We want to ensure all students have the information they need to apply to graduate and receive their diplomas — after all, this is what you’ve been working so hard to achieve!
This frequently asked questions (FAQs) page serves as a comprehensive resource to address common inquiries regarding the degree conferral process – from applying for your degree conferral to finally receiving your diploma.
The Office of the Registrar confers degrees throughout the year but does not oversee the commencement ceremonies. However, in order to participate in the commencement ceremonies, graduation applications must be submitted by specific deadlines. For the 2024 Chicago Commencement Ceremony, graduation applications must’ve been submitted by Friday, May 31. For the Vancouver Commencement Ceremony, applications must be submitted by July 31. Anyone applying for degree conferral after these dates will be eligible to participate in the University’s 2025 ceremonies. If you have questions specific to the commencement ceremonies, please visit the University’s commencement site.
Frequently asked questions
Applying to graduate.
How will I know when the graduation application is available?
Once the graduation application is available, all students will receive an email to their Adler email. This email will contain information about the process and the due date.
Where can I find the graduation application?
The graduation application is available in Colleague Self-Service under the “Graduation Overview” option. Instructions are available on the website in the “Student Forms” section under the “Students/Alum” menu.
What should I do after submitting my graduation application?
You will receive an auto-reply email once you submit your application. Please retain this email as it contains important information and can answer most questions students have.
What happens if I don’t submit my graduation application?
If your graduation application is not submitted, your degree cannot be conferred.
What if I have an outstanding balance with Student Accounts?
An outstanding balance may prevent the release of your transcript and the ordering of your diploma. Contact the Office of Student Accounts to resolve any balances.
Chicago and Online campuses – StudentAccounts@adler.edu
Vancouver Campus – VanStudentAccounts@adler.edu
Once you clear your balance, please contact the Office of the Registrar so we can order your diploma:
Chicago Campus – Registrar@adler.edu
Online Campus – OnlineRegistrar@adler.edu
Vancouver Campus – VanRegistrar@adler.edu
Final grades
When are final grades posted?
Chicago Campus: Instructors are required to post grades no later than five business days after the end of the course period.
Online Campus: Instructors are required to post grades no later than two business days after the course period ends.
Vancouver Campus: Instructors are required to post grades no later than two weeks after the end of the term.
How can I view my final grades?
Once an instructor posts final grades, they are immediately available for viewing in Student Planner.
What should I do if I have questions about missing grades?
Questions regarding missing grades or grade changes should be referred to the instructor on record. The Office of the Registrar does not have information on the status of a student’s missing grade.
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Internships | Practicums | Externships | Social Justice Practicum
What are the requirements for my internship/practicum/externship/SJP?
Students must complete all internship/practicum/externship/SJP requirements before their degree is conferred.
Who should I contact with questions about my internship/practicum/externship/SJP?
For questions regarding the status of your internship/practicum/externship/SJP grades or documentation, connect directly with the instructor of record listed in your schedule. The Office of the Registrar does not handle training-related courses or retain documentation for these experiences.
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Degree conferral process
What does it mean for my degree to be conferred?
Having a degree conferred means that Adler University has officially awarded the degree to you after successfully completing all the necessary academic and administrative requirements. Once a degree is conferred, it is formally recorded your academic transcript, and you are eligible to receive your diploma.
What happens after all my grades and requirements are completed?
Once all grades are posted and all degree requirements are met, auditing for degree conferral begins. This process may take up to 30 days from the date your last grade was posted or last degree requirement was completed.
How long does the degree conferral process take?
Chicago and Online campuses: The process may take up to 30 days during the Summer term due to the high volume of graduates.
Vancouver Campus: The degree conferral process is conducted at the end of each term.
How long does the degree conferral process take?
Chicago and Online campuses: The process may take up to 30 days during the Summer term due to the high volume of graduates.
Vancouver Campus: The degree conferral process is conducted at the end of each term.
How will I know when my degree has been conferred?
You will receive an email notification to your Adler email account once your degree has been posted to your academic record.
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Receiving your diploma
Where will my diploma be sent?
Diplomas and certificates for the Chicago and Online campuses are sent to the mailing address on record in Self-Service. Ensure your address is current prior to receiving notice of degree conferral. The Vancouver Campus will confirm your delivery address before mailing.
How long will it take to receive my diploma?
Please allow up to 12 weeks from the date you receive the confirmation of degree conferral email for the receipt of your diploma. Diplomas are mailed via UPS from our vendor for the Chicago and Online campuses. The Vancouver Campus will confirm your delivery address before mailing.
What should I do if I need to change my address?
Request an address change via the “Address, Phone Number, and Personal E-mail Changes via Self-Service” option. Diploma reorders due to incorrect addresses will incur a reorder fee.
How large are the diplomas?
Doctoral – 14 (W) x 11 (L)
Masters and Certificates – 11 (W) x 8 1/2 (L)
What will be on the diploma?
Name
Adler University diplomas contain the name you indicate on your graduation application.
Degree
Diplomas contain your degree name (e.g., Master of Arts in Psychology), the date of degree conferral, the University seal, and signatures of Adler University’s President, chair of the Board of Trustees, and the respective campus executive dean.
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Licensure and Degree Verification
When should I submit my licensure and degree verification paperwork?
Submit your paperwork only after you have been notified that your degree has been conferred.
Who should I contact for verification letters and other academic information?
For programmatic accreditation, curriculum verification, advisement sheets, and other related information, connect directly with your department chair or program director.
How can I provide degree verification for an employer?
Students and alums can request official letters from the Office of the Registrar verifying their education. Please complete the Enrollment and Degree Verification Form for the campus you attended found on the Registrar’s transcripts and verification page.
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Returned and replacement diplomas
What should I do if my diploma is returned due to an incorrect address?
The Office of the Registrar will notify you if your diploma is returned. To have it re-mailed, provide an updated mailing address or pick it up during business hours.
What if my diploma is damaged in transit?
Email a photo of the damaged diploma and envelope to the Office of the Registrar of the campus you attended.
Chicago Campus
Registrar@adler.edu
Online Campus
OnlineRegistrar@adler.edu
Vancouver Campus
VanRegistrar@adler.edu
How do I order a replacement diploma/certificate?
Complete the Degree Replacement Order Form <to hyperlink>.
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Attending the commencement ceremonies
How can I participate in the commencement ceremony?
Degrees can be conferred throughout the year. However, graduation applications must be submitted by Friday, May 31, 2024, to participate in the Chicago and Online ceremony in Oct. 2024. Graduation applications must be submitted by Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to participate in the Vancouver ceremony in Nov. 2024. For more details about commencement at Adler, visit the University’s commencement website. Those who apply for degree conferral after these dates can participate in the 2025 ceremonies.