Graduation Overview

• Monitor your Program Evaluation (Degree Audit) online to make sure all graduation requirements are met.
• Submit a Graduation Application.
• Please include your sizing information on the Graduation Application for regalia to wear to commencement. The Bookstore uses this information to manage regalia purchases.
• Attend Grad Finale.
• Review your diploma and transcript information (degree(s), major(s), minor(s)) and name spelling with the Office of the Registrar.
• We have launched a new diploma ordering experience! Graduates will receive an email with instructions for claiming their printed and digital credentials within 30 days of completing the final requirements. If graduates later need to order a replacement diploma, they can do so using the same Parchment account currently used for transcript ordering.
• Request transcripts online.
  • To include recent grades, please wait approximately one week after the end of an academic term for grading processes to complete.
  • To include a recent degree or certificate, please wait for an email from the Office of the Registrar notifying you that your transcript has been updated and is ready to order. This can take up to 30 days from the end of the academic term.
• Ensure all financial obligations are taken care of with Student Accounts.
• Watch for an email from Financial Aid. All graduating students who have borrowed Federal Direct Loans are required to complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling.
• Learn about resources available to students and alumni in the Center for Career and Professional Development.
• Sign the class banner at Grad Finale. The class banner is displayed at Homecoming and Commencement.
• Celebrate your achievement at the Commencement Ceremony.

The following offices attend Grad Finale to provide helpful information to graduates. If you’re unable to attend Grad Finale, please contact them.

• Alumni Relations
• Graduate Office
• University Guild
• Residential Life (Housing)
• Senior Planning Council
• Annual Giving
• Valpo Admission Network

Full details regarding the commencement ceremonies are available online. This includes information regarding regalia, tickets, photos, DVDs, the webcast, receptions, commencement speakers, shuttle service, parking, future ceremony dates, and more.

The Office of the Registrar maintains records of students’ degrees, majors, minors, and name spelling. There are two main opportunities for students to verify that these details are correct before diplomas and transcripts are printed for graduates.

1. Visit the Office of the Registrar table at Grad Finale.
2. Watch for a personalized email with your transcript and diploma details.

We ask each student to review their information and inform us of any changes.

Full details regarding Diplomas are available online.

All transcript orders are placed through Parchment.

To include recent grades, please wait approximately one week after the end of an academic term for grading processes to complete.

To include a recent degree or certificate, please wait for an email from the Office of the Registrar notifying you that your transcript has been updated and is ready to order. This can take up to 30 days from the end of the academic term.

Please visit the Transcript page for more information on placing an order.

Undergraduates
Appointments are made at myseniorportrait.com.

• You’ll be asked to create a free account to sign up for a photography appointment.
• The session is free, and you must sign up for one if you want to appear in this year’s Beacon yearbook.
• You will have the option to purchase photo packages after viewing the proofs.

Look your best!
Dress up from the waist up.
Men: Shirt & tie, with jackets being optional
Women: Dressy blouse, top, or suit

Fall 2024 Senior Portrait Dates:
October 29-November 1, 2024
Harre Union Victory Bell Room

Information Technology offers helpful information online about what will happen to your computing accounts as you graduate.

The Center for Career & Professional Development is the centralized hub for career services across the Valpo campus.

If you currently have a job, job offer, or have been admitted to or are attending graduate/professional school, please complete the Valparaiso University First Destination Survey. This survey helps the University tell the story of our graduates, including the publishing of employment data.

All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony. The University conducts one commencement ceremony annually in May. Each year, the candidates for May, August, and December graduation participate in the May commencement ceremony of that same calendar year. Students who complete their work toward a degree at the end of a Summer Session will be granted the degree at the end of the final Summer Session. Students who complete their work toward a degree at the end of the Fall semester will be granted the degree at the end of the Fall semester.

Example:
May 2025 Degree Completion – May 2025 Commencement Ceremony
August 2025 Degree Completion – May 2025 Commencement Ceremony
December 2025 Degree Completion – May 2025 Commencement Ceremony

To request an exception and ask the dean if you may participate in an earlier or later ceremony, use the Exception to the Stated Graduation Requirements form, available online.

Full details regarding the commencement ceremonies are available online. This includes information regarding tickets, regalia, photos, DVDs, the webcast, receptions, commencement speakers, shuttle service, parking, future ceremony dates, and more.

Hearing your name announced during the commencement ceremony is exciting for not only you, but also for your guests. You’ve worked hard for this moment of recognition, and we want to ensure your name is pronounced correctly.

Valparaiso University uses a service called NameCoach to record each student pronouncing their name. Recordings are made using either a computer microphone or any telephone. Please make sure that the recording is clear. The sound files are shared with the commencement announcers to assist in rehearsing for the ceremony. Graduation candidates should watch for an email from NameCoach during their last semester.

Students considering using a preferred first name instead of their legal name when being announced at the commencement ceremony should read the Preferred First Name Policy available in the General Counsel – University Policies section of the website. Please note that a request for the use of a preferred first name will also affect your Valpo email address. After the request is processed, legal name will continue to be used for diplomas, transcripts, the commencement program, and more. Please allow time for thoughtful consideration before requesting a preferred first name. Once a student has graduated, this process cannot be reversed, and the new email address reflecting the student’s preferred first name will be permanent.

Students with a current DataVU login may request a preferred first name by selecting the Preferred First Name Change option under Personal Information -Current Students on the Student & Alumni Records menu. All students are required to read the introduction, which includes the Preferred First Name Policy before proceeding with the request.