Applying to Graduate
When you are nearing the completion of your program - usually the semester before you plan to finish your degree requirements - you must file an application for graduation. There is no fee for applying to graduate. The easiest and fastest way to apply is through myBanner. After logging into myBanner, select Student, then Student Records, and Apply to Graduate. Paper applications may also be submitted to either of the Student Assistance Centers (150 Student Services in Allendale or 115C DeVos in Grand Rapids) or may be emailed to [email protected].
Important notes
Are you completing 120 credits at or above the 100 level? The university requires at least 120 credits, even if you have completed all major/minor requirements.
Have you repeated any courses? If your repeat course is currently in progress, credit hours are being added for both instances. Once grades are final, the first instance of the course will be dropped from the credit count unless it is a course that you can repeat for credit.
Do you have (at least) 58 credits at a four-year institution? You need at least 58 credits from a four-year degree granting institution. Community college credits don’t count.
Are your last 30 credits being taken at Grand Valley? If you need to take classes elsewhere as you approach the end of your degree, make sure you apply for a residency waiver.
Have you taken classes elsewhere? Please make sure you have requested an official transcript to be sent from that school to GVSU.
How Do I Apply to Graduate?
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When you apply to graduate, make sure that you are not applying for the semester that you want to walk but the semester that your degree requirements have been or will be completed.
- Degrees are awarded four times per year: fall, winter, and twice during the spring/summer semester.
- Students should apply to graduate for the term in which all their degree requirements will be completed. Students may check their degree progress in myPath.
- Commencement ceremony information can be found at gvsu.edu/commencement. Note, diploma covers are handed out at the commencement ceremonies. Students who do not attend a ceremony will not receive a diploma cover, but can contact [email protected] to request one.
Spring (June) and Summer (August)
Spring and summer candidates are invited to participate in either the winter or fall commencement ceremony. Please note that your application for graduation should still indicate that you intend to graduate in the Spring/Summer semester even though you may be walking in the ceremony for another semester.
Frequently Asked Graduation Questions
What if I need to edit my application?
Email any questions or edits regarding your graduation application to [email protected].
How is my graduation application audited?
Your auditor emails to confirm that we received the application; we send an audit to your advisor and send another email with the results.
When should I apply for graduation?
You should apply to graduate the semester before your degree requirements will be completed. For fall graduation, apply during the spring/summer semester; for winter graduation, apply during the fall semester. For spring/summer, apply during the winter semester.
When will I walk in commencement?
GVSU holds commencement twice a year following each Winter and Fall semester. Students are invited to participate in commencement activities for the semester in which they will be fulfilling their degree requirements. There is no commencement following the Spring/Summer. Summer applicants are invited to the winter ceremony taking place before their final semester; late summer applicants are invited to the fall ceremony taking place after their final semester.
I am earning a stand-alone certificate or badge. Will I be invited to a commencement ceremony?
The commencement ceremony is held only for student’s who are earning a degree. Students earning a stand-alone badge or certificate will not attend commencement.
How will I be contacted?
All correspondence will go through your GVSU email.
I use myName. Will that be on my diploma?
Yes, myName will override anything else. If you use myName and want something else on your diploma, please email [email protected].
What if my name has special characters/punctuation?
Please email [email protected] in order to ensure accuracy on your diploma.
When will I get my diploma?
Degrees are awarded manually after final grades have been processed. Diplomas are mailed approximately 4 to 6 weeks after all degrees have been awarded.
What if I changed my address?
Please email [email protected] if you change your address after applying to graduate. Diplomas are mailed to the address listed on your application to graduate.