Policy Rationale
Vermont State University (VTSU) celebrates the successes of graduating students. With approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), specific degree requirements are clearly provided to students through the University Catalog. Upon successful completion of these requirements, Vermont State University honors the students with the conferral of an undergraduate degree or graduate degree and hosts a commencement ceremony.
Policy
Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree:
- Completion of at least 120 credit hours of work at the 1000 level or above.
- Certain programs require more than 120 credits.
- Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
- Completion of the bachelor-level Connections General Education Program.
- Completion of all course work in the major.
- At least 30 credits, including substantial advanced work in the major or concentration, applying toward the degree must be earned from Vermont State University or earned previously at Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont Technical College.
Requirements for an Associate Degree:
- Completion of at least 60 credit hours of course work at the 1000 level or above.
- Certain programs require more than 60 credits.
- Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
- Completion of the associate-level Connections General Education Program.
- At least 15 credits applying toward the degree must be earned from Vermont State University or earned previously at Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont Technical College.
Requirements for Earning a Second Degree:
A Second Baccalaureate Degree:
Students who already hold a baccalaureate degree may earn a second degree by completing the following requirements:
- Completion of at least an additional 30 credits through Vermont State University.
- Completion of the requirements of a major unique from the first baccalaureate degree major.
- Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
Note: Requirements for double majors also may apply.
A Second Associate Degree:
Students who already hold an associate degree may earn a second degree by completing the following requirements:
- Completion of at least an additional 15 credits at Vermont State University.
- Completion of the requirements of a major unique from the major of the first associate degree.
- Achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
Note: Requirements for double majors also may apply.
Requirements for a Double Major:
Students wishing to earn a degree with a double major must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of degree requirements as listed.
- Completion of the requirements of two majors.
- For baccalaureate degrees, at least 30 of the credits used to complete each major must be in courses not used to meet the requirements in the other major.
- For associate degrees, at least 15 of the credits used to complete each major must be in courses not used to meet the requirements in the other major.
Note: The student earns one degree with two majors.
Requirements for Academic Minors:
An academic minor consists of a minimum of 18 credits in a discipline or field, at least six of which are at the 3000/4000 level. In general, students may not use the same courses used to satisfy requirements in a major to also satisfy requirements in a minor. Any questions should be referred to the department chair of the department sponsoring the minor.
Participation in Commencement:
Undergraduate students who meet all of the following requirements are invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony:
- Matriculated students who have successfully completed all graduation requirements, and
- Filed all appropriate forms to graduate (on time), and
- Participated in any commencement preparation activities.
Students who do not meet the above requirements may apply to participate in the Commencement under certain conditions:
- Students needing seven credits or fewer, and/or
- Students who are within two courses of successfully completing all graduation requirements.
Procedures
Declaring or Changing a Degree
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Matriculated students must declare a major and submit any forms to change a major, add another major, concentration or minor using the ‘Change or Add Major, Minor, Advisor, and Location Form.’
Filing to Graduate and/or Participate in Commencement
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Students should submit a ‘Graduation Application’ Form through the Student Portal one calendar year prior to their expected commencement ceremony participation.
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Students who meet the conditions to participate in commencement without completing their final degree requirements, as outlined in the policy, should submit an Application to Process at Commencement (sent to eligible students by the Registrar’s Office) by April 1.
Responsibilities
Students:
- Meet the requirements of their degree(s), with regular review of their academic transcript.
- Submit a ‘Graduation Application’ one calendar year prior to their planned commencement ceremony participation.
- Submit an Application to Process in Commencement by April 1 if all requirements are not fulfilled by the time of the commencement ceremony, if desiring to participate in the ceremony.
- Obtain commencement ceremony regalia (cap and gown) and participate in any required commencement ceremony practice.
Registrar’s Office:
- After receipt of ‘Graduation Application’ Forms submitted by students, perform degree audits and communicate any discrepancies or missing/unplanned requirements with students in a timely manner.
- Invite eligible students to complete the Application to Process in Commencement Form if they desire to participate in the commencement ceremony.
- Respond to students who have submitted Application to Process in Commencement Forms with an approval or denial in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate lists of students graduating and participating in commencement ceremonies.
Related Documents and Forms
Application to Process at Commencement Form (sent to eligible students from Registrar’s Office)
Change or Add Major, Minor, Advisor, and Location Form
Graduation Application Form (Student Portal)
University Catalog
Related Policies
Application for Award of Degree
Length of Time for Degree Completion
Date of Last Approved Revision: March 2025
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