Graduation

Applying for Graduation

Students should apply for graduation during the Fall semester if they plan to graduate in the Spring. Graduation applications may be submitted online through the MySouthwest portal in the Student Center. There are no fees for graduation apparel or diplomas. 

Application Windows:

• Fall Graduation: Opens September 1 and closes December 15
• Spring Graduation: Opens February 2 and remains open until graduation day. 
• Summer Graduation: Opens February 15 and closes on the last day to add classes for the semester. 

Graduation Eligibility

In order to determine eligibility for graduation or the specific courses needed to meet graduation requirements, students should consult with their advisor or check with the Registrar. 

Commencement Exercises

Commencement exercises are conducted at the end of spring semester and includes students who completed graduation requirements in the preceding fall and upcoming summer semesters. Students are urged to attend commencement unless extenuating circumstances justify their absence. Diplomas will be mailed to students after confirmation that their degree requirements have been completed.

Posthumous Award Policy

A deceased student who did not complete all requirements for his/her degree, diploma, certificate or other Southwest Virginia Community College-conferred award at the time of death may be thus awarded posthumously provided the following conditions are met:

1. The student was enrolled and in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of death.
2. The student had completed a minimum of 50% of the program requirements for his/her degree.
3. The academic division dean of the deceased student’s primary program of study will initiate a written request for the posthumous award within 12 months of the student’s death. The request shall be submitted to theRegistrar after ascertaining that Conditions 1 and 2 have been met. Admissions will then submit the request to the president for final approval.
4. This policy is in effect for students enrolled in Fall of 2018 and all subsequent terms.