Graduation
Congratulations! You've made it to the final stretch of your journey, and graduation is right around the corner.
As an undergraduate college student, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about this important milestone. Whether you're ready to move on to graduate studies, launch your career or take a well-deserved break, it's important to be well-informed about the graduation process so that you can make the most of this momentous occasion. On this page, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about graduation, from important deadlines to graduation requirements, so that you can navigate this exciting time with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students are notified by email from the university registrar that graduation applications are available for the given semester.
Graduation checkout is completely online through eServices. Completing the online application notifies your academic adviser you intend to graduate. Failure to apply will result in a 1-2 semester delay of graduation.
The university calendar outlines deadlines for application each semester.
University commencement dates are detailed on the university calendar. The commencement website is also updated each semester.
The Department of Forensic Science graduation ceremony is held near the day of the university commencement exercises; however, the exact day and time varies each semester. Graduating students will receive an email from the department coordinator after completing the application process through eServices.
The number of tickets students receive each semester varies. In order to ensure each student is able to bring guests, plan to receive a maximum of four tickets.
May, August and December diplomas are available for pick-up during allotted times, or they can be mailed approximately four to six weeks after the graduation date. Visit the Records and Registration Graduation webpage for more details.
No. August graduates are included in the December commencement program.
August graduates completing six or fewer credits in the summer semester are eligible to "walk" in the May commencement exercises. See your adviser for details.
Yes, however you must re-enroll as a non-degree seeker or be admitted to another degree program. Courses taken after the awarding of your degree cannot be applied to that program.
Students are eligible to walk (participate in the department commencement ceremony) if they meet the following requirements:
- they need six or less credits to meet graduation requirements AND are taking those classes in the semester immediately following graduation
- they meet the GPA requirements for the major
- they are currently passing all of the courses in which they are enrolled (verified by adviser and/or instructors)
If you would like to walk in the department commencement ceremony and meet all of the above requirements, please contact Madeline Goldman at goldmanmb@vcu.edu. You must contact her no less than three weeks prior to commencement to request permission to participate. Eligibility to walk in our department commencement does not guarantee eligibility to participate in the university-wide commencement ceremony. Please see the Records and Registration Graduation webpage for more information.