Important Dates
Consolidate absolute deadlines for applications, degree audits, cap-and-gown orders, ceremony RSVPs, and diploma mailing to avoid conflicting schedules.
A well-maintained calendar reduces missed deadlines, supports accurate degree audits, and reduces administrative rework. It helps students plan financial and academic steps, allows offices to schedule verifications, and creates a single source of truth for graduation logistics and institutional reporting.
The calendar supports multiple campus roles and student populations.
Each group uses the calendar differently: students for deadlines, staff for processing, and advisors for clearance guidance.
The registrar oversees the calendar, verifies degree audits, updates deadlines, and communicates official instructions. They coordinate with commencement, diploma services, and IT to publish changes and ensure records meet institutional and regulatory retention rules.
Advisors review individual student checklists, confirm completion of program requirements, and guide students on missing documentation. They use the calendar to schedule final advisement appointments and to alert students to ordering deadlines for regalia and diplomas.
Consolidate absolute deadlines for applications, degree audits, cap-and-gown orders, ceremony RSVPs, and diploma mailing to avoid conflicting schedules.
List the degree-audit milestones and who performs each check (department, registrar), including documentation needed to clear outstanding requirements.
Specify required documents (official transcripts, clearance forms, completed internships) and acceptable delivery methods (upload, mail, in-person).
Provide dates, times, rehearsal information, guest policies, accessibility accommodations, and logistics for name pronunciation or academic honors.
Name registrar contacts, department contacts, and escalation paths for late submissions or exceptions with office hours and preferred communication channels.
State retention expectations, transcript handling procedures, and any legal requirements (FERPA guidance for releasing student data).
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Approver Routing | Department → Registrar → Commencement Office |
| Authentication | Campus SSO recommended for staff; email verification for students |
| Notifications | Automated email reminders at 30/14/7 days before deadlines |
| Record Storage | Archive signed records to institution-approved repository |
Choose distribution channels that preserve signatures, timestamps, and access controls.
Ensure the selected platform supports audit trails, encryption in transit (TLS), and secure long-term storage to meet institutional and legal requirements.
Date applications for graduation must be submitted to the registrar (term-specific).
Final degree-audit review deadline, typically 2–6 weeks after application.
Order deadline, often 4–6 weeks before ceremony to ensure delivery.
Cutoff to confirm diploma mailing address and format before printing.
Guest registration and accessibility request deadline, usually 2–4 weeks prior.
Student submits graduation application and initial documents.
Advisor confirms course completion and recommends approval.
Registrar runs the degree audit and issues final clearance.
Diploma is printed, quality-checked, and scheduled for mailing.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium+) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |