Give
Request Info
Apply

COMMENCEMENT

IMPORTANT DATES

All graduates are to report to the Events Center Prior to the start of the Ceremony for check-in and class pictures.

 

 

Saturday, March 30, 2024 – Deadline to Order Cap & Gown –
Monday, April 15, 2024 – Last day to RSVP –
Friday, May 3, 2024 5:30 PM Graduates Arrive for Photos Campus Event Center
Friday, May 3, 2024 7:30 PM Commencement Ceremony* Firestorm Athletic Field
*Ceremony Restrictions: Please do not bring any animals, confetti cannons, food, or drinks (with the exception of water) onto the Athletic Field.

Who qualifies to walk?

Students must submit the Graduation Ceremony RSVP  prior to the published deadline in order to walk in the Ceremony.  Upon receipt of the RSVP, the Registrar’s Office will complete an official audit to determine if the student is approved to walk in the Commencement Ceremony. 

 
Participation in the annual commencement ceremony is open to students who have completed all graduation requirements for their specific degree program during the current academic year (the preceding summer terms, fall semester, or at the conclusion of the spring semester) as evidenced by an official audit by the Registrar’s Office. If a student is transferring in credits from another institution, the University must have received official transcripts with a C or better no later than mid-term of the spring semester, or the student must have a Transfer Course Approval form on file and provide proof of registration that the course will be completed during the current spring semester.

Steps for Graduates

Students who are eligible to walk will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office with the following information.

  1. Fill out RSVP for Commencement.
    • Please click here to RSVP for commencement.
    • You will receive a confirmation email with more information and instructions to follow.
  2. You must order your own cap and gown to walk in the Commencement Ceremony.
    • Please click here to order your ACU-approved Cap and Gown from Oak Hall.
    • The final day to order your ACU-approved Cap and Gown from Oak Hall is Saturday, March 30, 2024.
  3.  A graduation fee has been added to your Populi account. This must be paid in order to receive official transcripts and your diploma.
    • Graduates can pay the fee through Populi, their EMS, or directly with the business office.

Graduation Information

GRADUATION INFORMATION

A CANDIDATE FOR GRADUATION MUST FULFILL THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Evidence of Christian character through stability and cooperation in accomplishing the objectives of the University.
  2. Complete Christian service with satisfactory performance.
  3. Fulfill all requirements in the chosen field of study according to the ACU Academic Catalog.
  4. Pay in full all outstanding accounts or make satisfactory arrangements with the business office.
  5. Receive approval for graduation from the faculty and Board of Trustees.

Students are required to complete all requirements satisfactorily prior to participation in commencement exercises.

GRADUATION HONORS

Graduation honors are awarded to students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits in residency at ACU, have met the following requirements in overall GPA at the time of conferral, and have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours in residency at ACU. Graduation honors are printed on the student’s transcript and the diploma.

3.60 – 3.79   Cum Laude
3.80 – 3.89   Magna Cum Laude
3.90 – 4.00   Summa Cum Laude

Click here to access the diploma or certificate order form.

Commencement Ceremony and Walk Policy

There is one commencement ceremony per academic year where the University publically confers degrees. The ceremony is held in the month of May. Participation in the annual commencement ceremony is open to students who have met graduation requirements in the preceding summer or fall terms or will meet degree requirements at the conclusion of the spring term. The University encourages all students to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Students who are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony will be notified in writing that they have been tentatively cleared for commencement and granted permission to walk in the May ceremony. The dates, times and locations of commencement and any related ceremonies will be posted on the Arizona Christian University website’s graduation page. See arizonachristian.edu/graduation.

Students who have been tentatively cleared for participation in the commencement ceremony are not guaranteed final clearance until passing final grades are posted for remaining required course work.

Students who want to participate in the annual commencement ceremony must have all coursework completed by the end of the May semester. Students are not allowed to walk deficient. If a student will not be done, then the student will be notified that their graduation audit was denied. The student them must complete the required coursework and will have to wait to participate in the following commencement ceremony.

Permission to participate in commencement ceremonies in accordance with this policy does not constitute the granting of the degree or a guarantee thereof. While all names will be read aloud as students walk across the stage, no degree will be granted until all requirements are completed, financial accounts are cleared, and any holds on the student’s accounts are removed. Once the registrar’s office receives notification that all requirements are completed, the degree will be awarded, and the diploma will be ordered.

If you need to transfer in any additional classes, please fill out the Transfer Course Approval.

TUITION AND FEES

The graduation fee covers audit of file, ceremony, reception, diploma and other expenses. The graduation fee is not reduced for absentia graduates. The Graduation Fee amount is listed on Arizona Christian University’s Tuition & Fees Chart, that can be found on our website at the link below.

Click here for the Graduation Fee amount.

ORDER REGALIA, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND MEMORABILIA

Students MUST wear ACU-approved Regalia to walk in the ceremony. We suggest that you order your regalia prior to April 1st, 2024 so it will arrive in time for the ceremony.

Order your ACU approved Cap and Gown from Oak Hall: Click Here

As our gift to you, ACU will provide a Stole of Gratitude* on the day of Commencement to wear with your cap and gown.

*The Stole of Gratitude is worn with the regalia during the commencement ceremony. After the ceremony, the new graduate presents the stole to someone who provided extraordinary help or support, like parents, relatives, pastor, coach, faculty or mentors who have helped with wisdom, words of support, or with financial assistance.

 
Students may choose to order Announcements and other Memorabilia from any vendor they so choose. Josten’s is one vendor that provides an assortment of memorabilia, click here to access their site. ACU does not require nor endorse the purchase of merchandise from any particular vendor.
CONTACT US
Order Your Diploma

Office of the Registrar

Arizona Christian University
1 W. Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306

  Phone:
(602) 386-4111

  Email:
[email protected]