Commencement/Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Will Fisk University Hold Commencement in May 2020?

Response:  No, due to the current coronavirus outbreak Commencement has been moved to December 12, 2020.   Commencement will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church (7594 Old Hickory Blvd, Whites Creek, TN 37189).  The ceremony will start at 10:00 AM in the church chapel.

 

Question:  When is Commencement rehearsal?

Response:  Commencement rehearsal will be held on December 11, 2020, at 12:00 PM, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

 

Question: Is the University holding a Hooding Ceremony for graduating Graduate Students?

Response:  The hooding ceremony will be held on December 11, 2020, at 3:00 PM, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

 

Question: When will the baccalaureate ceremony be held?

Response:  The baccalaureate ceremony will be held on December 11, 2020, at 10:00 AM in the University Chapel.

 

Question: When will the Commencement mixer be held?

Response:  The Commencement Mixer will be held on December 11, 2020, at 5:00 PM, in the Appleton Room.

 

Question: If I am within eight hours of completing my degree, currently, will I be allowed to participate in commencement?

Response:  No, due to the challenges caused by the coronavirus outbreak only students who have completed all requirements will be allowed to participate in commencement exercises.  However, as this outbreak is unusual students who will be completing degree requirements during the summer of 2020 will also be allowed to participate (Students completing degree requirements in the summer must make an application with the Registrar’s Office by June 30, 2020).

 

Question:  I will be completing my degree requirements in the fall of 2020 will I be allowed to participate in the December 2020 commencement?

Response:  Yes, however, due to the challenges caused by the coronavirus outbreak students who complete degree requirements in the fall must make an application with the Registrar’s Office by September 1, 2020 (Late applications will not be accepted).  All fees for students completing in the Fall must pay commencement fees by September 15, 2020 (Late fees will not be accepted).

 

Question:  If Fisk University is not holding commencement when will my diploma be issued?

Response:  All students who complete degree requirements (those who have applied for graduation and cleared all financial obligations) will have their degrees conferred in May 2020.  Most students will receive their diploma in the mail in mid to late June.  Final transcripts will be available for pick up or submission to graduate schools in mid-late June.

 

Question: If I applied for graduation, how will I know if the Registrar’s Office received my application?

Response:  The Registrar’s Office will send each applicant an email confirmation.  The Registrar’s Office will also send each student a confirmation letter to the address listed on the graduation application.

 

Question: When will the charges for graduation appear on my Fisk University account?

Response:  Charges are currently being applied.

 

Question:  How do I contact the Registrar’s Office.

Response:  Due to the current outbreak the Registrar’s Office is operating remotely.  Please send emails to .  Please allow 12-24 hours to receive a response.

 

Question:  Is it too late to pay my fees for graduation/commencement?

Response:  No, students have until June 30, 2020, to pay all graduation/commencement fees (late fees will not be accepted). If you are unable to pay in person electronic payments can be scheduled with Mrs. Hilda Enriquez by calling 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 615-329-8546.  Students can also make payments

In Student Portal by using a credit card, under “My Ledger”.

  • Fisk University Website: https://fisk.afford.com/PPT/MakeAPayment ; then select “Make a One-Time Payment” (DO NOT ENROLL IN PAYMENT PLAN). Please make sure to include your full name and CAMS ID in description (instructions attached)
  • Send a check, money order or cashier’s check to:

Fisk University

Student Accounts – Carnegie Hall

1000 17th Avenue North

Nashville, TN  37208

 

Question:  Will I be able to receive my degree if I have an outstanding balance?

Response:  No, in accord with University policy students who have outstanding balances cannot be conferred a degree.  In cases where students have outstanding balances, the date of conferral will be listed as the conferral date corresponding to the time the balance is cleared (Fisk University degree conferral dates are May, August, and December).

 

Question:  When will I receive my cap and gown?

Response:  Cap and gowns will be distributed in November.  If you are unable to pick up your cap and gown they will be distributed during rehearsal on December 11, 2020.  However, if you decide to skip commencement your cap and gown will be mailed to your permanent address following commencement.

 

Question:  Since Commencement has been moved, I will not be attending the event.  Can I receive a refund of the fees I paid for commencement?

Response:  Commencement fees are non-refundable.

 

Question:  When will I be given my rank in the class?

Response:  Due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak the University will suspend this practice for this commencement.