To be eligible for graduation and to receive the degree Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), the student must meet the following requirements:
- Follow an approved course of study acceptable to the College's Student Promotion and Graduation Committee and leading to the completion of all academic requirements for the degree.
- Complete all required coursework and clinical rotations with passing grades and earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.
- Provide proof of passing Part I of the National Boards administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). It is the responsibility of the individual student to pass any national board examination.
- Provide proof of taking either Part II of the National Boards administered by the NBEO or the examination by the Canadian Examining Board of Optometry (OEBC).
- Submit proof of passage of Part I of the National Boards plus proof of the taking of Part II of the National Boards administered by NBEO or the OEBC examination to the Office of the Dean by February 1st of the year of graduation in order to be eligible to walk-through and participate in the graduation ceremony with their class and receive a diploma.
- Be recommended for conferral of the degree Doctor of Optometry by the University Faculty Senate.
- Settle all financial accounts with the University.
- Complete all graduation clearance requirements as instructed by the Office of the Registrar.
In the event that a student does not pass Part I of the National Boards, the student may continue in the program. However, a student must pass Part I of the National Boards Exam in order to graduate.
If a student is scheduled to take Part I of the National Boards exam in March or August of the year of graduation, the student is eligible to walk-through and participate in the graduation ceremony with their class, but will not receive a diploma until documentation is provided to show passage of Part I of the National Boards.
If a student is scheduled to take Part II of the National Board exam in December of the year of graduation, the student is eligible to walk-through and participate in the graduation ceremony with their class, but will not receive a diploma until documentation is provided to show completion of Part II of the National Boards.