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When Do I Apply for Graduation?

Students should apply for graduation at least two full semesters in advance of the anticipated graduation date. Students should pick up an application for graduation form from the Registrar.

As part of the application for graduation packet, advisors must list all remaining courses students have for graduation (including any courses currently in progress).

HINTS:

  1. Students and advisors should confirm the year in which the student entered the University, and use the requirements listed in that catalogue. Students who changed their major or interrupted their college work for more than a year become subject to the requirements of the catalogue in effect at the time of the change or re-enrollment to fulfill degree requirements.

  2. In listing remaining courses, it is wise to be as generic as possible. If, for example, a student may take one of several electives, list them all. If students take any course other than that listed on the application to graduate, the advisor must fill out a course substitution form.

  3. Students and advisors should keep certain requirements in mind:
    • students must have a 2.0 GPA in order to graduate;

    • students must have a “C” or better in all courses used to satisfy major field requirements;

    • thirty of the last forty hours must be completed in residence at VSU;

    • no more than sixty hours from a two-year institution, nor more than ninety semester hours from a four-year institution may be applied toward the degree;

    • no more than thirty semester hours may be earned through any combination of CLEP, credit by examination, correspondence courses, extension work, and advanced placement.

  4. Students must also submit a copy of the rubric used by the department to show the courses completed in the specific program. This rubric helps the Registrar’s Office to see how courses taken fit into the specific plan of study.

After students have submitted the Application for Graduation to the Registrar, that office will evaluate the materials. Within a few weeks, the advisors and the students should receive a copy of the completed form, listing any other courses that the Registrar believes that the students still need to complete. If there are any questions or problems, advisors should call the Registrar. However, if the form has been submitted early enough, advisors and students still have enough time to make any needed adjustments to students’ schedules