As you approach the finish line of your academic journey at Johns Hopkins University, there's a crucial step that often gets overlooked amidst the excitement of completing your coursework: applying for graduation. It might seem like a detail to tackle later, but getting this done early in the semester you'll finish your degree requirements is key, regardless of whether you plan to attend the KSAS Master's Ceremony. Remember, degrees are conferred each semester, even though the main ceremony happens just once a year in late May.
So, how do you actually go about this? It's a fairly straightforward process, primarily managed through the Student Information System (SIS). You'll need to head over to SIS, navigate through 'Registration' and then 'Program of Study Info,' where you'll find the 'Apply to Graduate' option. Once you complete this online form, a $100 graduation fee will be automatically billed to your student account. You can manage all your billing online by visiting sis.jhu.edu. After you've submitted your application, Enrollment Services will send you an email to confirm they've received it. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your inbox for this confirmation.
Now, let's talk about the technical side of things. To make sure you can access SIS without a hitch, you'll want to ensure your browser is set up correctly. This means having JavaScript and cookies enabled. JHU has tested and certified several browsers, including Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome. They recommend using the most up-to-date version of whichever browser you prefer. If you're unsure how to enable JavaScript or cookies for any of these, there are helpful guides available to walk you through the setup.
What if you run into trouble signing in? If you're a current JHU student, faculty, or staff member with a JHED ID, password assistance is readily available on the my.JH website. Just look for the 'Forgot Password?' link. For prospective students or authorized users who don't have a JHED ID, you'll use your Guest Account. And if you're a student with a JHED ID and need help with online forms, SEAM's online form at support.sis.jhu.edu is your go-to. You'll sign in with your JHED credentials, and you can either browse popular topics or use the search bar to find what you need. If you still can't find the answer, there's a 'Request Support' button at the bottom of the page that will let you submit a case. You'll get a case number and can track its status by clicking on your name in the upper right corner and selecting 'My Cases.'
It's worth noting the deadlines for applying, as they vary by semester. For instance, if you're aiming to graduate in Summer 2025, the deadline to apply is July 20, 2025. For Fall 2025, it's October 19, 2025, and for Spring 2026, you'll need to apply by February 8, 2026. Missing these deadlines could mean delaying your degree conferment, so mark your calendars!
Johns Hopkins offers a wealth of resources for its students, and SIS is a central hub for many of them, alongside myJHU. From academic support and registration to billing and finance, and even career planning, these systems are designed to help you succeed. So, as you wrap up your studies, remember to take that important step of applying for graduation through SIS. It's a small action that ensures a smooth transition to life after your degree.
