Undergraduate FAQs

What are the requirements for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree?

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is awarded to all students who complete a minimum of 180 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.  In addition, the student must have a minimum of a 3.00 GPA in their major program of study.  If a minor is declared, the minor GPA must be 2.00 or higher.  Any students not meeting the GPA requirements must retake classes to meet the stated GPA(s).

The ACA transition students have different GPA requirements; please contact Linda Cowart at lcowart@scad.edu if you have any questions.

What do I need to do to be considered for graduation?

All students should apply for graduation two quarters prior to completion of their degree.  Students must complete an application online through MySCAD:

1. Log into MySCAD and select the Resources tab.

2. Go to the Forms Channel choose Registrar.

3. From the list of forms, select Graduation Application.

4. Select your current program of study or Curriculum.

5. Select your Graduation Date from the drop-down menu. Undergraduates should choose the term you plan to complete all degree requirements. Graduate students should select the term you expect to complete all required classes not including your thesis.

6. Indicate whether on not you plan to participate in commencement. If you choose undecided, you must notify your graduation auditor of your final decision by the deadline TBA.

7. From the drop-down menu, choose the name you want to have printed on your diploma. If your full legal name doesn’t appear, select New from the drop-down menu and click “Continue.” Enter your legal name (no nicknames) and any suffixes such as Jr., Sr., III, etc.

8. Select the address where you want your diploma mailed from the drop-down menu. If there’s not a correct address, select New click on “Continue.” Enter the address for your diploma. Click on “Continue.”

9. Review all information before submitting your application. 

Do I need to apply if I will not participate in the ceremony?

YES!  Any student who wants to have their degree awarded must apply to graduate.  Please note:  “Graduation” and “Graduating” are not the same.  The commencement ceremony is often referred to as “graduation.”  This is a ceremony only and is the day when students are acknowledged and have the ceremonial conferment of their degree.  No diplomas are handed out at this event.  It is to be considered a day of celebration.

Students GRADUATE when all their degree requirements are met and they have been awarded their degree in our system.  Before we can award degrees, final grades must be processed at the end of each quarter and final audits are completed for students who applied for the specified quarter.  Clearance from the Bursar’s office and Library must then be given before diplomas are mailed to the diploma address provided by the student.

When is the commencement ceremony?

The Savannah 2013 commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the Savannah Civic Center.

The Atlanta 2013 commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Ballroom.

Will I need tickets?

Yes.  You will need tickets for both the Presidential Conferment of Degrees ceremony and for the Presentation of Degrees ceremony. 

Savannah students will receive four tickets for the 9am Presidential Conferment of Degrees ceremony and six tickets for the Presentation of Degree ceremony at either 1pm or 4pm.

For SCAD-Atlanta: Please refer to the Scad Atlanta Info page

What is the May meeting about?

This is a ceremony participants meeting.  This meeting will be in Savannah.  A participants’ meeting will be held in Atlanta as well. We will discuss all aspects of the June 1st ceremony. This is not mandatory but is highly recommended if you are participating in the ceremony.

Will there be a graduation rehearsal?

Yes, rehearsal in Savannah campus will be held at the Civic Center Arena at Friday, May 31st, 2013 (rehearsal time TBA).

Yes, rehearsal on the SCAD-Atlanta campus will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center on Friday, May 31st, 2013. View Atlanta Information for details.

Rehearsal for both campuses is mandatory.  If you do not attend rehearsal, you will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

What if I can’t make it to graduation rehearsal?

Rehearsal is MANDATORY.  Rehearsal will take place in Savannah and Atlanta on Friday, May 31, 2013.  Make plans now to attend.If you are not at rehearsal, you will not be included in our lists for the graduation ceremony.

Where do I get my cap and gown?

Your cap and gown will be available for pick up the last week of spring quarter. Dates and time will be announced closer to the ceremony.

What if I haven’t ordered my cap and gown?

You can order from Herff-Jones at www.herff-jones.com/college/graduation .  Please be sure to choose the appropriate location for the ceremony where you’ll be participating.

What should I wear to the ceremony?

Men should wear black/navy slacks, a white shirt with a tie, and dark colored shoes.

Ladies should wear a dress or skirt and blouse, pantyhose and dark-colored shoes.  It is highly recommended that women wear shoes with low heels to avoid tripping on the stairs and stage.

What if I change my mind about being in the ceremony?

Contact your graduation auditor immediately.  If you decide not to participate, we will need to remove your name from our lists.

If you decide you WANT to participate, contact us immediately!  This process is more involved a cannot be a last minute decision.  If you want to be in the ceremony, you must email us and show proof that you have purchased your cap a gown from Herff-Jones.

How long will the graduation ceremonies last?

We expect all ceremonies to last no longer than 2 hours.

Can I bring food or drinks with me?

No food or drinks are allowed.

Can I bring my cell phone, camera, or purse/bags to the ceremony?

All cell phones MUST be turned off during the ceremonies.  You cannot take pictures during the ceremony.  Purses/bags are not allowed since there is no place for you to leave them.  Anything you have with you must fit in a pocket under your gown.

What time do I need to arrive on graduation day?

The Savannah graduates must arrive to the Johnny Mercer Theater by 7:15 AM for lineup.
For the Atlanta graduates, you must arrive at 4:00pm for lineup.

Will I get my diploma at graduation?

No.  Diplomas are mailed to the address you provided with your graduation application after final grades are processed and your accounts are cleared with the Bursar and Library.  If you did not apply for graduation on time, there could be a delay of 8 to 12 weeks to receive your diploma.

Will my minor or 2nd major be listed on my diploma?

Minors are not listed on the diploma or announced during the ceremony.  A separate diploma is ordered for each major.

The pronunciation of my name is difficult.  How do I make sure it is said correctly?

You need to email it to your graduation auditor as soon as possible.  We will also have a pronunciation table at the graduation rehearsal, but please do not wait until rehearsal to confirm your pronunciation.

What color is my tassel?

Tassel colors are decided according to your major.  BFA honors students will receive a gold tassel in addition to the major tassel.  (Cords are only given to graduate students).  You will also have a commemorative stole to wear with your graduation attire.  This is a gold stole with the SCAD logo embroidered on it.  All students will wear these.  The stole can be autographed by fellow students, awarded to someone special who assisted you in achieving your degree, or would be a great item to frame.

Will I be receiving an award or honors?

Departmental awards will be incorporated into the presentation of degrees ceremony.  Your specific departments give awards and you should contact that department if you have questions.  Academic honors are based on your winter quarter grades.  Honors are announced when you walk across the stage.  However, your final audit determines what honor will be on your diploma.  Cum Laude is 3.5 to 3.69 GPA, Magna Cum Laude is 3.7 to 3.89 GPA, and Summa Cum Laude is 3.9 to 4.0 GPA.  Only undergraduate students are awarded academic honors.  WE DO NOT ROUND UP.