f r a n k l i n p i e rc e u n i v e r s i t y valedictorian. There will be two valedictorians, one representing graduates of the College at Rindge and one representing graduates of the College of Graduate & Professional Studies.
Commencement Participation Policy
In order to participate in the May Commencement ceremony, all students: 1. must submit a completed Request to Graduate (RTG) form that has been signed by their academic advisor(s) to the Office of the Registrar by December 1st, and must have that RTG approved by the Registrar; 2. must not have participated in any previous Franklin Pierce University Commencement ceremony for this degree; 3. and must a) have already graduated at the previous Summer, Fall, February or April graduation date; or b) have just completed all requirements in either Rindge Spring or PF Spring in order to graduate in May; or c) be currently attending or registered for all necessary courses in either Rindge Summer, CGPS Undergraduate Term 5/6, or CGPS Graduate Term 3/4 in order to graduate in May, June, July or August, and have no more than two courses totaling eight or fewer credits remaining, as listed on the approved RTG, that will be completed in order for the student to graduate by the August graduation date of the same year. • Exceptions: Doctoral students in a program requiring a dissertation must meet requirement 3a, above. Undergraduate Education majors who have completed all curricular requirements other than student teaching, who will be student teaching during the subsequent Fall semester, are eligible to participate in the May ceremony. Students in the MEd program who meet requirement 3c, above, who will be student teaching during that term may have two courses totaling 12 or fewer credits remaining.
For students who complete graduation requirements in Rindge Spring semester or CGPS Undergraduate Term 4, Latin honors listed in the program at the May Commencement ceremony will be determined by CGPA and a minimum of 60 semester hours earned at Franklin Pierce University at the end of Rindge Fall semester or CGPS Undergraduate Term 3. Participants planning to complete in June, July or August will not have Latin honors listed in the program at the Commencement ceremony. Final Latin honors for all graduates will be determined by credits and CGPA earned when the student completes all requirements, and will be recorded on the student’s diploma and final transcript.
Veterans and Military Personnel
In cooperation with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Defense, Franklin Pierce University participates in numerous Veterans’ benefits and Tuition Assistance programs (TA). Students who are eligible for Veterans benefits as determined by the Veterans Administration and/or who plan on utilizing TA benefits must contact Student Financial Services (SFS) at the time of application. Applications for Veterans’ benefits may be obtained directly from the Veterans’ Administration. A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required for verification and certification. Once you receive your COE, submit a copy to SFS and either the Registrar (Rindge students) or your Center Director (CGPS students). Service members must obtain Tuition Assistance approval through their branch of Service. Once you’ve been approved for TA, please inform SFS and either the Registrar (Rindge students) or your Center Director (CGPS students). Your military experience may be applied to college credit ultimately reducing the amount of time it may take you to complete your undergraduate degree. Please arrange for 19