Graduation Process

• To graduate, you must

  • Fulfill your degree requirements, as shown on your Advisement Report
  • Earn a GPA of 2.00 or higher
  • Complete 25 percent or more of your credits through NOVA
  • Pay any balances and return any materials to the college (e.g., library books)

  Questions?

  Schedule an appointment with Advising if you have questions.

  Honors Designation

  Visit our College Catalog to see the requirements for graduating with honors.

Complete the graduation application by the deadline for your last semester:

• Spring graduates—March 1
• Summer graduates—June 1
• Fall graduates—October 1

If you miss the deadline, your application will be automatically processed for the following semester instead.

To apply to graduate in the Student Information System (SIS)...

1. Click My Student Information
2. Under Academics, select Apply for Graduation
3. Verify your information
4. Select NV280 for Institution
5. Select your graduation Term (e.g., spring 2024)
6. Select your degree/certificate(s)
7. Complete the questionnaire
8. Review and agree to submit your application

When you submit your application, you'll get a confirmation page. The college will update you—at your VCCS email—up to six (6) weeks after the application deadline.

Make sure your address is correct in MyNOVA before the end of the semester so the college can mail your degree or certificate to you.

Commencement is the ceremony where you'll cross the stage in your cap and gown in proud recognition of your achievements. Visit our Commencement page for more.

Who is eligible to participate in Commencement?

Participation in Commencement is open to students who applied for graduation in the preceding Summer or Fall terms and those planning to graduate in the upcoming spring term.

If I miss the Commencement, can I participate in a future ceremony?

Students who submitted graduation applications for the summer, fall, or spring term are eligible for upcoming Commencement Ceremonies. To check your graduation application term, please contact askthecro@nvcc.edu.

What is the process for acquiring a Degree Verification Letter?

To obtain a Degree Verification Letter, complete and submit form 125.340E, available in the Students Forms Library. The College Records Office will then mail the letter directly to the designated third party.

Can I withdraw my graduation application?

Students are unable to withdraw their graduation application once submitted. The degree or certificate will be awarded if all degree requirements are fulfilled.

What is the policy regarding Posthumous Degrees?

Posthumous degrees can be granted to students in their final semester of study or within 15 credits of degree completion at the time of their passing upon request. Approval from the Vice President for Academic Affairs is required, and the diploma will indicate "Awarded Posthumously.

Are students eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony during the summer term in which the commencement is held?

Students who completed program requirements in the prior summer, fall, and the current spring term are eligible to participate in the May Commencement Ceremony.

What is the College Records Office mailing address?

Northern Virginia Community College
College Records Office
FX-P3 3924 Pender Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030