Registrar's Office
Graduation Information
Comprehensive Exam (master's degree students)
Dates and Application Deadlines
Events (receptions, liturgy, exercises)
Application Fees & Replacement Diploma
Frequently Asked QuestionsClass Rings, Announcements Diploma Frames, videotape, pictures
Ordering your Cap, Gown and Hood
Travel, Campus Map, Hotel, and Limousines Services
Graduation RequirementsUndergraduate Students:
Candidates for bachelor’s degree must complete the following:
- Complete the formal application for graduation (we suggest two semesters before commencement) through the Registrar’s Office by the published deadline
- Earn 128 semester hours of college credit
- Complete the residency requirement of a minimum of 32 semester hours of approved undergraduate credit at USF. All students must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of upper division (300-400) course work, in the major, in residence at USF (Note: individual colleges may have additional residency requirements)
- Complete all requirements with respect to the major program, support courses, liberal education and electives
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher at USF
- Earn grades of "C" or higher in all courses required by the major and any minor programs that are to be recorded on the transcript
- Satisfy all financial requirements with the Business and Financial Aid Offices
Graduate Students:
Candidates for a master’s degree must complete the following:
- Complete the formal application for graduation (we suggest two semesters before commencement) through the Registrar’s Office by the published deadline
- Earn a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework
- Complete the residency requirement of a minimum of 28 semester hours of earned graduate credit at the University of St. Francis
- Complete all requirements with respect to the major program and concentrations if appropriate. (Courses must be completed within eight calendar years beginning with the first semester of graduate studies.)
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at USF
- Successfully pass the Comprehensive Exam (required of students pursuing the MS in
Health Services Administration, MS in Continuing Education and Training Management, MS in Continuing Education and Training Technology, MS in Education, and MS in Education with Certification degrees).
- Satisfy all financial requirements with the Business and Financial Aid Offices
Physician Assistant Studies Graduate Students:
Candidates for this degree must complete the following:
- Complete the formal application for graduation through the Registrar’s Office by the published deadline
- Earn a minimum of 148 quarter hours of graduate coursework
- Complete all requirements with respect to the major program (Courses must be completed within eight calendar years beginning with the first semester of graduate studies.)
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at USF
- Satisfy all financial requirements with the Business and Financial Aid Offices
Every candidate for a degree should make a record check through the Office of the Registrar before the beginning of the final semester of enrollment. Students can access their records using their PIN and the secured web access from the Student Information System. It is the responsibility of the student to see that all graduation requirements are met. If a student withdraws for more than one semester, the catalog and regulations in effect at the time of their return apply. Specific information on the graduation activities will be forwarded to each graduate two to three months prior to the commencement date.
Application for Graduation:
Please complete your application for graduation as early as two semesters before you plan to graduate. The form is available through the Registrar’s Office or by downloading the document, and also online. The form should be sent to: Registrar’s Office, University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435, by FAX at (815) 740-5084 or by email to registrar@stfrancis.edu
Application for Graduation (Microsoft Word Document)
Application for Graduation (PDF file format)
Online Application for Graduation - (Fill the form out and hit submit)
Comprehensive Exam
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Health Services Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Education degrees must satisfactorily pass a final comprehensive examination. The comprehensive exam is based on the content of the current program curriculum. The colleges administer the comprehensive examination three times a year.
Students in the College of Professional Studies must submit a request for the Comprehensive Examination the semester prior to their final semester of course work. In order to take the examination, students must have completed a minimum of 32 hours (or be in their final semester) and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in the program. The comprehensive examination must be taken within one year of the last class in which the student enrolls.
Students pursuing a Master of Education degree must satisfactorily pass a final comprehensive examination or the State of Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT) Test. Students in the College of Education must apply for the comprehensive examination prior to their final semester of course work. Students submitting successfully passed APT test scores must do so prior to their final semester of course work to the College of Education Certification Coordinator. The student must have completed 36 hours and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in the program. The comprehensive examination or submission of the APT test scores must be done concurrently with the last class. Any transfer credits must be approved and recorded by the University of St. Francis prior to being eligible to take the comprehensive examination or the submission of the APT test scores documentation. Those who do not pass the comprehensive examination may retake the examination only upon consultation with and recommendation of the College of Education Professional Standards Board.
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing must satisfactorily pass a final comprehensive examination. It focuses on a synthesis of the essential components of the advance practice curriculum. An emphasis is placed on five major thread of the curriculum: nursing theory, professional role development, nursing research, clinical management, and life-span considerations and/or education. The College of Nursing and Allied Health administers the examination. Students must apply to take the comprehensive examination the semester prior to the final semester of coursework. In order to take the examination, students must be in the final semester of coursework or have complete all coursework and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in the program.
Any transfer credits must be approved and recorded by the University of St. Francis prior to being eligible to take the comprehensive examination. Those who do not pass the examination may retake the examination only upon consultation with and recommendation of the graduate faculty.
| Comprehensive Examination Application Date | Postmark Deadline |
| December/January Exam | November 1 |
| April/May Exam | March 1 |
| August/September Exam | July 1 |
Download Exam Application (PDF File)
Graduation Dates & Application DeadlinesSPRING 2008 (ALL PROGRAMS)
Application Deadline - January 11, 2008
Spring Commencement - May 3, 2008SUMMER 2008
Application Deadline
-College of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education and Nursing and Allied Health - May 5, 2008
-College of Professional Studies - May 16, 2008
Graduation Date/Degrees Awarded* - August 16, 2008
*Commencement ceremony for August 2008 and December 2008 graduates - January 17, 2009FALL 2008 (ALL PROGRAMS)
Application Deadline - August 29, 2008
Graduation Date/Degrees Awarded* - December 20, 2008
*Commencement ceremony for August 2008 and December 2008 graduates - January 17, 2009SPRING 2009 (ALL PROGRAMS)
Application Deadline - January 16, 2009
Spring Commencement - May 9, 2009SUMMER 2009 (ALL PROGRAMS)
Application Deadline - May 22, 2009
Graduation Date/Degrees Awarded* - August 15, 2009
*Commencement ceremony for August 2009 and December 2009 graduates - January 16, 2010
Graduation Events (receptions, liturgy, exercises)
Graduation Banquet
At the Spring and Winter commencements, a graduation dinner begins the weekend festivities. Graduates are invited to attend a dinner in their honor as a guest of the University. Family and friends may also reserve tickets to attend at a charge. Tickets are reserved by using the form accompanying the graduation packet sent by the Registrar’s Office. A check to cover the cost of tickets for guests should be returned with the order form. Tickets will not be mailed, but will be available on a will call basis at the door.
Continental Breakfast
Graduates and their families are invited to a Continental Breakfast on the morning of commencement in the Moes and President’s rooms, Tower Hall South.
Commencement Mass
Graduates and their guests are encouraged to attend the Commencement Mass, which is held in the St. Joseph Chapel in the Motherhouse. Graduates may sit with their guests during Mass and academic garb is not required.
Commencement Exercises
Commencement exercises are held in the University Recreation Center. Master's degrees are presented at a 10 a.m. ceremony and Bachelor's degrees are presented at 3 p.m. ceremony. Admission is by ticket only! Graduates indicating participation in commencement exercises will be asked the number of guest tickets they wish to receive. Since seating is limited, graduates are usually guaranteed four (4) tickets with additional tickets distributed on an "as available" basis. Tickets will be issued with cap and gowns.Reception
Graduates and their guests are invited to attend a graduation reception immediately after the ceremony on the campus quad (weather permitting) or in the Presidents Room & Terrace Cafe.Commencement Exercises for the Physician Assistant Studies Program
The commencement exercise for the Physician Assistant Studies Program is held once a year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Times, dates, and specific information will be sent from the program office.
Travel, Map, Hotel, and Limousines Services
Getting to the University
From Northern Suburbs to USF: Take Interstate 355 (or I-294) south to Interstate 55 south. Take Interstate 55 south to Weber Road exit #263 (first exit after weigh station). Turn left at the stoplight (Weber Road). Go 7 miles south to Plainfield Road (Route 30), turn left (east), proceed to "six corners" intersection, turn right onto Raynor Avenue, follow to Douglas Street (stop light) and turn left to university.
From East or West of USF: Take Interstate 80 to Larkin Avenue (north) exit 130B. Take Larkin Avenue to fourth light; turn right on Glenwood Avenue, go through 2 stop lights to Wilcox St. (four-way stop), turn left on Wilcox Street. University is one block ahead.
From South to USF: Take Interstate 55 to Interstate 80 east or take Interstate 57 to Interstate 80 west. Take Interstate 80 to Larkin Avenue (north) exit 130B. Take Larkin Avenue to fourth light; turn right on Glenwood Avenue, go through 2 stop lights to Wilcox St. (four-way stop), turn left on Wilcox Street. University is one block ahead.
Parking: Two parking lots are available at the north end of Tower Hall at Wilcox and Douglas Streets.For a map of Campus buildings and grounds click here
For further directions click on MAPQUEST
Limousine Services
For graduates flying to Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway Airports, transportation to Joliet may be arranged with the following limousine services. Arrangements need to be made two weeks in advance.Plainfield Limousine (815) 436-1713
(Illinois residents only 800-287-5408)
Please contact the individual limousine service for the most accurate pricing.
Cox Livery Service (815) 741-0583
Please contact the individual limousine service for the most accurate pricing.
Local Hotel Information
The Joliet Region is served by a large number of hotels. Hotels are clustered near I-55 and Rt. 30 –Plainfield Road or near I-80 and Larkin Avenue.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Joliet Convention Center
815-729-2000
411 South Larkin Avenue
Please contact the hotel for the most accurate pricing.Wingate by Wyndham
815-741-2100
101 McDonald Avenue
Please contact the hotel for the most accurate pricing.Hampton Inn - North
815-439-9500
3555 Mall Loop Drive
Please contact the hotel for the most accurate pricing.
Comfort Inn North
815-436-5141
3235 Norman Avenue
Please contact the hotel for the most accurate pricing.For other area Lodging, click here
Ordering your Cap, Gown and Hood
On the day of commencement, graduates wear cap, gown and hood for the ceremony. The hood is unique to the University with the school colors of brown and gold lining the interior of the hood and the degree represented by the colored felt that trims the outside. The University rents the academic garb for the occasion. As a rental, the graduate must return the gown and the hood at the end of the day before you leave campus. Students are welcome to keep their cap and tassel.
Cap, gown & hood order information is included in the initial packet of graduation material sent to students. The Graduation Commencement Ceremony Response Form asks for your height & weight. Return this form to the Registrar’s Office. The graduation fee covers the cost of rental for the academic garb.
Graduation announcements, class rings, videotape, picturesClass rings, diploma frames and announcements are supplied through Herff Jones. These items can be ordered directly online at www.herff-jones.com/college. Many of the products are displayed for viewing on the website as well.
Diplomas Frames - www.collegiateframes.com
Class Rings - contact: TheGradLady@aol.com or via phone at 1-630-653-7572
Photography is handled by Central Valley Studios. A professional photographer will take pictures of the graduates as they receive their diploma. For the safety and convenience of all, guests are asked to remain in their seats during the ceremony. Photographs will be mailed directly to graduates from Central Valley Studios within about two weeks. Photography questions can be directed to:
Central Valley Studios
847-683-7130
or www.cvstudios.com
VIDEOTAPE/DVD
University of St. Francis commencement ceremonies are taped by the Mass Communication Department.If you wish to purchase a VHS or DVD copy, please print and fill out the form below, and mail it back to us:
Commencement Video/DVD Order Form
Orders must be received within 15 working days after your commencement ceremony.
Orders will be shipped within 4 weeks of commencement date.
Graduation Application Fee & Replacement Diplomas
A one hundred and twenty five dollar ($125) graduation application fee will be assessed all graduates regardless of whether you participate in commencement exercises. The fee partially covers the University’s expenses associated with holding the commencement exercise and reception as well as the expenses incurred by each student graduating such as the printing of the diploma, diploma case, cap & gown rental, and complimentary admission of the graduate to any dinner or reception held as part of the event.
Graduates may request a replacement diploma (in the event the original is lost or to display a copy in an office) by mailing the request to the Registrar’s Office. The request should indicate whether a replacement diploma certificate and/or a replacement diploma case is needed and include the approximate date of graduation and the name exactly as you wish to appear on the document. Requests are typically processed within three weeks. Charges are as follows:
Replacement Diploma Certificate – $20
Replacement Diploma Certificate & Case - $35
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?
Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate or mark the completion of college work. Graduation is receiving the diploma, completion of all course work, and the posting of the degree to the transcript.
NOTE: Applying for graduation and paying the graduation fee does NOT indicate that you plan to participate in a commencement ceremony.
Who sends out diplomas?
All diplomas are distributed from the Registrar’s Office (800-736-6300).
Where do potential graduates pay for graduation fees?
Graduation fees are to be paid to the Business Affairs Office (800-359-3500).
How early do I need to arrive for line up and where do I go?
Graduates will report to their designated classrooms in Tower Hall North at least one hour before the scheduled start time for the ceremony. The list of assigned classrooms will be posted in Tower Hall Lobby.
How long will the ceremony last?
The average length of the graduation ceremony is 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Who should graduates call for guests that need disability accommodations?
If you need special accommodations for a guest, please contact call the University Security Department at 815-740-3847 at least 1 week prior to commencement.
Is there a limit on the number of guests I can bring to the ceremony or the dinner?
Admission is by ticket only! Graduates indicating participation in commencement exercises will be asked the number of guest tickets they wish to receive. Since seating is limited, graduates are usually guaranteed four (4) tickets with additional tickets distributed on an "as available" basis. There is no limit to the number of tickets a student may request for the graduation dinner. Graduates tickets are complimentary and there is no limit to the number of guest tickets for which there is a $30.00* charge per ticket. (* Price subject to change)
Am I required to participate in Commencement to receive my diploma?
No. Graduates who attend will receive a diploma cover during the Commencement ceremony. Diplomas are mailed to everyone who has met their requirements approximately 3 - 4 weeks after the ceremony.
How do I get a diploma cover if I don’t participate in Commencement?
Graduates who are unable to attend the Commencement ceremony will receive both their diploma and the cover via mail.
What is appropriate attire for the graduation dinner?
Although there is no dress code, graduates and their guests typically wear "semi-dressy" attire. Women generally wear a dress or a pants suit and men generally wear a suit or shirt and tie.
Do I have to pay the graduation fee even if I don’t attend the ceremony?
Yes, all potential graduates are required to pay the graduation fee even if they are not planning on attending the ceremony.
Where do I pick up my cap and gown?
Students may pick up their caps and gowns Thursday through Saturday in the Moser Performing Arts Center, PAC 123.
Hours:
Thursday & Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Special Arrangements for after-hours pick up may be made by calling the Registrar's office at (815) 740-3392.