Frequently Asked Questions

Application for Degree

When should I apply for my degree/graduation?

You should apply for degree/graduation by the first semester of your junior year.

Note: You must apply by the established deadline for a given term in order to have your name appear in the Commencement Bulletin. This deadline varies from term to term and is posted in our graduation guide on the "How to Apply for a Degree" page.

How do I apply for graduation?

See the "How to Apply for a Degree"

If I have two majors do I need to apply for both?

Yes, you should submit an Application for Degree for each major.

What is the difference between a double major and a second degree?

Double Major-

You must complete the requirements for both majors within the same term.
You will receive a diploma for your primary major (degree) and a double major certificate for your secondary major (double major).

Second Degree-

You must complete the requirements for both majors.
You must complete an additional 30 credits in-residence over the minimum required for your first degree.
You may complete the second degree in a later term.
You will receive a separate diploma for each degree.

How do I indicate whether my secondary major is a double major or a second degree?

You should indicate on your Application for Degree on Hokie SPA if your secondary major should be a double major or a second degree under the section "What degree is this?" (Please note that if you will be completing your second degree in a later term than the first degree you will select "first degree for both majors.")

How do I change my graduation date if I have already applied for degree/graduation?

You should update your expected term of graduation on your Application for Degree on Hokie SPA. Simply select "Update" next to the appropriate major in the Application for Degree and change the information. Then click "Submit".

How do I change my major, drop my minor, etc. if I have already applied for my degree/graduation?

Changes to your curriculum must be processed through your academic dean's office.

DARS

What is a DARS report, and how do I request one?

See the DARS page.

When should I request a DARS?

You can request a DARS at any time after you have applied for your degree.
You should request a DARS at least once a semester. This will help you and your advisor select appropriate courses.
You should also request a DARS toward the end of the term you will be graduating to ensure that last minute problems do not arise with your graduation requirements.You should request a DARS anytime you make a change to your program of study (major, minor, option, concentration, etc).

How do I read a DARS?

See the DARS page.

My DARS shows that I haven't completed a requirement that I believe should be complete. How can I address this issue?

If you have taken a course that is not listed as required on your DARS report, you should contact your advisor to determine if a substitution is appropriate. The department will determine whether a substitution is appropriate.

Why does my DARS show that I have completed fewer hours than the number of hours on my transcript?

In most cases the discrepancy between the hours listed on your transcript and DARS is because of credit you have taken that does not count toward graduation. Most common causes of discrepancy are:

Duplication -- courses that duplicate can only be counted once toward graduation. This is shown on the DARS with >D after the course.
Foreign Language -- College level courses used to fulfill the University Foreign Language requirement do not count toward graduation.
Non-Credit courses -- These courses have been determined by the University or College not to count toward a degree and are listed at the top of the DARS.
There could be an error with your record, in which case a graduation analyst in the Office of the University Registrar can review and correct the problem.

The course I need to take is not going to be offered, can I take a different course?

You should contact your academic adviser in your department to discuss your possible options.

Commencement

When and where is Commencement? When should my guests and I arrive?

See the Commencement Information page

Do I have to attend the University ceremony?

You are not required to attend the University graduation ceremony. You do not need to notify anyone that you will not be attending the ceremony, with the exception of College of Engineering students who must complete a registration form to participate in their May ceremonies.

I still have one or more classes to complete over the summer. Can I still participate in the spring ceremony?

If you still have additional courses to take in the summer you must change your graduation date to the term you will be completing all requirements. This is done on your Application for Degree (Hokie SPA). You must request permission from your department or college to participate in their Spring Commencement Ceremony.

I graduated in the fall. Can I participate in the spring departmental ceremony?

You should contact your department or college for permission to participate in the departmental ceremony.

How do I ensure my name will appear in the graduates listing online?

As long as you have applied to graduate by the published deadline for that term, your name will appear in the graduate listings.

When and where do I get a cap and gown, honors sashes, etc.?

Academic apparel is available in the University Bookstore several months before graduation. For more information visit the University Bookstore.

I am not included on the list to receive an honors sash from the bookstore. What are the requirements?

To be included on the list you must have:

A GPA of 3.4 or higher
Completed sixty (60) Virginia Tech hours for undergraduate students [or completed thirty (30) Virginia Tech hours for associate students.

Will I receive tickets for the ceremony?

There are no tickets or guest limits for the University ceremony. Most departmental and college ceremonies also do not require tickets or have guest limits. However, you should check with your department or college to determine their requirements.

What information should be included in my announcements?

Students choose what they want to include on their announcements.

To check the dates and times for graduation visit the Commencement Information website.

Are there overnight accommodations on campus for my guests?

Visit the Student Programs website for information regarding on-campus accommodations for commencement.

Where can I get a list of area hotels?

Please see the Campus Guide.

Where can I find out other specific information about the graduation ceremony?

Please see the Commencement Information page.

Where can I find information about parking for Commencement?

Please see the Transportation and Parking website

Who do I contact if a family member has mobility issues or needs ADA services at the Commencement ceremony?

Please see the Services for Students with Disabilities page.

My DARS no longer indicates that all requirements are complete. Can I still participate in the ceremony?

You will still be allowed to participate in the ceremony. However, this will not equate to the awarding of your degree. All outstanding requirements will still need to be met to receive a diploma and be awarded a degree

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed directly to the students approximately 10-12 weeks after the end of the term.

Will my diploma be mailed to my permanent or local address?

No, you must provide a mailing address for your diploma on your Application for Degree (Hokie SPA).

Where can I pick up my diploma?

Diplomas are not avaialble for pick-up.

Is there a fee for my diploma?

There is no fee for your diploma.

Are double majors, minors, concentrations (options) printed on diplomas?

No, double majors, minors, and concentrations (options) are not printed on diplomas. These will be indicated on official transcripts.

What GPA do I need to earn distinction?

If you complete at least sixty (60) hours at Virginia Tech, your distinction will be awarded following:

3.8 or greater Summa Cum Laude
3.6 to 3.7999 Magna Cum Laude
3.4 to 3.5999 Cum Laude

Will my diploma have my distinction/honors designation printed on it?

Yes, distinctions and honors designations are printed on the diploma.

What if my level of distinction changes during my last term?

Since diplomas are ordered after final grades are recorded, diplomas will reflect the correct level of distinction.

How do I get an additional or replacement diploma?

To order an additional or replacement diploma, you may write a letter of request with the following information:

Full legal name (as it should appear on the diploma)
Your social security number and/or your student number
Degree received
Date or approximate date the degree was received
Address to which the diploma should be mailed
Signature of the student
$20.00 fee (check or money order) made payable to "Treasurer of Virginia Tech"

Mail to:

Office of the University Registrar
250 Student Services Building, Mail Code 0134
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Diplomas are 13.5 inches by 15.5 inches and will be in the current format with current signatures.It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to receive a diploma.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Analysis and Services Unit at 540-231-6252.

My name is incorrect on my diploma. How do I get a corrected diploma?

The name that appears on your Application for Degree is the name that will appear on your diploma. If your name is incorrect on your diploma, you should contact the Office of the University Registrar at 540-231-6252 or e-mail the Registrar to have the matter addressed.