I'm supposed to graduate in April next year. However, if I were to stay back for the summer to finish up some courses, I guess I'll be attending the Fall convocation? The certificate will still show as a graduate for 2014 right?

What if I finish the courses in the first semester of 2014 instead? I'm assuming I'll have to attend the 2015 Spring convocation, but will my certificate still show as a graduate for 2014?

my degree has the date of the graduation ceremony on it

Originally Posted by ForeverLost

I'm supposed to graduate in April next year. However, if I were to stay back for the summer to finish up some courses, I guess I'll be attending the Fall convocation? The certificate will still show as a graduate for 2014 right?

What if I finish the courses in the first semester of 2014 instead? I'm assuming I'll have to attend the 2015 Spring convocation, but will my certificate still show as a graduate for 2014?

No, it won't. If you graduate in 2015, your degree will show that you graduated in 2015...it doesn't matter that you were originally scheduled to graduate in 2014.

As giftedchick said, it shows the date of the actual ceremony on it. If you don't attend the ceremony then it will show the date of the earliest one you are eligible to attend, since that is when the degree is actually conferred.

If I do take the courses in 1st semester of 2014, don't I finish (and thereby, graduate) by Dec 2014? So even if the Spring convocation is in 2015, I thought my certificate would show as a graduate of 2014.

Originally Posted by ForeverLost

If I do take the courses in 1st semester of 2014, don't I finish (and thereby, graduate) by Dec 2014? So even if the Spring convocation is in 2015, I thought my certificate would show as a graduate of 2014.

Nope. What matters is what your convocation date is. Regardless of when you finish your courses, you do not technically have your degree until the date of convocation. The notation won't appear on your transcript until after convocation, either. In a few exceptional circumstances (eg you have a job or grad school abroad and need the degree to get your visa on time) you can ask for permission to get it granted early, but otherwise no. Also, the degree has the FULL date, not just the year.