Seniors are asked to submit Intent to Graduate forms in early fall of the academic year in which they intend to graduate. By this time the Human Ecology Essay must be started, a permanent advising team selected, and the student should review his or her transcript in the Registrar's Office to make sure the College's records confirm the student's understanding of his or her degree status. It is the student's responsibility to keep the College apprized of his or her plans and whereabouts. Students should pay close attention if they have an unusual timetable or make plans to be away from campus for extended periods, including Internship.

A student who has no more than three COA credits left to complete (usually the Final Project) and no other incomplete or unresolved graduation requirements may be allowed to "stand" with the graduating class. These students will be associated with the alumni class with whom they celebrated, although diplomas are not issued until the next Board of Trustee meeting following completion of requirements. The student should weigh the benefits and risks of celebrating before final completion. If all incomplete work has not been resolved within one calendar year following the last term of enrollment, the student faces automatic withdrawal from the degree candidate pool.