A Declaration of Intent to Graduate must be submitted to a CDS Academic Advisor one calendar year in advance of the intended date of graduation. The University is not responsible for the graduation of any student who fails to submit this form. Students are responsible for the accuracy of their Declaration of Intent to Graduate and for ensuring that their transcripts accurately reflect their academic records at the time they submit a Declaration of Intent to Graduate.

Degree Progress Report is an advising tool available to students and their advisors via the MyBU Student Portal. It provides a snapshot of the student’s progress-to-date toward degree completion and thus functions in conjunction with this Bulletin and in the context of advising appointments as a useful reminder of coursework still needed at a given point in time. Students should check their Degree Progress Report periodically for updates resulting from registration, completion of additional courses, or changes of a major or minor. However, Degree Progress Report is not a substitute for substantive discussion with the advisor about degree programs and course selection, and Degree Progress Report does not certify students for graduation. The process of certification can be initiated only by submission of the Declaration of Intent to Graduate one year before intended graduation.

Students should be aware that substitutions for required courses, as well as the use of some courses taken in Boston University Study Abroad programs, must be approved in writing in order for these courses to apply toward degree requirements. Otherwise, Degree Progress Report will not recognize such courses, and delays may occur in the review of Declarations of Intent to Graduate.

Students may verify that they are listed among tentative candidates for graduation at the ensuing graduation date by checking with CDS Academic Advising in December, April, and July.

Degrees are awarded in September, January, and May. Commencement exercises are held in May only. Students must meet all graduation deadlines as listed on the CDS website. In order to graduate, documentation of previous degrees must be on file in the CDS office. Incoming students who do not provide proof of their previous degrees will not be permitted to register in their second term.

Graduation Policy on Missing Grades

The designation of “MG” indicates an unresolved status. “MG” is assigned by faculty to students who have never attended the course or who have stopped attending the course before the last day to drop a standard class without a “W” grade (see the Office of the Registrar’s website for date). Note: For students who have stopped attending a course after the last day to drop a standard class without a “W,” “I,” or a letter grade may be the most appropriate grade. See the policy on “Incomplete” grades.

Students are permitted to graduate with an MG in a PDP course on their transcripts. However, students should be aware that MGs on the transcript are not desirable. MGs in all non-PDP courses must be resolved before graduation; students will not be permitted to graduate with an MG in a non-PDP course.