Graduation

Students graduate at the end of the spring, fall and summer semesters, during an annual commencement ceremony held each May. Any student who graduates during that academic year can participate in the May ceremony.

For degree conferral and to attend the May commencement ceremony, students must apply using Campus Connect. The deadlines are June 1 for a July degree; Oct. 1 for a December degree and Feb. 1 for a May degree.

Timeframe

Day division students must complete the JD within three years unless they take a leave of absence.
Evening division students must graduate within four years unless they receive a leave of absence or an extension.
A leave of absence can be for a maximum of two semesters.
Under no circumstances are students allowed to take more than five years to finish their JD degree.
Day division students cannot graduate in less than two and a half calendar years.
Evening division students cannot graduate in less than three and a half calendar years.

Juris Doctor Honors

Juris Doctor honors designations are awarded in the summer, following the completion of the academic year.
Summa Cum Laude is awarded to the top 5 percent of JD graduates.
Magna Cum Laude is awarded to the next 5 percent (top 10 percent) of graduates.
Cum Laude is awarded to the next 10 percent (top 20 percent) of graduates.
Honors notations appear on diplomas and official university transcripts after the recipients are identified at the end of the academic year, normally in July.
Order of the Coif awards are given to the top 10 percent of the graduating class. Recipients receive a certificate and the designation appears on official university transcripts.

Diplomas

The College of Law mails diplomas in March for February graduates and in July for May graduates.
A change of address form, when applicable, should be submitted through Campus Connect or filled out in person two months prior to commencement.

Celebrate on Social!

DePaul Law wants to help you celebrate commencement and share your success on social media with customized Giphy stickers and story templates for Instagram. Don't forget to share your special moments with us using #DePaulLawGrad24 and tagging @depaullaw.