Graduation
Student Responsibility
The ultimate responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests with the individual student. Student Success Advisors, Faculty Advisors, and the Office of the Registrar make every effort to assist and advise the student so that he/she may complete course work in the desired time period. The University cannot, however, assume responsibility for ensuring that the right courses are taken at the right time. The Registrar reviews each student’s progress in Student Planning upon receipt of an Application for Graduation. Students should review their progress in Student Planning for irregularities or deficiencies prior to submission of the Application for Graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to provide missing transcripts, obtain course substitutions, and make schedule changes needed to complete the course of study.
Graduation Requirements
In order to receive the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Social Work degree, which is conferred by the Board of Trustees upon candidates recommended by the faculty, a student must fulfill all the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum total of 120 semester credit hours for a Baccalaureate degree or 60 credits for an Associate’s degree.
- Complete the core curriculum requirements, including competencies.
- Fulfill major requirements. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 40% of their major at Eastern University. Students with more than one major will earn one degree, determined by the first major, and will be given one diploma.
- Maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.00 (C) and earn the grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.
- Complete the last 32 semester credit hours at Eastern University. Students who have earned at least 32 credits at Eastern and have met all other graduation requirements may apply to take their final credits at an approved off-campus study program or host institution.
- Complete all assessment exams or inventories required in the student’s major department and by the University.
A student is subject to the core curriculum requirements of the catalog in effect at the date (either fall or spring semester) of matriculation and to the requirements for a major, minor, or teacher certification program at the date of declaration of such program (unless subsequent changes provide for substitutions of courses).
If it is to the student’s advantage, he/she may elect to graduate under a revised major by agreeing to fulfill all the requirements of that catalog. All requests must be submitted to and approved by the Registrar.
A student who returns after an absence of five years or more must fulfill the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.
Dates on Diploma
Degrees are conferred on the 31st of the following months: January, March, May, August, October and December.
Declaration of Intent to Graduate
It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Office of the Registrar of his/her intention to graduate by completing an Application for Graduation. Applications for graduation must be filed by using Self Service through the MyEastern portal. The Application for Graduation should be submitted upon enrollment in the student's final class required for degree, bit no later than the following
Degree Conferral Date Application for Graduation Due Date
January 31st December 1st
March 31st February 1st
May 31st April 1st
August 31st July 1st
October 31st September 1st
December 31st November 1st
Students whose plans for graduation change, whether they intend to graduate earlier or later than previously anticipated, must inform the Office of the Registrar. The Graduation Fee is added to the student's account upon submission of the Application for Graduation. The Graduation Fee is charged regardless of whether the student chooses to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Participation in Commencement Ceremonies
A Commencement Ceremony is held at the close of the Spring semester to recognize students who have graduated in the previous academic year, or who are expecting to complete degree requirements in the Spring term. Students who are expecting to complete degree requirements in the summer following the commencement ceremony, can petition to participate early in the commencement ceremony, provided students submit necessary documentation showing enrollment in all coursework that will complete degree requirements. Petitions to participate must be submitted no later than April 1st. Participation in the commencement ceremony is optional.
Graduation Honors (Bachelor's Programs Only)
In order to recognize the superior scholastic achievement of a student during his/her academic course, the University awards degrees with honors as follows:
- Summa cum laude: cumulative grade-point average of 3.90 or better.
- Magna cum laude: cumulative grade-point average of 3.75 to 3.899.
- Cum laude: cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 to 3.749.
Transfer students are eligible for these honors if they have completed at least 60 semester hours of Eastern University credit.
- With Distinction: will be announced for graduating students with cumulative grade-point averages of 3.8 or better and 39-59 credits earned at Eastern University.
Graduation Prizes and Awards
Academic Honor Awards ($200) • Two awards, made to the graduating seniors who have attained the highest scholastic averages for three years, i.e., six semesters as a full-time student, or more at Eastern University.
American Chemical Society Scholastic Achievement Award ($50) • Awarded to the graduating senior with the highest academic achievement in chemistry or biochemistry.
Biblical Studies Award • Awarded to a graduating senior by the department for excellence in Biblical Studies.
Board of Fellows Outstanding Dissertation Award • Awarded for doctoral dissertations that not only embody a high quality of scholarship but also an integration of faith, reason, and justice.
Business Faculty Award • Awarded to a graduating business major who has displayed academic excellence as well as practical application of business concepts.
Caroline Cherry Literature Award • Given to a graduating senior with a major in English literature who has both pursued and attained excellence in the critical engagement with literature.
College of Education Graduate Student Award for Leadership, Service and Advocacy ($200) • Given to two recipients who demonstrate leadership through service and advocacy in the Eastern University community, local schools, professional organizations and faith institutions. will maintain a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership through service and advocacy in the Eastern University community, local schools, professional organizations, and faith institutions.
College of Education Undergraduate Student Leadership and Service Award ($200) • Given to two recipients will maintain a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate leadership through service and advocacy in the Eastern University community, local schools, professional organizations, and faith institutions.
Criminal Justice Award • Awarded to a graduating Criminal Justice major who demonstrates outstanding academic achievements as well as participation activities that benefit the larger community.
Diane Renich Kelley Award in Missions ($1,000) • Presented to a graduating student for excellence in missions, as nominated by the faculty of Missiology and Anthropology.
Elsie Williamson Fraser Award in Education ($1,000) • Presented to a graduating student for excellence in education studies, as nominated by the faculty of Education.
Frederick J. Boehlke Award • Awarded to a history major by the department for a significant and unique contribution. Awarded only when a suitable candidate exists.
Gilbert L. Guffin Freedoms Foundation Award ($50) • A prize given to a graduating senior for the best paper in some area of American history, particularly as it concerns basic freedoms.
Dr. Gordon C. Bennett Heroic Endeavor Awards ($100) • Awarded to graduating seniors who have overcome extreme physical limitations, unusual family obligations or other non-academic personal problems to secure their diplomas.
Jack Geiger Memorial Award ($50) • Awarded to the graduating senior majoring in business administration who attained a grade point average above 3.20 and was very active in Enactus.
Janice Stead Memorial Award ($50) • Awarded to students selected by the Student Development Directors for the students’ outstanding contribution to the student Christian formation efforts of the University.
Kappa Delta Pi Student Leadership, Service, and Advocacy Award ($200) • Recognizes two students in the College of Education who demonstrate leadership through service and advocacy in Kappa Delta Pi activities that engage the Eastern University community, local schools, agencies, and organizations that advocate for students.
Kenneth Eugene Crow Memorial Award ($200) • Open only to juniors and seniors. Awarded once a year, at either the Fall Convocation or the Spring Commencement. A paper on the subject “The Christian Faith and Contemporary Thought” is to be submitted to the Christian Studies Department by April 1. Details of application are available.
Landi Turner Personal Growth Award • Awarded to a graduating Psychology major who has demonstrated substantial personal growth while at Eastern University.
Marcus Aurelius Award ($100) • Awarded to the student submitting the best paper on any phase of the life of Marcus Aurelius, his papers or his studies.
Ministry Leadership Award • Awarded to graduating students that have completed an undergraduate degree in ministry.
Minnie Manning Psychology Prize ($50, or the income from invested funds) • Awarded to juniors or seniors majoring in psychology, on the basis of a high degree of interest as shown by a paper submitted to the Psychology Department.
Mrs. W. Byron Brown Christian Service Award ($50) • Awarded to a student going into full-time Christian service.
Office of Faith and Practice Award ($50) • Awarded to a senior student, nominated by the Office of Faith and Practice, who has shown the greatest aptitude in applying Christian principles to practical life.
Palmer Seminary Scholarships • Two scholarships, awarded by vote of the university faculty, to graduating seniors for attendance at the Palmer Theological Seminary. Recipients must have taken no less than two years of full-time work at the University and be accepted for admission to the Seminary. The scholarships are $250 each. Awards will be based upon University grades, potential leadership, and Christian service.
Phi Sigma Iota Language Honorary Award • Awarded to the graduating senior with the highest academic average in a language major.
Sociology Award • Plaque awarded to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty and students of the Sociology Department, demonstrated high competence in the field of sociology.
Student Body Award ($25) • Awarded by vote of the student body to the outstanding graduating senior in ability, activity, and scholarship.
Student Service Leadership Award ($500) • Awarded to a graduating student who has exemplified the ideals of leadership through service consistent with the program goals of the PhD Program in Organizational Leadership.
Terry Weathersby Memorial Scholarship Award ($1000) • Awarded to a Psychology major during the senior year who demonstrates a strong commitment to the field, both as a student and as an emerging professional, and demonstrates Godly character and a strong record of service to others, as well as exemplary integrity and humility.
Theological Studies Award • Awarded to a graduating senior by the department for excellence in Theological Studies.
Thomas Henry Fraser Award in Life Sciences ($1,000) • Presented to a graduating student for excellence in pre-medicine, biology or biochemistry studies, as nominated by the faculty of Biology.
Thyra Ferre Bjorn Creative Writing Award ($50) • Awarded to the graduating senior judged to have greatest potential writing ability.
University Achievement Awards ($200) • Two awards, made to undergraduate graduating students who, in the judgment of the faculty, have shown initiative, industry, and enterprise in their college careers.
University Alumni Awards ($200) • Two awards, made to undergraduate graduating students who have made the most significant advance during their college careers.
World Hunger Award ($100) • Awarded each year to the student submitting the best project on the topic “A Christian Response to World Hunger.”