Mass Communications Graduation Application
Submitting a graduation application is a required step in earning your degree from Virginia State University. Completing all required coursework earns you the credits, but the graduation application is what initiates the official degree certification process, confirms your inclusion in commencement, and results in the issuance of your diploma. Students who miss the application deadline risk delaying their degree conferral, sometimes by an entire semester.
Apply for graduation during the semester before your anticipated degree completion. If you plan to finish in May, submit your application during the preceding fall semester. If you anticipate finishing in December, apply during the preceding spring semester. Specific deadlines for each conferral period are published in the VSU academic calendar and by the Office of the Registrar.
To Complete the Graduation Application in Banner 9 Only
- Go into Banner
- Click on Student Records
- Select Apply to Graduate and complete the application
- Upload the Application in Banner 9 Only To Pay the Graduation Fee Separately
- Go to the VSU Website
- Then go to Student Accounts
- Select Online Payment
- Select One Time Payment
- Select Graduation Application Fee
What the Graduation Application Initiates
When you submit your graduation application, the Office of the Registrar begins a formal degree audit, reviewing your entire academic record against the requirements of your degree program. This audit verifies that you have completed, or are currently enrolled in the courses necessary to complete all graduation requirements.
You will receive notification of your degree clearance status, or a list of outstanding requirements that must be resolved before your degree can be conferred. If deficiencies are identified, work with your advisor promptly. Some deficiencies can be addressed within your final semester, while others may require additional coursework and a revised graduation term.
What You Will Need to Complete the Application
The graduation application asks for specific information that determines how your degree is conferred and your diploma is produced. Before you begin, have the following ready:
- Your full legal name as it should appear on your diploma
- Any documentation for a legal name change if your name differs from university records
- Your confirmed major and, if applicable, any minors or concentrations
- Your current mailing address for diploma delivery
- Your anticipated graduation term and year
- Payment for the graduation application fee, if applicable
Application and Fee Submission
The graduation application is submitted through the Office of the Registrar. Depending on the current process in place, this may be completed in person, by paper form, or through an online portal. Contact the Registrar's Office to confirm the current submission method and to verify the fee amount and payment options.
Late graduation applications may be accepted with an additional fee, but late submission is not guaranteed to result in inclusion in the upcoming commencement ceremony. Apply early.
Commencement
VSU holds commencement annually. Participation in the ceremony is contingent on submitting your graduation application and being cleared for graduation or within an approved number of remaining credit hours. Details about commencement dates, cap and gown ordering, guest tickets, and ceremony logistics are distributed through the Registrar's Office and the Dean's Office in the semester preceding the ceremony.
After Your Application Is Submitted
After submission, monitor your student portal and university email for communications from the Registrar's Office regarding your degree clearance status. Respond promptly to any requests for documentation or clarification. Once your degree is officially conferred, your diploma will be mailed to the address on file.
Contact Information
Office of the Registrar Phone: (804) 524-5275
Dr. Bridgett Robertson Phone: (Brobertson@vsu.edu) Mass Communications Department Senior Seminar