Graduation

Graduation refers to the date a degree is conferred or awarded. Glenville State University confers degrees three times a year: May, July and December.  Students whose degree was conferred in July and December are part of the upcoming "Class" of students.  For example: Students who are conferred their degree in Summer 2020 are part of the Class of 2021.

Commencement refers to the graduation ceremony. Commencement is held twice a year in May and December.*

Attendance at commencement is not a guarantee of degree conferral. 

Applicants for graduation must be enrolled in their final degree program requirements during the same semester in which they wish to graduate.  Application for graduation does not guarantee that a student is eligible to be placed on the prospective graduate list.  Accepted applicants will receive an email notification when they have been added to the prospective graduate list.

*If students choose to not participate in their designated graduation ceremony they will not be permitted to participate in another graduation ceremony.

 Commencement - Saturday, May 4, 2024 10:00 AM   

Attendance - All candidates who complete graduation requirements in December or May are strongly encouraged, but not required, to participate in their designated commencement ceremony.  July graduates are encouraged to participate in the December ceremony.

Graduation Attire - Glenville State University requires all degree candidates participating in the graduation ceremony to wear appropriate academic regalia (cap, gown and tassel).  Academic regalia will be available to purchase from the Pioneer Campus Store.  Students who need assistance with their purchase will need to contact the Store for further directions.

Additionally, business casual attire is expected for students walking in the ceremony (i.e.: dress shirt/blouse, long pants/skirt/dress, closed shoes). 

For more information, please contact the Store by phone 304-462-6365 or email. 

Honor Stoles/Cords - Due to the formality of the ceremony, the only accessories to be worn with the traditional cap and gown are academic honor stoles/cords. Students who have achieved institutional academic honors (overall 3.50 GPA and higher) will receive an honor stole from GSU. 

Lineup - Students will be using the Athletic Department entrance at the Waco Center and need to report to Room BL32 by no later than 9:00 AM (preferably by 8:30 AM) the morning of Saturday, December 9 where they will receive further instructions. 

Students Taking Courses at Other Institutions - If you took a class this semester at another institution, you must request an official transcript be sent to: Rachel Adams, Registrar’s Office, 200 High Street, Glenville, WV 26351. The transcript must be received by GSU no later than Tuesday, June 4, 2024 for your May graduation status to become official.

Financial Obligations - Your diploma will not be mailed until all financial obligations to the University have been met including graduation fee, tuition and fees, etc. This should be taken care of no later than Friday, May 3, 2024.

Announcements - For those interested in purchasing graduation announcements, please do so from a vendor of your choosing or contact the GSU Print Shop at Print.Shop@glenville.edu at your earliest convenience to place an order. Click here to see announcement options.

COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPATION DOES NOT EQUAL GRADUATION. Commencement is ceremonial, graduation is the completion of all requirements for a degree program.  Students failing to meet all graduation requirements must reapply for graduation.

Diplomas - Diplomas will be mailed approximately two weeks after graduation.

Directions to Campus

Parking - Guests should find ample parking at the Waco Center, located at 921 Mineral Road, Glenville, West Virginia. If assistance is needed with accessible parking or general directions, member's of GSU's Public Safety staff will be on hand during the ceremony or can be reached by calling (304) 904-2041.

Guests of the Graduates - In keeping with Glenville State University tradition, graduates may invite and bring as many guests as they like. Guests may seat themselves as they wish, taking note to avoid seats in the commencement hall designated for graduates, faculty, and any other reserved seating. No tickets are required for guests. Guests who may need the use of an elevator should enter the Waco Center at the lower level through the Athletics entrance. 

Ordering Photographs from the Ceremony - Photographer Sam Santilli of Sam Santilli Photography will take photos of each graduate as they walk across the stage during the commencement ceremony in addition to a posed photo beforehand. After the ceremony, students and families may visit his website - www.SSPWV.com - to view and order photos online. Prospective graduates should have also received communication from Mr. Santilli regarding ordering photos.

Ceremony Live Stream - Click here to view ceremony on YouTube.

Applying for Graduation

All students who wish to graduate must officially apply for graduation and pay graduation fees. The application and graduation fee are due regardless of intent to participate in the graduation ceremony. 

Applications are reviewed as they are received; please allow up to fifteen business days for this review to occur.  If there is an issue with your application you will be notified by email.  A final review of applicants will begin after the last day to add a course for the semester in which the student has applied.  Applicants for graduation must be enrolled in their final degree program requirements during the same semester in which they wish to graduate.  Application for graduation does not guarantee that a student is eligible to be placed on the prospective graduate list.  Accepted applicants will receive an email notification when they have been added to the prospective graduate list.

 

What is the Graduation Application?

The graduation application provides the Registrar’s Office with information about a student’s academic program; including degree, major, concentration and minor, if applicable, and expected graduation year and term. Additionally, the application establishes a diploma address (where the diploma will be mailed) and assesses the graduation fee to the account of the applicant.

The graduation application is also used to compile the graduation (diploma printing and degree posting) and commencement (program) lists. Failure to complete the application by the posted deadline can result in a delay in both degree posting and diploma printing. It may also result in the student’s name being omitted from the commencement program and other commencement lists.

How to Apply?

Applying to graduate is a simple process that is done through your EdNet account. Students will log into their EdNet account then select Student & Financial Aid, Student Records and Apply to Graduate. Then simply follow the on-screen instructions.

The graduation application can be submitted only once per program of study (degree). Please note that your complete program of study (including degrees, majors, minors, concentrations, etc.) must be properly declared before you apply to graduate. If changes need to be made to the program of study, students must complete a Change of Program form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.

Students planning to graduate with multiple degrees (i.e. AS & BS) within the same term will need to submit an application for each degree.

When to Apply?

Students should apply by the deadline published below and are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

Expected Graduation Term		Application Filing Period
Fall (December)		April 1 - August 1
Spring (May)		October 1 - December 31
Summer (July)		April 15 - June 15

Late Application (After Deadline)

Students who miss the deadline for applying via EdNet must immediately contact the Registrar’s Office.

Please note that a $105 late fee (non-refundable) is charged to the account of late applicants, in addition to the regular graduation fee. Students should review their Degree Works audit and confer with their academic advisor to be sure they are on track to graduate as planned before requesting to apply late.

What if I will be Taking Courses at Another Institution During the Semester I Plan to Graduate?

If you are planning on enrolling in classes at another institution during your semester of graduation, you must have an approved Transient Student Request Form on file with the Registrar’s Office. You must also provide proof you are enrolled in the class, or classes, to the Registrar’s Office. Upon completion, you must provide the Registrar’s Office with an official transcript. It is your responsibility to make sure the transcript is received within 1 month of the graduation date (for example, Graduation Date is May 10th, transcript would have to arrive by June 10th) for your graduation status to become official.

What if I Encounter Problems?

If you encounter problems when you apply for graduation or if you have questions about your graduation application, please send an email to registrar@glenville.edu for assistance.

How will my Name appear on my Diploma?

The name on your diploma will match your full legal name as it appears on your Glenville State University education record.

How to Change my Graduation Application (Once Submitted)

Students needing to change graduation information (i.e. diploma mailing address, modification to program of study, etc.) after submission of their graduation application must contact the Registrar’s Office (registrar@glenville.edu) for changes to take effect.

Graduation Fee

During the graduation application process, a graduation fee (payable in the Cashier’s Office) will be added to the student’s account. Contact the Cashier’s Office if you have questions about payment options. The graduation fee must be paid prior to graduation, regardless of whether or not a student participates in commencement activities.

Student Loans

Students who received student loans while attending Glenville State University will receive additional information from the Financial Aid Office about their indebtedness and Exit Counseling for student loans.