Graduation Requirements

Application for graduation

Students must file an application for graduation form with the Registrar's by the beginning of December prior to the year that they will officially graduate. 

• When filing an application for graduation, students are placed onto an "unofficial" graduation list.  A completed degree audit must be on file before any student is moved to an "official" graduation list for any cycle.
• If a student is unable to graduate as planned, he/she must inform the registrar in writing and the the student will be moved to the next available graduation cycle as long as it falls within that calendar year. 
• If requirements will not be completed until the following calendar year, the student will be required to re-apply for graduation following the guidelines established above.
• The student's full/diploma name, as provided on the application for graduation, will appear on the diploma, in the Commencement Program, and will be the name read on the stage at the Commencement Ceremony.
• Graduation fees are charged at the point of initial matriculation and are included with the “matriculation fee”. 

Registration in Semester of Graduation

Even though there is only one commencement exercise each year, there are four official graduation dates: January, May, September, and October (PA program only). Every candidate for a degree must be registered at the Institute during the semester of graduation.  This includes students who are working to complete terminal projects.  Registration for project continuation will be required for any student who has no other coursework to complete and will only work on completion of a terminal project. 

Failure to graduate at the expected time will require additional registrations as necessary.

Deadlines for Awarding of Degrees

The deadlines for completion of all thesis requirements including submission of the final signed thesis are as posted in the official academic calendar.

• For degrees awarded in January, degrees are conferred and diplomas will typically bear the date of the first Friday of January.
• For degrees awarded in May, diplomas will bear the date of the actual commencement ceremony.
• For degrees awarded in September, degrees are conferred and diplomas will typically bear the date of the first Friday of September.
• For PA degrees awarded in October, diplomas will typically bear the date of the second Friday in October. 

Revocation of Diploma/Degree

The Institute reserves the right to revoke a student's diploma or degree if it is determined after notice and a hearing that the degree was received through fraud or deceit, including but not limited to: fraudulent representation during the admissions process; or academic dishonesty during the degree process. The student's records will be changed to reflect an Academic Dismissal from her or his program instead of graduation.

Awarding Posthumous Degrees-Certificates

Policy on Awarding Posthumous Degrees

Purpose:
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) values the contributions of its students and recognizes the academic dedication of those who pass away before completing their degree programs. This policy establishes guidelines for awarding posthumous degrees in honor of their achievements.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Enrollment Status:
   The deceased student must have been enrolled in a degree or certificate program at MGH IHP at the time of their passing or on an approved leave of absence in good standing.
2. Progress Toward Degree:
• Graduate and Professional Students: The student must have completed at least 75% of the required credits for their program, including significant progress in clinical placements, capstone projects, or thesis/dissertation work, if applicable.
• Post-Baccalaureate and Certificate Students: The student must have completed the majority of their required coursework or clinical hours.
• Students that do not meet any of the above criteria: Award a “Certificate of Achievement” if approved.
3. Good Academic Standing:
   The student must have been in good academic standing, meeting the Institute’s academic performance standards and adhering to its policies on academic integrity.
4. Family Support:
   The immediate family or legal next of kin must provide written consent for the awarding of the posthumous degree.

Nomination and Approval Process

1. Initiation of Request:
• A request for a posthumous degree may be initiated by a faculty member, academic advisor, program director, or family member.
2. Departmental Review:
• The academic program will review the student’s records to ensure they meet the criteria.
• The Program Director or Department Chair will prepare a recommendation to the Dean of the School or Program.
3. Dean and Academic Leadership Review:
• The Dean of the School will review the recommendation and forward it to the Provost for approval.
• The Registrar’s Office will verify compliance with academic and institutional policies.
4. Approval Notification:
   Once approved, the Provost will notify the family and relevant parties of the decision.

Awarding of the Degree

1. Commencement Ceremony:
• The posthumous degree may be conferred during the next scheduled commencement ceremony.
• Certificates of Achievement will be forwarded to requesting family member.
• A family member or representative may attend and accept the diploma on behalf of the deceased student.
2. Diploma and Transcript:
• The diploma will state that the degree is awarded posthumously.
• The student’s official transcript will reflect the awarding of the posthumous degree.
• Certificates of Achievement will not be noted on a transcript, but a copy will become a part of the student’s permanent record.
3. Notification to the Family:
   The family will receive a formal letter acknowledging the posthumous degree or certificate of achievement and any relevant academic or ceremonial details.

Exceptions and Appeals

Exceptions to this policy may be granted in extraordinary circumstances. Appeals regarding eligibility or decisions will be reviewed by a committee designated by the Provost.