CHSOC Graduation Checklist

🗓️ April 3, 2026

✍🏾 Zoe Bowden

Graduation is right around the corner, and now is the time to make sure you’re fully prepared to cross the stage on schedule at the Cathy Hughes School of Communications ceremony, Friday May 8th. With deadlines approaching and requirements to finalize, it’s important to stay focused, organized, and proactive. By double-checking your academic progress, meeting with advisors, and completing all necessary steps, you can avoid last-minute surprises and confidently secure your path to graduating on time.

1. Meet with Your Advisor

The Cathy Hughes School of Communications has three advisors. While anyone of them would be happy to help you try to visit with the advisor who handles your last initial. Mikeisha Best handles last names A-F, Ryan Hill handles last names G-N, and Aviva Porter handles last times L-Z. The advisors will walk through your graduation scheme with you to ensure you have met all of the academic requirements to graduate!

2. Submit the Graduation Application in Bisonhub

Once you have met with your advisors and know you met all of the academic requirements for graduation, you can apply for program completion in Bisonhub. Log into Bisonhub, and type in the search bar "Apply for Program Completion". Confirm the address for the university to mail your degree, and confirm you want to apply to graduate. Super simple! The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17th.

3. Clear all financial holds

In order to walk the stage, you need to be sure that all of your finnacial holds are cleared, if you have a balance you won't be able to graduate. If getting your balance cleared is holding you back, you may be a candidate for the Last Mile Fund. Email Ingrid Sturgis, ISturgis@Howard.edu, with the reason why you need help from the Last Mile Fund and confirm you're graduating in 2026.

4. Order Your Regalia

Next, you will need to order your cap and gown. For cap and gown orders, please contact the HU Bookstore at 202-238-2640 or Michelle Kuhn at mkuhn@herffjones.com. The last day to order is April 17th, but to ensure the best price, order by April 6th.

5. Finish Off Strong

We all know how hard it can be to keep your motivation during this time. Rember why you're here, and finish off as strong as possible. Do not let those grades slip!

6. Graduate!

You did it, congrats grad!