Graduation
The Application for Graduation is completed through your DataVU student account – please log in to complete the Application for Graduation. Applicants should apply for graduation based on the following deadlines:
- November 1 for May graduates
- February 1 for August graduates
- August 1 for December graduates
The Application for Graduation is available through your student account on DataVU.valpo.edu. The Graduation Application can be found in the Graduation Overview on DataVU Self-Service. Follow the prompts to complete the application. If you are applying for a master’s or doctorate degree and a graduate certificate, you must complete an application for each program.
The Graduate Commencement Banquet is an event for graduate students who are graduating and their families and friends. The event takes place in May and December, prior to the Commencement ceremony. Graduating students receiving Highest Distinction, Distinction, Graduate Leadership & Service Award, and the Athenaeum Award will be recognized. Reservations are required.
Fall Event Details
Thursday, December 15
Harre Union Ballrooms
5:00 p.m. Check-in | 5:30 p.m. program
Invitations for this event will be sent in mid-October. The RSVP deadline is November 30. Graduating students’ meals are complimentary and guest meals are typically $14.00-17.00 per seat. Please note that children’s menu options are not available. Please respond to the invitation with acceptance or regrets. As seats are limited, payments for all guests and children who need a separate seat are required at the time of reservation.
Questions about banquet?
Contact Chloe Kiser, Graduate Student Services Coordinator, by email at Chloe.Kiser@valpo.edu or by phone at 219.464.6043
Distinction and Highest Distinction
At the time of graduation, graduating students with grade point averages of 3.80 to 3.89 are recognized as “graduating with distinction,” and graduating students with grade point averages of 3.90 or higher are recognized as “graduating with highest distinction.”
For the purpose of this recognition in Commencement ceremonies, including the printed Commencement program, the grade point average is calculated at the conclusion of the semester prior to the semester in which the student graduates (e.g., May graduates’ grade point averages are calculated after the due date for final grades in December).
If a student’s final cumulative grade point average increases by completion of the degree program to a qualifying grade point average for honors, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Graduate School within one month after Commencement to request a certificate of recognition.
Graduate Leadership & Service Award
This award recognizes a graduating student who has consistently made contributions that benefit others in alignment with the University mission to lead and serve. The contributions may be in the form of leadership through academic and/or extracurricular accomplishments, volunteer work, community activism, or public service.
Qualifications:
Student completing a Valpo graduate degree in May/August or December. Student must be in good academic standing (minimum 3.00 GPA). Part time and full time students are eligible.
Up to 3 awards will be given at each Graduate School Commencement banquet.
Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is an honor society sponsored by the Graduate School that recognizes the scholarly, creative, and intellectual pursuits of graduate students. Students meeting the following criteria may be nominated for membership and recognition:
- Completion of 24 credits of coursework at the time of nomination
- Attainment of an overall graduate grade point average of 3.80
- Presentation or publication of scholarly or creative work in a public forum (this may include the Symposium for Graduate Research at Valparaiso University)
- Evidence of good character
Nominees for the Athenaeum are recommended by members of the Council of Graduate Program Directors, selected by the Graduate School Academic Services team, and recognized each May and December at the Graduate School Commencement Banquet.
Questions about academic honors at graduation?
Contact Jessica Segally, Assistant Director of Academic Services, by email at Jessica.Segally@valpo.edu or by phone at 219.464.5313.