Graduation

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements, including the number of credits required for associate degrees and certificates, are detailed in the current PVCC Catalog.

In order to be awarded a degree or certificate, you must:

  1. Be officially enrolled in a program of study (curriculum).
  2. Apply to graduate. Please apply for the semester in which you will finish all of your plan requirements.
    • Deadline for fall graduation is September 1. 
    • Deadline for spring graduation is February 1.
    • Deadline for summer graduation is June 1.
  3. Complete all course requirements for your program of study.
  4. Resolve all financial obligations to the College.
  5. Complete the PVCC Exit Survey and any required Exit Assessments.

Apply for Summer 2025 Graduation - Deadline to apply is June 1.

Commencement Ceremony

The college has one graduation ceremony each year in May. The 2025 ceremony will be held Monday, May 12, 2025, at John Paul Jones Arena located at 295 Massie Road in Charlottesville, VA 22903.  The ceremony will begin promptly at 6 p.m.; however, all graduates will need to arrive by 5 p.m.

Students eligible to participate in the ceremony include those who graduated Summer 2024 (August), Fall 2024 (December) and those who plan to graduate in May 2025. Students who plan to graduate during the Summer 2025 semester are allowed to participate in this ceremony if you have two or less outstanding courses. If you have more than two courses to complete your program requirements, you are not eligible to participate at this time.

Participation in PVCC's commencement ceremony does not denote official certification of a degree or certificate. Your graduation is official only after all program requirements have been met and documented by the Registrar's Office.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns should be picked up from the PVCC Bookstore. We will post the date these will be available to students in early April. There is no charge to students and it is not necessary to order these beforehand. Various sizes will be available. Dual-enrolled students will have their regalia delivered to their respective high schools.

Honor Cords

Gold honor cords are awarded to all students who have earned the Cum Laude (3.2 GPA), Magna Cum Laude (3.5 GPA) or Summa Cum Laude (3.8 GPA) distinction. Due to time constraints with final grades for the spring semester, the honor distinction is based on the previous fall semester's cumulative GPA for the purpose of the ceremony and program booklet. However, diplomas will be ordered using the final cumulative GPA after all grades for the spring semester have been posted. The honor cords will be distributed to those students being honored on graduation night prior to the start of the ceremony. Honor cords are awarded to those who meet the GPA requirements for an Associate degree or Certificate. Career Studies Certificates are not eligible for honor cords.

Arrival Time for Graduates

Graduates need to arrive at John Paul Jones Arena at 5:00 p.m. Once there, please follow signage to complete the check-in process in preparation for the ceremony. Please do not bring personal belongings with you as there is no secure storage space available to leave them. Cell phones must be turned off during this process and during the commencement ceremony.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be ordered approximately one month after the commencement ceremony. You will receive your diploma by mail 8-10 weeks after it has been ordered. Diplomas will be mailed to the address indicated on the Graduation Application. If your address changed after you submitted your application, or will be changing during the time frame listed here, please notify Jeannie Prewer at jprewer@pvcc.edu.

Proof of Graduation

If you need proof of graduation, please request an official transcript through our partnership with Parchment. Allow up to two weeks after your graduation date for your transcript to reflect your completed degree or certificate.