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:

Be officially enrolled in a program of study (curriculum).
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.
Complete all course requirements for your program of study.
Resolve all financial obligations to the College.
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.

Graduates attending the ceremony must complete an Attendance Survey so we can plan accordingly. To begin the survey, please click the following link: Attendance Survey

Students are not limited to a specific number of guests and there are no tickets required for entry. All attendees are subject to the rules and regulations of John Paul Jones Arena, including the clear bag policy; therefore, please familiarize yourself with these regulations prior to your arrival.

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.

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.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns may be picked up from the PVCC Bookstore beginning on Monday, April 14 - Monday, May 12 during their regular scheduled operating hours. 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 and Stoles

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 for spring graduates 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.

The college does not provide stoles for those students who belong to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. Students wishing to display their academic achievements with a stole may purchase one individually and wear it for 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required for me to graduate with a degree or certificate?

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

Be officially enrolled in a program of study.
Complete all course requirements for your program of study.
Resolve all financial obligations to the College.
Complete the PVCC Exit Survey and any required Graduate Exit Assessments.

Am I ready to apply for graduation?

You can apply for graduation if you have done the following:

Met with your academic advisor or counselor and determined that you will complete all the coursework required for your degree or certificate this semester or next semester.
Submitted any and all approved waivers, course substitutions, and/or transfer or life experience credits to the PVCC Admissions & Advising Center for evaluation.

How do I apply for graduation and what happens after I apply?

Submit a completed Graduation Application online by the deadline posted on PVCC’s Web site. Applying online accomplishes three important tasks:

Your official request to graduate is submitted to the Registrar's Office. The information you provide will be used to communicate with you about any requirements you still need to complete, and about the commencement exercises if you plan to participate. Please note that participation in PVCC's commencement ceremony does not denote official certification of a degree or certificate. Your graduation is official only after all curriculum requirements have been met and documented by PVCC’s Records Office.
You complete the Graduate Exit Survey. The online Graduation Application includes the Graduate Exit Survey. On the survey you are asked to provide feedback about your experience as a student at PVCC and information about your future plans for education and/or employment. Survey results are used to improve PVCC programs and services.
If you are completing your associate degree, you will receive information about required Exit Assessments in a letter from the Vice President for Instruction and Student Services. This letter will be mailed to you the week after the graduation application deadline for each semester.