Graduation Policies
Students should consult with their academic advisors about graduation requirements, Latin honors, and the procedures for applying for graduation and participating in graduation ceremonies.
Graduation Honors
In recognition of distinguished academic achievement and high standards of academic integrity, the University of Pennsylvania awards Latin honors to undergraduate students based on the cumulative GPA on their transcripts at the time of graduation:
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.80 or higher
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.60 or higher, but less than 3.80
- Cum Laude: 3.40 or higher, but less than 3.60
A student who has received a sanction of probation or greater for a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity, the Code of Student Conduct, or the Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policy is not eligible for Latin honors. Notation of Graduation Honors will be removed from the transcript if the finding occurs after this honor has been posted.
(Source: Almanac, April 20, 2010, Volume 56, No. 30, updated May 3, 2016, Volume 62, No. 33)
Graduation Requirements
Students are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of their curriculum as determined by their school in order to graduate.
School specific policies:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Students must complete all courses within their major, as addressed individually by each department.
- School of Nursing
- The Wharton School
Maximum Time to Complete a Degree
Some schools set a maximum period within which students must complete their degree. Students with questions should contact their school advising office.
School specific policies:
Incomplete Grades
The decision to grant an Incomplete is solely that of the instructor teaching the course. Students should request Incompletes rarely if at all; it is far better to plan ahead and use advising and academic support resources to ensure that coursework is finished on time. There are a number of consequences of requesting an Incomplete, and unfinished coursework may result in an F grade or delay of graduation. Generally, students with one Incomplete must finish the work by the fifth week of the next semester.
Specific procedures and policies regarding incomplete grades vary by school.
School specific policies:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Students in the College of Arts and Sciences cannot graduate with an Incomplete grade on their Undergraduate record
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- School of Nursing
- The Wharton School