Academic Clearance
The carefully reviews each degree candidate′s academic record and certifies to the faculty that the candidate has completed requirements for the degree.
Completing Degree Requirements
Candidates for graduation on Saturday, May 16, 2026, must formally complete all academic and degree requirements either by Monday, December 15, 2025, or by Monday, May 11, 2026, to be eligible to participate in the ceremony and receive their diploma. If members of the Class of 2026 have any questions about their academic record, they should contact the Registrar′s Office as soon as possible.
Contacting the Registrar′s Office:
registrar@rhodes.edu
phone: 901-843-3885
Graduating In Absentia
Students who are eligible to participate in the May 17 ceremony but do not plan to participate should request to graduate in absentia in writing to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, no later than May 1, 2026, at academicaffairs@rhodes.edu.
Clearing Financial Debts and Other Obligations
The last e-bill notification prior to graduation will be sent to seniors and their authorized payer on about April 5. The balance due on the bill must be paid in full to be clear to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive your diploma. Please make your payment as early in April as possible so there is no question as to your eligibility to take part in the graduation. All items checked out from the Barrett Library must be returned to be clear for graduation as well. Fees incurred on campus between April 5 and graduation will be billed in early June to seniors and their authorized payers.
OBLIGATIONS WHICH MUST BE CLEARED INCLUDE SUCH ITEMS AS:
- Tuition
- Library fines and overdue or lost library materials from both Rhodes and the University of Memphis
- Parking tickets
- Infirmary and bookstore charges
- Residence hall damage charges
- Return of athletic equipment
- All other obligations
Some obligations, such as dorm damages and non-returned key charges, will not be available until after Commencement and will be billed to the appropriate students in June.
If you have questions, contact Rhodes Express, 901-843-3278.
Checking Out of Residence Hall (after Commencement)
Graduates must be completely moved out of the residence halls by noon, Sunday, May 17. Graduates need to schedule a time to meet with their R.A. for a room checkout and to return both room key and key fob.
Contacts:
ACADEMIC CLEARANCE
- If you have questions about academic clearance, call the Registrar’s Office, 901-843-3885.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
- If you have questions about clearance of financial obligations, call the Rhodes Express, 901-843-3278.
Senior Exit Survey
The Senior Exit Survey will be made available to the Class of 2026 and must be completed to pick up caps and gowns. Once a user clicks the “Done” button on the survey, a printable ticket with the senior’s name and ID number will be displayed for printing and a receipt will be emailed to the account submitted in the survey. The senior may print that ticket OR present the email receipt on a smart phone for regalia pickup. If the ticket does not display, will not print or is left behind, we will be able to confirm completion of the survey electronically. The survey will likely take about 30 minutes to complete and includes a section designed by your academic department specifically assessing your major. This will be your primary opportunity to share your future plans and to provide feedback on your complete Rhodes experience.