Preparing for Graduation

Graduation Clearance

Students should register for their final semester, and then apply for graduation clearance. You must be registered for at least one credit during the semester in which you plan to graduate. Obtain your URSP Class Check List from your file in the administrative office, and make sure your mentor has checked to see all requirements have been completed. Graduation deadlines for the Master of Community Planning (MCP) can be obtained from the Graduate Advisor. Deadlines are different for regular candidates (those who submit final papers instead of a thesis), and thesis candidates.

Pay careful attention to these deadlines, which involve submitting final paper/thesis, and forms with signatures. Leave yourself enough time to obtain all the required signatures, and deliver or mail the originals to campus offices. Forms, such as the Approved Program Form, and Certification of Master's Degree, must be completed and submitted to various offices by certain dates. There is also the Application for Graduation, which can also be submitted online at Testudo. Request your graduation materials from the URSP administrative office at the beginning of the semester that you intend to graduate.

Commencement

Graduation commencements are held following the Spring and Winter semesters (in May and December), but not following the Summer semester (in August). If you plan to graduate at the end of a Summer Session, you may walk in either the May or December ceremony, just inform the Graduate Secretary of your preference. Commencement is usually held the day after final exams end. There is a morning University-wide convocation, and a mid-day School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation ceremony. You are strongly encouraged to attend both of these ceremonies, to celebrate the achievement of earning your Master of Community Planning. Academic regalia may be purchased from Jostens at the University Book Center.

Student Awards

Each year at the Spring commencement, awards are presented to students demonstrating academic excellence in the field of Urban Studies and Planning. Students who anticipate earning their MCP during the year after to the last Spring commencement will be considered for awards. Among these honors are the AICP Award for Highest GPA, the LeFrak Award for Service to the Community, and Larry Reich Award for Best MCP Paper.