Graduation
Congratulations graduates and soon-to-be alumni. We're so proud of you and hope that you return to your alma mater often to say, "Hello!"
Congratulations graduates and soon-to-be alumni. We're so proud of you and hope that you return to your alma mater often to say, "Hello!"
To be eligible for graduation at West Virginia University, undergraduate students must have achieved a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Students also must earn at least a C- grade in all College of Media courses counted toward degree requirements. College of Media undergraduate students should follow the requirements outlined by their specific major:
A student may pursue another degree concurrently but must plan the programs with the two colleges or schools involved.
For graduate students, the grade and GPA requirement differ based on program:
All students must apply for graduation during the term in which they expect to graduate. Early applications for future academic terms are not accepted. Application deadlines will be communicated to students via email, the College of Media website, social media and WVU news and announcements each semester.
Follow the instructions on the Registrar's web page: https://registrar.wvu.edu/graduation-diploma. Students must apply for graduation regardless of whether they plan to attend the ceremony - a separate RSVP is required for the ceremony.
If you anticipate graduating in a particular semester but do not graduate, you must reapply the following semester. If you are completing your course requirements in the summer term and are therefore an August graduate, you will be notified at a later date to apply for graduation.
If you find an error, contact Brenda Sisler at Brenda.Sisler@mail.wvu.edu. Do not apply for graduation if everything is not correct, your application will be denied. If you have already applied and things are wrong contact Brenda immediately.
Register to Participate by April 15
The WVU Reed College of Media’s commencement ceremony is Friday, May 12, at 9 a.m., at the WVU Coliseum. On graduation day, graduates should check-in at the Basketball Practice Facility at 8 a.m. You must arrive by 8:30 a.m. to check-in and line up before the procession begins at 8:45 a.m. Whatever you bring must be carried into the Coliseum for the ceremony. No one other than the graduate will be permitted into the check-in area, but the Coliseum will be open for guests at 8 a.m.
The College’s May Commencement ceremony includes a processional of graduation candidates and speakers. Graduates are individually recognized as they cross the stage to receive their diploma cover and shake hands with their program coordinator, the College’s dean and the WVU presiding officer.
The College invites all May 2023 graduation candidates and December 2022 graduates to attend the celebration. As a courtesy, the College also invites prospective August 2023 graduates to participate. *Please note that this invitation is not confirmation of your graduation status. Graduation certification is completed after final semester grades are released.
Students must RSVP to walk in the ceremony by April 15. Tickets are not required for this event, and there are no restrictions on the number of guests a graduate may bring.
Diplomas are mailed after all grades are finalized and certified by the WVU Office of the Registrar—approximately three weeks after the ceremony. Graduates will, however, receive a commemorative diploma cover, featuring the seal of the University, as they accept their congratulations.
Please note: Invitation to or participation in the ceremony is not confirmation that the student is certified to graduate. Graduation certification is completed after final semester grades are released.
Outstanding Fines/Fees: Candidates should check with Admissions and Records at (304) 293-2124 to be certain that they do not owe any fines or fees. Outstanding dues may result in a delay in diploma mailing.
Attire: Participating candidates are required to wear caps and gowns. These can be purchased online from Herff Jones or in person from the WVU Bookstore. All Reed College of Media graduates, including Marketing Communications master's degree candidates, should order the tassel (and graduate-level hood) designated for Journalism - the color is crimson. Undergraduates who are graduating with Latin Honors will receive an email about honor cords - these can be picked up in Martin Hall. Latin Honors are an undergraduate designation and therefore cords are not necessary for master's degree candidates.
Photography: A professional photographer will take photos of graduates as they cross the stage. An email will be sent to the address provided on the photo/name card completed at the ceremony. Graduates will be able to order these photos immediately following the ceremony.
Program: Embracing our digital world and our commitment to sustainability, we are transitioning to an online Commencement program. Students, families and friends may access the online program by scanning the QR code, which will be displayed at the venues during Commencement ceremonies, or by visiting the graduation website at graduation.wvu.edu beginning May 8, 2023.
Accommodations for Guests and Graduates with Disabilities: Commencement volunteers will be on hand to assist as needed.
More Information: Further details about the graduation ceremony will be sent to graduates via email and eNews throughout the spring semester. Students are also encouraged to follow the College on Facebook and Twitter.
General WVU Information: Additional information regarding graduation is available at WVU’s Commencement website at http://graduation.wvu.edu/commencement. Questions? Contact the College of Media’s Communications Manager Allyson Kennedy at 304-293-5726 or allyson.kennedy@mail.wvu.edu.
Questions about undergraduate graduation requirements should be directed to Brenda Sisler at Brenda.Sisler@mail.wvu.edu.
Questions about MSJ graduation requirements should be directed to Dr. Steve Urbanski at Steve.Urbanski@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6797.
Questions about the M.S. in Integrated, Data or Digital Marketing Communications graduation requirements should be directed to Amanda Tuscan at amanda.tuscan@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-8683.