Graduation - Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation – The NJIT Office of the Registrar is responsible for the graduation process which pertains to the steps needed to obtain your degree. Please see the Graduation section for FAQs related to the Graduation process.
Commencement – The NJIT Office of Special Events is responsible for the Commencement Ceremony which is our celebration for graduation. Please see the Commencement section for some FAQs related to participation in the Commencement Ceremony. For all Commencement Ceremony questions, please visit our Commencement website.
Graduation
Q: Do I have to apply for graduation?
A: Students do not need to apply for graduation. However, you will need to complete the online Diploma Verification form on Highlander Pipeline to verify your degree information. All students must complete a new Diploma Verification Form, even if you completed one in a previous semester.
August Candidates (eligible to participate in Commencement): The Graduation Verification Form will be available in March.
August Candidates (all other candidates): The Graduation Verification Form will be available in August.
December Candidates: The Graduation Verification Form will be available in October.
May Candidates: The Graduation Verification form will be available in March.
Q: How do I access the Diploma Verification form?
A: Log in to Highlander Pipeline > Student Academic Services card > Diploma Verification Form
Q: When will I be notified regarding my eligibility for graduation/commencement?
A: You will receive an email with instructions to complete the Diploma Verification Form if you are pre-certified by your academic department. If you do not receive an email, and feel you are eligible to participate, undergraduates may complete the Commencement Appeal Form (instructions below). If you are a graduate student that did not receive an email, you may email Babinski@njit.edu.
Q: Do I need to complete the Commencement Appeal Form?
A: The only students that should complete the Commencement Appeal Form are those undergraduate students who have not received any communication about graduation by the end of February and feel they are eligible to graduate and/or participate in the ceremony. In addition, if your academic department has stated you are not eligible to participate and you feel this information is inaccurate, you may complete the Commencement Appeal Form.
Graduate students, for exceptional circumstances only, may email a request to participate in the May Commencement Ceremony. Please email your request to gso@njit.edu.
Q: What is the fee for graduation?
A: Depending on the semester you started at NJIT, you may have been charged a matriculation fee or a graduation fee that covers all costs associated with graduation, including conferring your degree. You must pay the fee ($160.00) whether you plan to participate in the ceremony or not.
Q: Do I have to pay the Matriculation or Graduation Fee if I do not attend the Commencement Ceremony?
A: Yes, you are responsible for the fee regardless if you attend the Commencement Ceremony or not, as this fee covers the costs associated with conferring your degree.
Q: What do I do if I have a hold?
A: Please review Highlander Pipeline to view holds that are on your account and review the link to determine which department placed the hold on your account. Contact that department to resolve any outstanding issues. Please review financial holds for more information.
Q: What if I have transfer credits from another institution that were not applied to my transcript?
A: The Registrar’s Office requires an official transcript to post transfer credit to your academic record. If you already provided an official transcript to NJIT, please email registrar@njit.edu or stop by the Registrar’s Office in the Student Mall to verify we received your transcript. If you did not provide an official transcript, please send an official transcript immediately. Please allow up to 2 weeks for the credits to post to your account. If you do not see the transfer credits 2 weeks after we received the transcript, please email registrar@njit.edu or stop by the Registrar’s Office in the Student Mall to request a status update.
Q: How do I know which name will appear on my diploma?
A: The name on your diploma will match the name in our system. You may verify the name in our system when you complete the online Graduation Verification form in Highlander Pipeline.
If your name is inaccurate and/or you need to make a change to your name, complete the Request to Change Legal Name and submit required legal documentation to the Office of the Registrar.
Q: How do I get my diploma?
A: Starting for August 2023, all diplomas will be mailed to the graduates. All previous term diplomas diplomas are available for pick up at the Office of the Registrar.
Q: How do I request a transcript with my graduation date?
A: You may request a copy of your transcript here. The graduation date will appear after your department has certified your academic requirements are complete.
Q: What is the official graduation date?
A: The graduation date for each official graduation period is:
Fall Semester Completion – December 31
Spring Semester Completion – May 31
Summer Completion – August 31
Final Graduation Certification is the responsibility of each Academic Department and takes place within 4-6 weeks after the official graduation periods.
Q: What do I do if I have a 4.0?
A: Undergraduate students with a 4.0 will be verified after final grades are posted in May. You will receive email communication via your NJIT account regarding further instructions if you are participating in the Commencement Ceremony.
Q: When will I know if I am graduating with academic honors during the Commencement Ceremony?
A: Undergraduate Academic honors will be calculated after Fall grades are posted. They are based on Fall credits and cumulative GPA, prior to the application of special grades according to the qualifications in the Catalog. Your academic transcript and diploma will reflect your final honors designation. Academic honor distinctions apply to undergraduate students only.
Cum Laude: GPA of 3.400 – 3.649
Magna Cum Laude: GPA of 3.650 – 3.849
Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.850 – 4.000