Q: I received a letter from Armstrong Atlantic State University after I applied for graduation, but haven't heard from Armstrong Atlantic State University since. Why?

A: You completed an application that indicated the courses that you and your advisor agreed would satisfy any course requirements you have remaining to qualify you for graduation. After you apply, we do a thorough review of your status toward graduation. Within two weeks of receiving your application, we send you a letter notifying you of any deficiencies you may have including GPA requirements, hours required, exit exams, Regents' requirements, and courses you are missing. If you follow the course schedule as planned by your advisor AND complete any additional requirements we notify you about, there is no reason for us to contact you. In this case, “no news is good news.” We monitor your progress after each term. If you deviate from the courses stated on your application, we contact your department head prior to contacting you. If we have further questions or concerns the department head of your major will contact you. If you deviate from the courses listed on your application for graduation, please have your advisor email the assistant registrar so adjustments can be made to your application. Failure to provide schedule changes could result in your failure to graduate.


Q: I completed my degree requirements early. Why can't I get my diploma now?

A: Diplomas are issued twice a year and only during the graduation ceremony. If your employer requires you to obtain a diploma early, we will try to work with you to satisfy that requirement; however, the diploma will not be awarded, nor will the degree be conferred until the graduation ceremony.


Q: I am not going to finish my requirements on schedule and need to delay my graduation. What do I need to do?

A: You need to inform the assistant registrar in writing as soon as possible. We can move your application to the next graduation easily. It saves time, effort, and expense if you inform us right away. It can also save you from getting the dreaded; you are not graduating phone call.


Q: When will my degree be posted on my transcript?

A: We try to have your degree posted on your transcript by the end of the week in which you graduate. If you have a special situation that requires you have your degree on your transcript sooner, please let us know. We will work with you on an individual basis.


Q: My Grade Point Average (GPA) is pretty low. What is the minimum GPA that is required to graduate?

A: A 2.00 GPA is the required minimum. You must meet the minimum 2.00 GPA on both OVERALL AND INSTITUTIONAL GPA's. Your institutional GPA is based on the course work you complete at Armstrong only. The overall GPA is calculated on your Armstrong work, plus any course work completed at other universities. Some degree programs have higher GPA requirements. Please consult the catalog for complete details for the program requirements for the degree you are seeking.



Q: My GPA is pretty high. What are the requirements to receive honors?

A: Honors are awarded on overall GPA. The minimum overall GPA required to receive honors is 3.20. This qualifies you for Cum Laude. There are award steps for higher GPA's. Requirements for honors are explained in detail in the current catalog.

You will be notified of honors at the graduation rehearsal. We cannot calculate your GPA early to see if you qualify. If you finish your requirements the term prior to graduation, we will base your standing on your final overall GPA.

Academic honors will not be awarded to second-degree recipients unless the student specifically requests an “award evaluation” in writing from the Registrar's Office. This is in accordance with the AASU catalog.

Students that received Academic Renewal are not eligible to receive honors.



Q: I have repeated some courses. Which one of the grades count?

A: When a course is repeated, only the last grade earned counts towards the earned hours requirement, GPA hours, points, and overall GPA. All course work taken remains on the student's academic transcript. For example, if you take ENGL 1101 during the fall term and make an ‘A' and during the following term, you repeat ENGL 1101 again and make an ‘F'. The last grade (F) is your final grade, and the one that counts in your GPA.


Q: Senior grades are submitted early. Can I get mine?

A: Sure. We post grades as they come in and they instantly become available on S.H.I.P. Please check there. If a grade is incorrect, please contact your instructor. The Registrar's Office cannot change grades without instructor/department head approval.



Q: I am graduating with an Associate of Arts degree. Why do my grades have to be turned in early?

A: Because of the volume of grades, and the amount of work involved to ensure you are eligible to graduate, it is virtually impossible to separate those who have met graduation requirements from those who have not. Also, we need all your grades to determine if honors are in order.


Q: My advisor says I need an exit exam. What is that and why do I have to take it?

A: Students in degree programs must take an exit exam in order to graduate. The University has the Measure of Proficiency and Progress (MAPP) (University Exit Exam). The MAPP is not a pass/fail test, but the results are recorded on your transcript. We will send you information about sign-up, costs, the exam contents, etc., as the time nears for the exam or you can go to http://www.sa.armstrong.edu/Testing for the details of the exam. You can also find information regarding major field exams.

All students are required to take the MAPP, except those that have already completed a Bachelor's degree or higher. If you were notified that you are required to take the MAPP and you feel that is incorrect, please contact the assistant registrar.

In addition to the MAPP, most majors have a departmental exit exam as well. You must satisfy these requirements to graduate. Contact your department for the required exit exam for your major, if any.



Q: What does the graduation fee cover?

A: It covers the cost of your cap and gown, tassel, diploma, diploma cover, and graduation programs.



Q: Can you help me order my cap and gown?

A: The bookstore handles this for graduating seniors. You can also ask them about invitations and rings, at 344-2603.



Q: I will not be able to attend graduation. What do I need to do?

A: Please write or fax (344-3475) a letter to Dr. Vicki McNeil in the Office of Student Affairs requesting to graduate in absentia. Your letter should include your name, student identification number, and any special delivery instructions. Upon receipt of your letter or fax, Dr. McNeil will acknowledge your request in a letter to you.



Q: I am taking courses at another institution. When are these grades due?

A: Grades for courses taken at another institution are due one week prior to graduation. You must identify yourself to the professor and the registrar's office (of the school you are attending) to make arrangements to get the grades to AASU in a timely manner. This is your responsibility and could prevent you from graduating. We will accept original letters and faxes from the institution's registrar's office. The letters/faxes must include any information that would appear on a transcript: name; social; course; grade; etc.



Q: How many people can I invite to my graduation?

A: Currently, there are no restrictions placed on the number of guests a student may invite to commencement.