Ceremony Instructions

As part of an ongoing effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable Commencement ceremony, additional security measures will be in place that are consistent with standard protocols used at large-scale events across USM institutions, sporting events and concerts.

These measures will include:

• All graduating candidates MUST show a valid CSU ID at check-in
• A clear bag policy (see below)

To allow additional time for screening, check-in for graduating students will now begin at 7:00 AM, and doors will open at 7:30 AM.

Please share this information with your family and friends who will be attending the ceremony.

Check-in

Check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m. with your student ID. All graduates should check in at the PEC Fitness Center student check-in desk no later than 7:30 a.m. Marshals and volunteers will distribute name cards and will line up the graduates. Please remain in line until the processional. Please remember students are not to carry anything in the ceremony. 

Processional and Ceremony

The procession will begin at 8:45 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately three hours. All students are requested to stay until the conclusion of the ceremony.

Announcer Card

Each graduate must complete the announcer card. You should spell your name phonetically on the announcer’s card.

Receiving Your Diploma Cover

1. Please bring your announcer card to the platform and give it to the announcer.
2. Take your diploma cover and walk to the President and shake his hand, a photo will be taken.
3. Another photo will be taken after you exit the stage.
4. Return to your seat via the center aisle and be seated.

Commencement Etiquette

• Graduates should not bring cell phones, cameras, computers, and other electronic devices to the commencement.
• After crossing the stage, graduates must return to their seats and allow the other graduates to have their moment.
• Graduates and guests must remain seated until directed otherwise by the Marshals.
• Graduates will be directed when to line up for the recession and to proceed to the exit in an orderly manner.
• The recession signals the end of the ceremony, and graduates and guests will then be free to take pictures at the selfie stations on the concourse of the Physical Education Center Arena.
• Graduates should display courtesy and respect to self and others.
   

Order your graduation cap, gown, class ring, and announcements

Students can order caps, gowns, and hoods online through our official vendor partner. The Bookstore also has cap and gowns available for purchase from March-May. Gowns are sized by height. Fuller cut gowns are available. Caps are one size fit all. Your cap and gown are non-refundable, and must be paid for in full when you come to pick up.

The Bookstore accepts Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

Curious about specific pricing? Visit the campus bookstore or call (410) 951-1223 for more information.

Celebrate your graduation with class rings and announcements

Coppin State University partners with Herff Jones to supply class rings and announcements. Students can visit the Herff Jones website to order.

What to Wear With Your Cap and Gown

All graduates must wear a cap and gown. Please comfortable shoes. Dark color (i.e., black, navy, deep brown) dresses, suits, skirts, slacks, pants, and shoes are all appropriate clothing options for the Commencement ceremony. Men should wear white dress shirts. We request graduates wear professional shoes, and not tennis or other athletic shoes.

Graduation Regalia

Tassels

For undergraduate candidates, at the beginning of the ceremony tassels are worn on the right. Upon direction from the President, the tassel is moved to the left.

Graduate candidates will wear their tassel to the left for the entire ceremony.

Hoods

Hoods vary in length according to the degree. Bachelor's hoods are three feet, master's are three and one-half feet, and the Doctor's degree is four feet. The lining of the hood is the official colors of the university, which are blue and gold. The trimming of the hood is usually velvet or velveteen. The color of the velvet indicates the degree.

At Coppin, we use the following hoods:

Diploma Information

Expect your diploma in the mail—diplomas will be mailed after all graduation requirements have been met. This usually occurs within 6 to 8 weeks of commencement.
Please keep the Records and Registration Office informed of your current address.

Faculty Regalia

Faculty may also rent or purchase regalia or other items for Commencement. Check with the bookstore for information on ordering regalia.

Start your "TRANSFER-mation"

Students can earn course credit through completed coursework and approved prior learning experiences. Coppin accepts up to  90 credits from 4-year institutions and 70 credits from 2-year colleges; however, students must finish their final 30 credits here at Coppin. Below is our general transfer credit criteria:

• External credits are from a regionally accredited college or university
• Earned grade is a “C" or higher
• Student earned a “D” in coursework part of an associate’s degree or if the cumulative grade point average from the transferring institution is a 2.0 or higher

Coppin does not award transfer credit for developmental and remedial courses, as well as any grade of “D” in freshman English courses or major courses.

Note: Remedial and developmental courses are not used for admission qualifying purposes.

Apply now

What is the credit evaluation process?

Coppin performs transfer credit evaluations to decide a student’s standing (i.e. sophomore, junior, etc.) when you transfer into Coppin. In general, the more college-level courses you get credit for, the higher your academic standing.

Many courses from two or four-year universities qualify for transfer credit. In addition, many career or occupational credits transfer into Coppin and become free elective credits. Please note: our transfer credit decisions are final, and you agree to accept them when you commit to attend Coppin.

What to expect when transferring credits to Coppin

1. Your transfer evaluation has a lot of important information, including the estimated number of credits that will transfer into Coppin. Be sure to send final transcripts to the Office of Admissions prior to your enrollment date. You must maintain good academic standing, or we may withdraw your offer of admission.
2. Once you’ve received your final Evaluation of Transfer Credit, direct any transfer evaluation questions to the Transfer Coordinator in the Office of Records and Registration within your first semester. Coppin will not make any changes to your transfer evaluation after your first semester.
3. Before beginning classes, you must decide which academic catalog you want to follow. The academic catalog you follow determines your course requirements. Your Coppin transfer evaluation includes our recommendation of the catalog year you should follow. However, you may decide it’s best for you to stay with the academic catalog that was in effect when you were originally admitted to the school you are transferring from. Here is an example of what we mean: A student transfers to Coppin from a community college. Because this transfer student was first admitted to their community college within 6 years of the CSU admission date, they have the option to follow the academic program requirements from when they were first admitted to their community college, or the academic catalog we assign on their official Evaluation of Transfer Credit.

How do I appeal a transfer evaluation?

Here are the steps to submit an appeal if you believe CSU has denied you transfer credit:

1. Prepare a written statement with details of the transfer evaluation discrepancy
2. Be sure to include your name, student  ID, telephone number and current local address
3. Submit your petition no less than 30 business days before the end of your first CSU semester
4. Email your petition and any supporting documentation to Registrar@coppin.edu or mail to:
   Coppin State University
   Office of Records and Registration
   2500 West North Ave
   Baltimore, MD 21216-3698

What happens when Coppin receives my transfer evaluation appeal?

When we receive a petition, we gather the Student Academic Review Committee to review the appeal and issue a written decision. You receive a copy of the decision at the address on file via mail.

At Coppin State University, there is space for everyone to belong—including active duty military service members and veterans. From prior learning credit opportunities to holistic student support, Coppin takes an active role in helping you transition from service to classroom to new career heights.

Apply now

How does Coppin define a current or former military service member?

A current service member is part of any of the following six official branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard. 

A former military service member is a veteran of any of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, who served on active duty for more than 180 days and was discharged honorably or due to a service connected disability. 

Do I need to submit additional documentation with my Coppin Admissions application?

We strongly urge all active duty service members to consult with their military education services officer (ESO) prior to embarking on your college career. Your ESO is most helpful in identifying financial resources and career paths that best align your career goals and prior military training . All veterans and service members must also provide a copy of either DD Form 214 (Certificate of Discharge) or active military orders to the Office of Admissions to verify your military service. For information on accessing your VA education benefits or federal tuition assistance, please visit our Veteran and Military Student page.   

At Coppin State University, there is space for everyone to belong—including active duty military service members and veterans. From prior learning credit opportunities to holistic student support, Coppin takes an active role in helping you transition from service to classroom to new career heights.

Apply now

How does Coppin define a current or former military service member?

A current service member is part of any of the following six official branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard. 

A former military service member is a veteran of any of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, who served on active duty for more than 180 days and was discharged honorably or due to a service connected disability. 

Do I need to submit additional documentation with my Coppin Admissions application?

We strongly urge all active duty service members to consult with their military education services officer (ESO) prior to embarking on your college career. Your ESO is most helpful in identifying financial resources and career paths that best align your career goals and prior military training . All veterans and service members must also provide a copy of either DD Form 214 (Certificate of Discharge) or active military orders to the Office of Admissions to verify your military service. For information on accessing your VA education benefits or federal tuition assistance, please visit our Veteran and Military Student page.   

We get it, life happens. Now let's get you back to your future! 

If you withdrew from your studies and have been away for more than one semester, you must submit an application to be reinstated to the institution. We carefully review each application and supporting documents to determine the action plan based on your prior academic performance, external education, and if applicable, certain circumstances leading to your withdrawal.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: August 1st
• Spring Semester: December 1st

Students who were not in good academic standing (less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA) may be encouraged to meet with our Eagle Achievement Center (EAC) leadership to discuss academic barriers and professional goals to devise a personalized plan to degree completion.

Supporting Documents

Include the following documents in your readmission application so that we're able to best determine your student classification and residency:

• Official transcripts from all schools attended in the interim
• Tax Forms: If you have not attended in over one year, you must also submit a copy of your Maryland 502 Income Tax Return from the most previous year.
• Letter of Intent: If you were suspended, dismissed or left Coppin with less than a cumulative 2.0 GPA, submit a statement explaining what led to your academic performance, and a proposed plan of action to achieve and remain in good academic standing.

Submission

Email: Registrar@coppin.edu OR Mail to: 2500 W. North Avenue, ATTN: Records & Registration, Baltimore, MD 21216

Returning Service Members

Coppin State University adheres to federal policy outlined in Chapter 3, Volume 2 of The Federal Student Aid Handbook for service members who withdrew and are returning from military orders. Please visit our Veterans and Military Students page for more information.

What are the next steps after being reinstated?

1. Make an appointment with your academic advisor to remove any registration holds and to discuss your remaining degree requirements
2. Once your student credentials are restored, log into EagleLINKS and began self-enrolling. Use the Schedule of Classes feature under Apps & Resources to review our course offerings for that semester

3. Review your class schedule to confirm your registration

   Second Bachelor's or Graduate School

   Student who've graduated from Coppin State University and returning to further their studies will not be considered a "return student". The abbreviated readmission process pertains only to students who are returning to finish their studies. If you're seeking a second Bachelor's degree, you'd follow the standard Admissions process. Graduate school applicants will start with the School of Graduate Studies.

You've persevered and are so close to the finish line. Now is the time to start planning for your graduation ceremony. Let us share some important information needed to get you ready for your victory walk across the stage. 

The Graduation Process and Ceremony

The process of "graduation" is the conferral of a degree after completing all requirements for an academic program, and verification by the Office of Records and Registration. You must complete the application process and be approved to participate in Commencement.

The "commencement" is a ceremony that marks the completion of an academic degree. Participation in the Commencement ceremony does not guarantee that your degree requirements were met or that you actually graduated.

The Coppin State University commencement program does not represent an official list of certified graduates. Students listed in the program are candidates for degrees in the current academic year. Degrees and honors designations are subject to final certification for official University records. All official academic records are maintained in the Office of Records and Registration.

What are the Requirements for Graduation Candidacy?  

• Meet with your Academic Advisor
• Earn at least 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
• Complete all general education, major, minor, concentration, and Coppin requirements
• Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Some majors require a 2.5 GPA—be sure to confirm your graduation GPA requirements with your advisor and department
• Review your unofficial transcript for missing and incomplete grades
• Ensure that all incomplete work has been completed and submitted to receive grade. (Degrees will not be awarded with incomplete grade)
• Complete departmental exit assessment
• Use your EagleLINKS account to verify all course exceptions, substitutions and waivers have been submitted before the graduation application deadline.
• Check EagleLINKS to ensure that the correct major, minor and/or concentrations are up to date before applying for graduation.
• Make sure that the correct spelling of your name, address, and email address is correct in EagleLINKS. (email address remains active 6-8 months post-graduation) 

Important Graduation Deadlines

There are a few steps you need to take to be ready to graduate and walk across the stage at Commencement. 

Graduation Application Process

1. The completed graduation application is submitted for the upcoming senior year. Helpful tip: An anticipated graduation date is established by the student's junior year.
2. The candidate is required to complete the graduation application (once it becomes available via email by advisor of the department's application distribution process to advisee) in its entirety and sign it. Approval for graduation is also required by obtaining the signatures of the advisor, chairperson, and dean of the major department.
3. The Dean is to submit the endorsed approved graduation application to the Office of Records and Registration graduation mailbox.
4. The graduation application payment portal (TouchNet) will become available to candidates once the Office of Records and Registration is in receipt of their graduation application.

Please note, for students with coursework in progress, a clearing to participate in the Commencement Ceremony only permits a student to attend the ceremony, but does not clear the student for graduation. Students who fail to meet degree requirement are notified by their department. Awarded students may verify their degree by accessing their unofficial transcript in EagleLINKS.

How do I apply for graduation and Commencement?

Candidates for graduation who wish to have their name appear in the Commencement booklet must do the following:

• An anticipated graduation date is established by the student's junior year.
• The completed graduation application is then submitted for the upcoming senior year
• The candidate is required to complete the graduation application (once it becomes available via email by advisor of the department's application distribution process to advisee) in its entirety and sign it.
• Approval for graduation is also required by obtaining the signatures of the advisor, chairperson, and dean of the major department
• The Deans are to submit the endorsed approved graduation applications electronically to the Office of Records & Registration (ORR) graduation mailbox.
• The graduation application payment portal (TouchNet) will become available to candidates once the ORR is in receipt of their graduation application.

Make sure to submit graduation application on time to avoid being excluded from the commencement booklet. We encourage you to submit graduation application on time. All important information can be found on the academic calendar.

How to verify your graduation application has been received by the Office of Records and Registration

Students/Departments may confirm their application status in EagleLINKS > Reporting Tools > Student Center.

The following indicators are assessed to student accounts after Records and Registration processes their application:  

Student will be emailed the following information:

• Meeting the application’s deadline date
• Dissemination of diploma timeline
• Deactivation of future enrollment
• If student's name will appear in the commencement booklet.

Graduation Application deadline is available on the Academic Calendar.

Once the Office of Records and Registration processes your graduation application, we will deactivate your registration to prevent you from enrolling in any more classes after your graduation date. We strongly encourage you to submit your graduation application by the appropriate deadline because if not, your name will be excluded from the Commencement booklet.

Coppin State University (CSU) is a model urban, residential liberal arts university located in the northwest section of the City of Baltimore. Coppin, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), has a culturally rich history as an institution providing quality educational programs and community outreach services. Coppin is committed to providing a quality yet affordable education for students seeking higher education

Save money and time to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through Coppin State University’s guaranteed admission and reverse transfer process. Coppin has guaranteed admission agreements with some Maryland community colleges that allow students to earn an associate’s degree at an approved community college and then complete a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University with only 2 additional years of study. Take advantage of our growing list of reverse transfer agreements with local schools, including:

• Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
• Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
• College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
• Garrett College (GC)
• Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

What is guaranteed admission?

Commonly called a 2+2 agreement, a guaranteed admission agreement is an arrangement between Coppin and a 2-year institution that provides a clear transfer path for successful students. Student who qualify for Coppin admission through a guaranteed admission agreement will be “guaranteed” admission as a junior year student.

What is an articulation agreement?

It’s a CSU-approved agreement with another school that allows a student to apply credits to a specific program at the other school. Applied credits may be used to enter, transfer, or advance standing in a program at the agreeing institution.

You may be eligible for guaranteed admission or reverse transfer, if you meet the criteria. Consider continuing your education at Coppin if you:

• are in good academic standing at your community college
• have finished 15 or more credits at an approved community college
• have finished 60 or more total credits at CSU and an approved community college
• do not yet have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• have a minimum grade point average (GPA) at CSU and an approved community college

Please note, some agreements may require more students meet additional criteria.

Still have questions after reviewing the eligibility requirements? Reach out to our Transfer Coordinator.

Articulation Agreements

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)

Carroll Community College

College of Southern Maryland

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

The California Community Colleges 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

Garrett College

Harford Community College

Montgomery College

Coppin State University (CSU) is a model urban, residential liberal arts university located in the northwest section of the City of Baltimore. Coppin, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), has a culturally rich history as an institution providing quality educational programs and community outreach services. Coppin is committed to providing a quality yet affordable education for students seeking higher education

Save money and time to earn your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through Coppin State University’s guaranteed admission and reverse transfer process. Coppin has guaranteed admission agreements with some Maryland community colleges that allow students to earn an associate’s degree at an approved community college and then complete a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University with only 2 additional years of study. Take advantage of our growing list of reverse transfer agreements with local schools, including:

• Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
• Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
• College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
• Garrett College (GC)
• Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

What is guaranteed admission?

Commonly called a 2+2 agreement, a guaranteed admission agreement is an arrangement between Coppin and a 2-year institution that provides a clear transfer path for successful students. Student who qualify for Coppin admission through a guaranteed admission agreement will be “guaranteed” admission as a junior year student.

What is an articulation agreement?

It’s a CSU-approved agreement with another school that allows a student to apply credits to a specific program at the other school. Applied credits may be used to enter, transfer, or advance standing in a program at the agreeing institution.

You may be eligible for guaranteed admission or reverse transfer, if you meet the criteria. Consider continuing your education at Coppin if you:

• are in good academic standing at your community college
• have finished 15 or more credits at an approved community college
• have finished 60 or more total credits at CSU and an approved community college
• do not yet have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• have a minimum grade point average (GPA) at CSU and an approved community college

Please note, some agreements may require more students meet additional criteria.

Still have questions after reviewing the eligibility requirements? Reach out to our Transfer Coordinator.

Articulation Agreements

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)

Carroll Community College

College of Southern Maryland

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS)

The California Community Colleges 

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

Garrett College

Harford Community College

Montgomery College

We know learning happens in and outside of the classroom. At Coppin, we recognize how important it is to provide opportunities for students to get course credit for your experiences, skills, and lessons learned.

Pathways to College Credit: 

• Advanced Placement (AP) Tests
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• Military experience and coursework
• Course-by-course evaluation
• Challenge exams
• Individual portfolio assessment

Want to learn more? View the full Credit for Prior Learning policy

Prior Learning Policy 

Ready to put your past toward your future?

Apply Now
 

Welcome to Coppin State University’s Office of Records and Registration or Office of the Registrar. We are the official keepers of academic records for the entire University—that means we keep and maintain all student and alumni academic records as well as all university policies and procedures.

Our Services

Our office serves both prospective and current students, alumni, faculty and staff all throughout their academic and career journey at Coppin. Below is a list of our main services and functions: 

• Official transcripts
• Degree and education verification 
• Graduation clearance and academic record audits
• Degree and diploma conferment
• Undergraduate reinstatement applications
• Inter-institutional and collaborative enrollment initiatives
• Course enrollment and withdrawals
• Classroom Schedule Management
• Challenge exams
• Grade changes
• Academic clemency
• Certifying VA education benefits for military connected students
• Student Academic Progress (SAP) correspondence
• General registration assistance

Order your official transcripts today!