You mean that they have their degrees in Degree History tab but didn't get the new trait? I had a similar problem, where the game didn't let most students enter the graduation ceremony, including mine, and she returned home without getting the trait. Anyway, yes, you can fix it. Either get the Honorary Degree LTR or type this in console: setconfig debuginteractions true , then ctrl-shift click on her and find the University Degree (I think) option, there you will be able to choose the appropriate degree and grade.

Actually, I think that the only thing missing is the map indicator. My sim had a party thrown in fraternity he lived in, so he basically had to attend. It fulfilled his wish to attend a party and I later got the "thanks for coming to my party" notification. I'm pretty sure there were some more people than just residents, though even if there weren't any it wouldn't say much, as NPC parties are kind of lame anyway and host is frequently the only sim present. It's been like that since Late Night, at least for me.