Applying for Graduation FAQs

You will want to visit with your Academic Advisor within your last 2 semesters of completing your certificate or degree.

• Process a degree review
• File the necessary paper work
• Complete the mandatory graduation application
• Confirm if you will be attending the commencement ceremony

During your mandatory advising session you will expect to have your certified academic advisor review your Alamo GPS, verify your major and catalog year, complete any necessary forms and paperwork, and complete an application for graduation. 

We want to make sure you are on track and on time to graduate with your certificate or degree. We also need to verify that you have satisfied all of your program requirements to be awarded your certificate and or degree earned.

1. Meet with an advisor (determine your goals)
2. Choose a degree
3. Follow your degree plan
4. Apply for graduation (after 45 college-level credit hours are completed)

You will stay on the degree plan and catalog year that you are following. Do not check the latest catalog for the latest degree plan as it may have been updated. Instead follow the degree plan from the year you started as a student or the year you declared your major. If you're unsure, check with your assigned advisor. If you decide to change your major and/or catalog year, you must meet with your assigned advisor to process the change and review the new major and/or catalog year requirements. You have five years to complete the degree plan requirements. Once the five years have passed, you would meet with your assigned advisor to look at a newer catalog year or ask for a catalog extension.

Approximately 60 college level credit hours.

25% of your degree must be completed at Northwest Vista College in order to meet residency requirements.

Developmental level courses do not count toward degree completion but are necessary to enroll in college-level classes.

Commencement refers to the ceremony, which is an opportunity for students to celebrate their academic accomplishments with their peers, family and friends. There is no cost for graduation. The diploma, cap and gown are provided by the Alamo Colleges District. Participation in commencement does not guarantee or indicate degree completion.

Graduation is a process consisting of meeting with your certified academic advisor, applying for graduation on paper, updating your diploma name and address in ACES if necessary, along with completing all academic requirements.

No.

To be awarded an Associates Degree and/or Certificate please review your appropriate college catalog to learn of your requirements.

You may contact your assigned advisor or the degree completion team at nvc-graduation@alamo.edu