Do I have to attend commencement to graduate?
No. Participation in commencement is optional. Students must apply for graduation to complete their degree or certificate, regardless of whether they attend the commencement ceremony.
Will I have to attend a commencement rehearsal?
No. There is no commencement rehearsal. Graduates will receive detailed instructions in advance regarding arrival time, check-in, and seating on the day of the ceremony.
Are a cap, gown, and tassel required to attend commencement?
Yes. Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony are required to wear official Victoria College regalia, including a cap, gown, and VC tassel.
Where do I get my cap and gown?
Caps and gowns may be purchased through the Victoria College Campus Store. Graduates may order a regalia set, which includes a cap, gown, and tassel, online or visit the Campus Store in person to make a purchase. Ordering deadlines and pricing details will be shared closer to the event.
Campus Store link:
https://www.victoriacollege.edu/CampusStore
Will honors or associations be recognized at commencement?
Yes. Eligible academic honors, cords, stoles, and Victoria College associations will be recognized during commencement.
Graduation Cords and Stoles
- Honors Cords: Students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher will receive honors cords at the commencement ceremony. Because Spring semester grades and GPAs are not finalized until after commencement, eligibility is determined using the cumulative GPA posted at the end of the Fall semester.
- Veteran Recognition: Students who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may receive a military stole. Please contact Bailey Koebrick, Veterans Advisor or Robert “Bobby” Cubriel, Director of Advising, for information on how to secure your commencement stole.
- Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): PTK members who wish to wear PTK regalia may purchase their items directly through the PTK website at https://www.ptk.org/.
- National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS): NSLS members who wish to wear NSLS regalia may purchase their items through the NSLS store at https://shop.nsls.org/.
Can I decorate my cap?
Yes. Graduates may decorate their caps. Decorations should not add height or block the view of graduates seated behind you. Any decorations containing violent, offensive, or inappropriate language or imagery are not permitted. The college reserves the right to require removal of the decorated cap, and a replacement cap will be provided if needed.
Can anyone wear a stole?
Yes. Graduates may wear additional stoles at commencement. Over the years, graduates have gotten creative in how they choose to represent themselves. We have seen stoles that reflect specific degrees, student organizations, cultural identity, personal achievements, and meaningful tributes.
All items must be appropriate for the ceremony, and the college reserves the right to request removal of any item deemed inappropriate or disruptive.
Will there be professional photography?
Yes. A professional photographer will be present during the ceremony. Victoria College works with John Hudgeons Photography, the official commencement photographer.
As graduates walk across the stage to receive their VC diploma tube, a professional photograph will be taken. Photos are taken for all graduates, regardless of whether an order is placed. John Hudgeons Photography will have a table at the commencement ceremony to collect order forms and answer questions.
Information on viewing and purchasing photos will be provided after the event. Questions regarding commencement photographs should be directed to the photographer. You may also view examples of their work on their website at https://www.johnhudgeons.com.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are issued after final grades are posted and graduation audits are completed. Participation in commencement does not affect the timing of diploma delivery.
The Office of the Registrar will begin conferring graduation audits the week of May 18, and the process typically takes approximately two weeks to complete. Once diplomas are ready, graduates will be notified by email with pick-up information. Diplomas not picked up within one week will be mailed to the address listed on the graduation application.
Victoria College has also partnered with Parchment, which provides graduates with free, permanent access to a high-resolution digital diploma. This digital copy can be shared with family, friends, employers, or on social media. At the end of the semester, graduates should expect an email and text message from Parchment with instructions on how to access their digital diploma.
Who should I contact with questions about commencement?
For commencement-related questions, please contact the Victoria College Office of Admissions and Recruitment. They can be reached at 361-485-6841.