Glossary of Graduation Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
Apply to Graduate | The formal process by which a student indicates they plan to finish their degree requirements. At Hunter, students must apply via their CUNYfirst Student Center for the specific graduation term. Apply to Graduate This is not automatic — you need to submit the application so the college can audit your record to confirm you meet all requirements. |
Commencement | The graduation ceremony held by Hunter College, typically at the end of the spring semester to celebrate students who have graduated or are about to graduate. Hunter College Commencement Attending commencement does not necessarily mean your degree has been officially conferred yet. Apply to Graduate |
Degree Conferral | The formal awarding of your degree, recognized on your academic transcript. At Hunter, after the degree audit, if all requirements are met, the college updates your record to “Degree Awarded.” Degree Audit This is the moment you are officially a graduate, regardless of whether you have received your diploma yet. |
Diploma | The physical (or paper) certificate that indicates you have earned your degree. Diplomas At Hunter, diplomas are mailed to the mailing address in your CUNYfirst account, usually a few months after your degree conferral. If needed, you can order a duplicate diploma via Parchment. |
Degree | The academic qualification you earn upon completing a program at Hunter College (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s). It represents the completion of curriculum and institutional requirements. |
Degree Audit / Application Status Letter | Degree Audit: A detailed review of a student’s academic record (courses, credits, major/minor, etc.) by Hunter’s Degree Audit Unit to check whether all requirements will be satisfied by graduation. Degree Audit Application Status Letter: After you apply to graduate, your application goes through a review process. The “Application Status” on CUNYfirst is updated to reflect where you are in that review (e.g., “Applied for Graduation,” “Program in Review,” “Approved,” “Degree Awarded”) as part of the audit. |
Procession | The formal parade of graduates, faculty, and dignitaries during commencement. Often led by a grand marshal carrying the mace, with faculty and degree candidates following. |
Academic Regalia | The traditional academic dress worn at commencement, which includes cap, gown, hood, tassel, and possibly cords. Graduates can order regalia (cap & gown) through Herff Jones or the campus bookstore. Academic Regalia |
Cap (Mortarboard) | Short for mortarboard, the flat square hat worn during commencement as part of academic regalia. |
Gown | The long robe worn by graduates. Hunter’s regalia page describes how to order and pick up gowns. Academic Regalia Gowns may vary in shape or sleeve style depending on degree level (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s). |
Hood | A decorative, draping piece of cloth worn over the gown, often signifying the degree type and institution. The velvet trim and lining often indicate the field of study and the institution. |
Stole | A scarf-like piece of fabric worn draped around the shoulders, typically for special recognition (e.g., honors, student organizations). Salutatorians can purchase stoles from the campus bookstore. Academic Regalia |
Honors Cords | Colored cords you wear as part of your regalia to indicate academic honors or special recognition. Hunter’s regalia page confirms that there are “honors cords,” and specific colors or eligibility may be tied to academic or scholarship programs. Academic Regalia Students should check with their program/department for details. |
Summa cum laude | Latin for “with highest honor.” At Hunter, this distinction is awarded to students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.900 or higher. Honors Information |
Magna cum laude | Latin for “with great honor.” At Hunter, this is for students with a cumulative GPA between 3.750 and 3.899. Honors Information |
Cum laude | Latin for “with honor.” At Hunter, this applies to students with a cumulative GPA between 3.500 and 3.749. Honors Information |
Valedictorian | The student (or one of the students) with the highest academic standing in the graduating class. At Hunter, the criteria are: 4.0 GPA and all credits completed at Hunter College. Honors Information |
Salutatorian | The graduates with the second-highest academic standing. At Hunter College, the criteria are either: - GPA between 3.900–3.999 with all credits completed at Hunter, or - Transfer students with a 4.0 GPA who have completed 60+ credits at Hunter. Honors Information For salutatorians, stoles (as part of regalia) are available at Hunter Essentials. Academic Regalia |
US Consulate VISA Request Letter | These are letters provided by the Immigrant Student Success Center to support visa needs, especially for consulate interviews or visa renewals around graduation. These letters help demonstrate to the U.S. consulate that you have completed (or are completing) your program and may need certain immigration documentation (e.g., for travel, return to studies, or OPT) for family members to attend the Commencement ceremony. To request a letter for a visiting family member, please email the Commencement email at commenceement@hunter.cuny.edu |