How to request a different graduation date at NSU

To change your graduation semester at Nova Southeastern University, you contact your college's student services office or academic advising center — not the registrar's office, which only records the change after your college approves it. The process takes two to four weeks and requires you to have completed or be on track to complete your degree requirements by your new target semester. NSU does not charge a fee to change your graduation date, but you will need to notify your college in writing and provide a reason for the change.

The college you are in — whether College of Arts, Sciences and Education; College of Engineering and Computing; College of Osteopathic Medicine; or another — handles the approval. They verify that your remaining coursework can fit into the new timeline and that you have not already walked in a ceremony. Once approved, the registrar updates your graduation date in the system, and you receive confirmation by email.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your college's academic advising or student services office directly; they approve the change before the registrar records it.
  • You must have completed or be able to complete all degree requirements by your new target semester for the change to be approved.
  • The process typically takes two to four weeks from submission to confirmation.
  • NSU does not charge a fee to change your graduation semester.
  • You cannot change your graduation date if you have already participated in a graduation ceremony.

What you need before you contact your college

Gather your student ID number, your current graduation date, and your intended new graduation semester and year. Have a clear reason ready — whether you are delaying to finish a final course, accelerating because you completed early, or shifting for personal or work reasons. Your college will ask for this information in writing, so a brief email or form submission works.

Check your degree audit through NSU's student portal to confirm which courses you still need and when they are offered. If you are unsure whether your new timeline is realistic, ask your academic advisor before submitting the request. This step prevents a rejection and a second round of back-and-forth.

The approval process and timeline

Once you submit your request, your college's advising office reviews your remaining degree requirements against the course schedule for your new target semester. They confirm that the courses you need are actually offered during that semester and that you meet the prerequisites. This review usually takes one to two weeks.

If your new graduation date is feasible, the college sends approval to the registrar, who updates your file within three to five business days. You will receive an email confirmation with your new graduation date. If your new timeline does not work — for example, a required course is not offered until a later semester — the college contacts you to discuss alternatives.

Changing your graduation date after you have already registered

If you have already registered for courses in your original graduation semester, changing your date may require you to drop some of those courses. Contact your academic advisor before submitting a change request to understand which courses you can keep and which you will need to drop. Dropping courses can affect your financial aid, so confirm with the financial aid office what impact the change will have on your current aid package.

If you are on a payment plan or have received scholarships tied to your original graduation date, notify the financial aid office at the same time you request the date change. Some scholarships have specific graduation-date requirements, and changing your date may affect your funding.

If you have already walked in a graduation ceremony

NSU does not allow you to change your graduation date if you have already participated in a graduation ceremony, even if you did not officially graduate. If you walked in a ceremony and now want to graduate in a different semester, you will need to contact your college's dean's office to discuss your specific situation.

In rare cases, exceptions may be made, but this requires approval at the dean level and is not may provide. The dean's office will review the circumstances and decide whether a change is possible. This process is separate from the standard advising-office route and typically takes longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my graduation date multiple times?

Yes, you can request multiple changes as long as you have not yet walked in a ceremony and your new timeline is realistic. Each change goes through the same approval process and takes two to four weeks. However, frequent changes may prompt your advisor to ask whether you need help planning your remaining coursework.

What if a required course is not offered in my new target semester?

Your college will tell you during the review process if a required course is not available. You can then choose a different semester when the course is offered, request to take it online or through a different delivery method if available, or discuss whether a substitute course is permitted under your degree plan.

Will changing my graduation date affect my financial aid?

It may. If you are delaying graduation, your aid may end before your new graduation date, and you will need to reapply or secure additional funding. If you are accelerating, your aid may not cover the earlier semester. Contact NSU's financial aid office before submitting your change request to understand the impact.

Do I have to tell my employer or my family when I change my graduation date?

NSU will not notify them — that is your responsibility. If you have already told people your original graduation date, let them know about the change as soon as your college approves it so they can adjust their plans.

Can I change my graduation date if I am on academic probation?

You can request a change, but your college may not approve it if you are on probation and your new timeline does not allow time to improve your academic standing. Discuss your situation with your academic advisor before submitting a formal request.