This data may not be reflective of the current, published version of the Handbook. To access the most recent version of the Handbook, please visit http://catalog.jwu.edu

Graduation Requirements

Please see the appropriate section for information regarding graduation requirements.

Graduation Review

Students are reviewed for graduation when they have completed all requirements in their program of study. Graduation is not recorded until after the term has ended, grades have been received and the degree audit of each expected graduate has been reviewed. Confirmation of graduation will occur approximately 30 days after final term grades have been submitted. Students who have met the degree requirements for their program of study but continue to enroll in courses in a subsequent term will automatically be enrolled as an extension student in the subsequent term and will be ineligible for financial aid.

Rules to Determine Catalog Year for Graduation

The catalog in effect for the term a student is admitted to the university for their program of study is assigned as the student’s “catalog year.” Students will follow the program requirements specified in their catalog year to progress toward graduation.
Students who are continuously enrolled will maintain their catalog year. Students with a break in enrollment of more than 1 year will follow the catalog in effect at the time of re-admittance.
When the university discontinues a program, students who are currently enrolled in the program will be allowed a specified amount of time to complete the requirements as long as continuous enrollment is maintained. Additional students may not declare a program that has been discontinued.

Graduation Application

Each student is required to submit an online graduation application in jwuLink for each expected degree (i.e., associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) at least 2 terms prior to completion. This application ensures that 1) students are reviewed for degree completion at the end of the correct term, 2) students' names are printed correctly on their diploma and 3) students receive their diploma at the correct address. Please note the following:

Failure to submit an application may result in delayed graduation.
The graduation application is not an application for commencement participation. It informs the university of a student’s intent and expected timeframe to complete their specified degree. It also designates the student’s diploma information.
Graduation application submission does not imply degree completion.
Before submitting an application, students should refer to their degree audit to review program requirements and confirm their expected degree completion term.
Students completing a certificate program must complete a graduation application, but are reminded that, as non-degree recipients, they are not eligible to participate in commencement.
In the event that degree requirements were not met, students are required to submit a new graduation application for the term in which they expect to complete the outstanding requirements. Failure to submit a new application may result in delayed graduation.
When a graduation application has not been submitted, the student's name will be printed on the diploma as listed in university records, and the permanent home address on file will be used for diploma mailing.

Additional Graduation Obligations

In addition to submitting a graduation application, students must complete exit counseling online and attend an exit counseling session with Student Academic & Financial Services during the last term of enrollment. Completion of these steps does not imply degree completion or attendance at graduation ceremonies; refer to Commencement for information on the ceremonies.

Undergraduate Degree Candidates

Graduation requires successful completion of a prescribed sequence of study and a minimum 2.00 grade point average. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.00 will not be in compliance with the criteria for good academic standing and may be subject to academic dismissal. Furthermore, as required by their program, all students must successfully complete any and all requirements as indicated on their degree audit.

All associate-level degrees require the completion of a minimum of 90 quarter credits. All bachelor’s-level degrees require the completion of a minimum of 180 quarter credits. While most programs have variations that require slightly more quarter credits for completion, no program requires fewer than the 90/180 quarter credit minimum.

Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree must leave Johnson & Wales University with effective writing skills. These writing skills will be assessed at the completion of ENG1021 Advanced Composition and Communication. For policy and appeal procedures, please see Graduation Writing Requirement Appeals Proces s.

Undergraduate Latin Honors

The following undergraduate Latin honors are issued upon graduation, based on students' graduating grade point averages:

cum laude: 3.40–3.60
magna cum laude: 3.61–3.80
summa cum laude: 3.81–4.00

For publication purposes in the commencement program, the honors status of students completing remaining course requirements in or following the spring term is determined by the cumulative GPA at the end of the winter term of the current year. A student’s final GPA will be used to record graduating honors, as applicable on the student’s diploma and academic transcript.

Graduation is not recorded until after the term has ended, grades have been received and the degree audit of each expected graduate has been reviewed. Confirmation of graduation will occur approximately 30 days after final term grades have been submitted.

Upon verification, the degree or certificate is awarded and noted in the student information system so that it displays on official JWU transcripts. Diplomas are printed and mailed after the degree or certificate verification process is complete.

Graduation requires successful completion of a prescribed sequence of study and a minimum grade point average of 3.00. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 will not be in compliance with the criteria for good academic standing and may be subject to academic dismissal. MEd students must also successfully complete a capstone project. See below for additional MAT degree requirements.

All master-level degrees require the completion of a minimum of 30 semester/45 quarter credits. While most programs have variations that require slightly more credits for completion, no program requires fewer than the 30 semester/45 quarter credit minimum.

MAT Degree Candidates

Program Requirements

Teacher candidates must satisfactorily pass several transition points throughout the program. Key among these transitions are the following:

Assessment Prior to Student Teaching or Capstone Project

Student teaching or the capstone project usually occurs during the candidate's final term(s). Permission will be granted to candidates who have

achieved a program GPA of 3.0
passed a portfolio review with acceptable evidence of significant progress toward meeting the Rhode Island Professional Teacher Standards (RIPTS), as well as standards from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Assessment Prior to Recommendation for Program Completion

Having completed the needed transition point that indicates successful completion of all student teaching/capstone project requirements, teacher candidates will present their completed portfolio to a team of evaluators. This portfolio will contain evidence to prove that the candidate has achieved all program standards to the level appropriate for an emerging teacher.

In addition, the candidate must have evidence of completing all other requirements for the awarding of the MAT degree.

Upon meeting all of these requirements, the director of the teacher education program shall make the appropriate recommendation regarding the awarding of the MAT degree.

Upon verification, the degree or certificate is awarded and noted in the student information system so that it displays on official JWU transcripts.

Program Requirements

For specific program requirements for the doctoral programs, please refer to the Program of Study pages in the catalog.