Graduation
Graduate Services
Celebrate Your Achievement
All graduating students are honored at Commencement in May.
Explore the Commencement webpage for more information on future ceremonies, regalia orders, and information for graduates and guests.
Academic Honors & Awards
At the time of graduation, graduating students with grade point averages of 3.80 to 3.89 are recognized as “graduating with distinction,” and graduating students with grade point averages of 3.90 or higher are recognized as “graduating with highest distinction.”
For the purpose of this recognition in Commencement ceremonies, including the printed Commencement program, the grade point average is calculated at the conclusion of the semester prior to the semester in which the student graduates (e.g., May graduates’ grade point averages are calculated after the due date for final grades in December).
If a student’s final cumulative grade point average increases by completion of the degree program to a qualifying grade point average for honors, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Graduate School within one month after Commencement to request a certificate of recognition.
This award recognizes a graduating student who has consistently made contributions that benefit others in alignment with the University mission to lead and serve. The contributions may be in the form of leadership through academic and/or extracurricular accomplishments, volunteer work, community activism, or public service.
Student completing a Valpo graduate degree in May/August or December. Student must be in good academic standing (minimum 3.00 GPA). Part time and full time students are eligible.
Up to 3 awards will be given at each Graduate School Commencement banquet.
The Athenaeum is an honor society sponsored by the Graduate School that recognizes the scholarly, creative, and intellectual pursuits of graduate students. Students meeting the following criteria may be nominated for membership and recognition:
Completion of 24 credits of coursework at the time of nomination
Attainment of an overall graduate grade point average of 3.80
Presentation or publication of scholarly or creative work in a public forum (this may include the Symposium for Graduate Research at Valparaiso University)
Evidence of good character
Nominees for the Athenaeum are recommended by members of the Council of Graduate Program Directors, selected by the Graduate School Academic Services team, and recognized each May and December at the Graduate School Commencement Banquet.