographer will be at the ceremony to provide photos.  Please note: there is no access to the stage for guests to take photos.
  

• Receipt of Grades:  Faculty submit Fall 2006 grades by noon, January 8, 2007.  If a candidate’s grades are not submitted by the deadline, the candidate will not receive a December degree, the candidate’s application for graduation will be void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

• Diplomas:  Diplomas will be mailed in late February 2007 to the 'Diploma Address' specified by the student on their 'Application for Graduation'.  It is the candidates responsibility to make sure their 'Diploma Address' in Banner Web is up-to-date and accurate.  All diplomas are mailed First Class.  If a candidate's 'Diploma Address' is inaccurate and the diploma does not reach the candidate, it is the candidate's responsibility to order a duplicate diploma at the cost of $55.00/each.

• Requesting Official Transcripts: Students may contact the automated Transcript Information Line at 253.535.7135 to request official transcripts.  Transcripts cost $5.00/each.

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January 2007 Degrees

• Commencement Ceremony:  As there is no separate ceremony for January graduates, candidates wishing to partake in commencement activities are welcome to participate in the December ceremony.  Please review the information listed under December 2005 for details about caps/gowns and the ceremony.
  

• Awarding of Degrees:  Though there is not a January ceremony, there will be degrees awarded in January for students who apply and complete their degree and university requirements by the appropriate deadlines.

• Application Deadline:  The Graduation Application deadline for January 2007 is May 1, 2006. No late applications will be accepted.

• Issues to Address Before the Awarding of January 2007 Degrees:  All candidates must have the following issues resolved by 5:00pm, February 9, 2007 in order to receive a degree:

• Outstanding Grades:  All Incomplete grades, In-Progress grades, and missing grades must be assigned a final grade.
• Final Grades for the Term:  All courses from the student's final term (Fall 2006 and J-Term 2007) must have final grades.
• Missing Transcripts:  Final high school transcripts and transcripts from other colleges/universities required by PLU must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.
• Missing Final Academic Program Contracts: A final APC for each major and minor the student is applying for must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.  APCs must have signature of the department chair in the ‘Graduation Clearance’ box.
• Missing Waivers:  If a student required a wavier, it must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's Office.  Waiver forms are available on the Registrar's Office website.
• Missing Degree or University Requirements:  Reference the University Catalog for details on GURs and specific degree requirements.  All requirements must be fulfilled.
• Receipt of Grades:  Faculty submit J-Term 2007 grades by 5:00pm on February 9, 2007.  If a candidate’s grades are not submitted by the deadline, the candidate will not receive a January degree, the candidate’s application for graduation will be void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

• Requirements Not Met:  If any of the above listed issues/requirements are not addressed and resolved by the  5:00pm, February 9, 2007 deadline, the candidate will not receive a December degree.  The candidate’s application will be made void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to the deadline.


• Diplomas:  Diplomas will be mailed in late March 2007 to the 'Diploma Address' specified by the student on their 'Application for Graduation'. It is the candidates responsibility to make sure their 'Diploma Address' in Banner Web is up-to-date and accurate.  All diplomas are mailed First Class.  If a candidate's 'Diploma Address' is inaccurate and the diploma does not reach the candidate, it is the candidate's responsibility to order a duplicate diploma at the cost of $55.00/each.

• Requesting Official Transcripts: Students may contact the automated Transcript Information Line at 253.535.7135 to request official transcripts.  Transcripts cost $5.00/each.

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May 2006 Degrees & Graduation Ceremony

• Commencement Details: May Commencement will take place on May 21, 2006 at 2:30pm at the Tacoma Dome. Tickets are not needed, so please feel free to invite your friends and family.  Commencement will be broadcast live over the Internet using LuteCast.

• Application Deadline: The Graduation Application deadline was December 1, 2005. No late applications will be accepted.

• Graduation Evaluations: All candidates were notified in January 2006 that they had the option to receive a personalized degree evaluation before the Spring 2006 Add/Drop date.  Those candidates choosing not to make an appointment for a personalized degree evaluation will receive an evaluation, via mail, sent to their most current mailing address in Banner Web; it is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure this address is current.  The degree evaluation will identify any lacking requirements that must be met in order to graduate.
  

• Issues to Address Before the Awarding of Degrees:  All candidates must have the following issues resolved by May 26, 2006 in order to receive a degree:

• Outstanding Grades:  All Incomplete grades, In Progress grades, and missing grades must be assigned a final grade.
• Final Grades for the Term:  All courses from the student's final term (Spring 2006) must have final grades.
• Missing Transcripts:  Final high school transcripts and transcripts from other colleges/universities required by PLU must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.
• Missing Final Academic Program Contracts: A final APC for each major and minor the student is applying for must be submitted to the Registrar's Office.  APCs must have signature of the department chair in the ‘Graduation Clearance’ box.
• Missing Waivers:  If a student required a wavier, it must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's Office.  Waiver forms are available on the Registrar's Office website.
• Missing Degree or University Requirements:  Reference the University Catalog for details on GURs and specific degree requirements.  All requirements must be fulfilled.

• Requirements Not Met:  If any of the above listed issues/requirements are not addressed and resolved by the  5:00pm, May 26 , 2007 deadline, the candidate will not receive a May 2006 degree.  The candidate’s application will be made void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to the deadline.

• Caps, Gowns, Hoods, and Announcements:  The Graduation Fair, to order cap, gown, announcements, rings, diploma frames, etc., will take place March 14th and 15th.  At this time, candiates also have the opportunity to verify their degrees and the spelling of their name for the ceremony and diplomas.  Candidates must pick-up their cap and gown (graduate students must also pick-up their hood) from the Alumni Office, located in Nesvig House, Tuesday, May 16, noon-6:00pm and Wednesday, May 17, 10:00am-4:00pm.

• Receipt of Grades:  Faculty submit Spring 2006 grades by 5:00pm, May 26, 2006. If a candidate’s grades are not submitted by this deadline, the candidate will not receive a May degree, the candidate’s application for graduation will be void and the candidate will have to reapply for graduation in a subsequent term.  No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

• Diplomas: Diplomas will be mailed in early August 2006 to the 'Diploma Address' specified by the student on the original 'Application for Graduation'. It is the candidates responsibility to make sure their 'Diploma Address' in Banner Web is up-to-date and accurate.  All diplomas are mailed First Class.  If a candidate's 'Diploma Address' is inaccurate and the diploma does not reach the candidate, it is the candidate's responsibility to order a duplicate diploma at the cost of $55.00/each.

• Requesting Official Transcripts: Students may contact the automated Transcript Information Line at 253.535.7135 to request official transcripts.  Transcripts cost $5.00/each.

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Tacoma Dome Information (May 2006 Ceremony Venue)

Join the Pacific Lutheran University May 2006 Graduating Class for the time-honored commencement ceremony in a new more spacious and spectator friendly venue.  We hope to see you there as we honor the graduates and wish them well on their future endeavors.

• Location:  2727 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421

• Time:    Ceremony Begins at 2:30pm
• Tacoma Dome Arean doors open to the public:  1:15pm
• Candidates arrive at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall:  1:15pm

• Reception:  Immediately following the ceremony there will be a light reception for graduates and their guests in the adjacent Exhibition Hall.

• Tickets:  Tickets are not required.  PLU encourages the friends and family of graduation candidates to attend the ceremony, as well as members of the PLU Community.

• Ceremony Photos:   For those graduates, families and friends looking to capture the momentous occasion of graduation, Photograds.com will be at the ceremony to photograph each graduation candidate.  A candid photo will be taken as each candidate is individually congratulated and a ceremony portrait as they exit the stage.  This service is complimentary; there is no obligation to purchase.  Within days of the ceremony candidates will receive proofs of their photos via mail, as well as the option to view their proofs online.  Candidates may then chose from different packages or order individual photographs.  Orders may be placed online, by mail, by phone and by fax.  For more information visit www.photograds.com or call 1.866.572.0199.
  

• Ceremony DVD/VHS:  Both DVD and VHS compliations of the May 2006 ceremony will be available.  For more information and an order form click here.

• PLU Bookstore:  The PLU Bookstore will be onsite at the Tacoma Dome with PLU merchandise and great gift ideas for graduates.

• Parking:  The Tacoma Dome has 10 public parking lots, Lots A-J, located around the perimeter of the facility that accomodate over 3,000 cars.  Parking lots E and K are reserved for guests with disabilities and are van accessible.  Lot I is reserved for recreational vehicles.  There is a $6.00 parking fee for the PLU Commencement Ceremony.  All Tacoma Dome lots are wheelchair accessible.   There is also additional on-street parking, free of charge, in the immediate vicinity.  Over 10,000 spaces are available within a five-minute walk of the Tacoma Dome.

• Driving Directions: 
  
• Traveling North on I-5:  Take exit 133. Follow the off-ramp to East 26th Street.  Take a right off East 26th Street.  Tacoma Dome signs will direct you to turn right onto C Street  to enter the Tacoma Dome parking lots.
• Traveling South on I-5 (Exit 133):  Follow the 'City Center' off-ramp, veering right toward East 26th Street.  Turn right on East 26th Street.  Look for the entrance to the Tacoma Dome parking lots or turn right for more parking.
• Traveling South on I-5 (Exit 135):  Follow the off-ramp toward Portland Avenue.  Follow 27th (Bay Street) across Portland Avenue as it turns into Wiley Avenue.  Take a right on McKinley Avenue and look for the entrance to the Tacoma Dome parking lots.
• From Downtown Tacoma:  Take Pacific Avenue southbound.  Take a left on East 26th Street.  Follow East 26th Street to C Street.  Turn right onto C Street to enter the Tacoma Dome parking lots.
• Tacoma Dome Policies:  There will be no solicitation activities allowed in the parking lots (including, but not limited to, distribution of flyers, sale of products, etc.).  The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in the Tacoma Dome parking lots.  No tailgate parties or similar activities are allowed.
  

• Additional Information:
• For additional information about the Tacoma Dome Facilities, please click here.
• For additional information about the PLU May 2006 Commencment Ceremony, please contact the Office of the Registrar by e-mail or by phone, 253.535.7131.

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Instructions for Graduation Candidates (May 2006)

• Graduation Fair:  Don't miss the Graduation Fair, March 14th, from 10:00am-4:00pm, and 15th, 12:00pm-6:00pm, in front of the PLU Bookstore.  Graduation candidates must attend the Fair to order caps and gowns.  At the Fair  you will have the opportunity to verify the degrees you applied for and the spelling of you name for your diploma and the commencment bulletin.  This is also the time for you to order your announcements, rings, diploma frames and other great graduation merchandise at special Graduation Fair prices!

• Missed the Grad Fair?:  If a candidate missed the Grad Fair it is their responsibility to contact Royal-T to order their cap and gown.  There is no charge to order the cap and gown, however those canidates who do not order a cap and gown will not have one for the ceremony.  Candidates can place their order online at www.royaltpapers.com.
  

• Cap and Gown Pick-up:  All candidates must pick-up their cap and gown at the Alumni Center, located in Nesvig House.  Caps and gowns will be available for pick-up Tuesday, May 16th, from 12:00pm-6:00pm and Wednesday, May 17th, from 10:00am-4:00pm.  Those candidates who don't pick-up their cap and gown run a serious risk of not having a cap or gown for the ceremony.
  

• Graduation Honors:  As was noted on your Degree Evaluation, graduation honors are calculated using all PLU coursework through J-Term 2006, all transfer credit, and all study abroad credit, minus grades PE Activity courses.  The honors a candidate receives at the graduation ceremony are not the final honors and can change once final coursework is added when the degree is awarded.

• Day of the Ceremony:
• Where to be:  Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall (adjacent to the Tacoma Dome Arena)
  
• When to be there:  All candidates must arrive at 1:15pm to line-up and receive instructions.
  
• What to bring:  Cap, Gown and a Smile!  (There is no place for candidates to store any belongings during the cremony.  PLU is not responsible for the security of any items left behind.)