How do I apply to graduate?
Students must submit a Graduation Application through OneCampus during their final semester. This application notifies the university that you intend to complete your degree requirements.
Graduate students completing a certificate program must submit the Application for
Completion of Post-Baccalaureate Certificate to the Office of Graduate Affairs.
After submitting your application, you can confirm its status through the “View Graduation Application” tile in OneCampus.
How will I know if I am on track to graduate?
Your academic record will be reviewed by the appropriate academic office during the semester. You will receive a Graduation Status email outlining any remaining requirements.
Students should continue progressing toward completion of all coursework, milestones, and program requirements during the final semester.
How do I confirm I have completed all degree requirements?
Students can review their progress through the Degree Audit dashboard in OneCampus.
If you have questions about your degree audit or believe something is incorrect, contact your academic advisor or the appropriate academic office for assistance.
What is Commencement?
Commencement is a formal academic ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of Radford University graduates. During the ceremony, students cross the stage and are recognized for completing their degree program.
Does participating in the ceremony mean I have graduated?
No. Participation in Commencement does not guarantee degree conferral. Your degree is officially awarded only after the Registrar verifies that all academic requirements have been completed.
Do I have to stay for the entire ceremony?
Yes. Commencement is a formal academic ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of the entire graduating class. Graduates are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony, including the closing remarks and recessional.
Leaving early can be disruptive to the ceremony and takes away from the shared experience of celebrating classmates and friends. Remaining through the conclusion of Commencement reflects the respect and Highlander spirit that define the Radford community.
Families and guests are also encouraged to remain until the ceremony concludes.
How long does the ceremony last?
Commencement ceremonies typically last 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the ceremony (graduate or undergraduate) and the number of graduates being recognized.
What time should graduates arrive?
Graduates should plan to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony for check-in and lineup instructions.
Detailed ceremony instructions are sent to graduates prior to the event.
Can I participate in a ceremony during a different term than when I finish my degree?
Students may participate in a ceremony during a different term only if one of the following conditions is met:
Students in thesis or dissertation programs must successfully defend before participating in the ceremony.
What is the hooding ceremony?
The hooding ceremony is a special tradition recognizing the completion of a graduate degree. During the ceremony, graduates are individually recognized and ceremonially hooded by a faculty member selected by the student. The hood symbolizes the graduate’s transition from student to scholar.
Who may hood me at the ceremony?
Hooding is traditionally performed by a Radford University faculty member selected by the graduate. The faculty hooder must hold a degree equal to or higher than the degree being conferred. Exceptions may be made for staff members who served in a teaching role during the student’s program.
What happens if there is severe weather during Commencement?
The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony is planned as an outdoor event and will proceed in most weather conditions, including rain or cold temperatures. However, severe weather — such as thunderstorms or dangerous winds — may require the ceremony to move indoors for safety.
If severe weather requires a change of plans:
The university will communicate which colleges will participate in each ceremony time as soon as possible.
Students and guests should monitor the Commencement website, university email and official Radford communication channels for updates.
Do guests need tickets to attend Commencement?
No tickets are required for the spring ceremony.
Is there a limit to the number of guests I can bring?
There is no limit on guest attendance for the spring ceremony.
Are honors or honor cords awarded at the graduate level?
Graduate programs do not award honor cords based on GPA.
Additional cords or regalia may be provided by academic departments or university organizations.
How do I order my cap and gown?
Graduation regalia can be purchased through the Highlander Bookstore or ordered online through the official regalia vendor.
How do I know which hood color to order?
Hood colors correspond to the graduate’s degree discipline and program. The appropriate color is determined by the academic field represented by the degree.
Students should consult their program instructions or the regalia ordering guide to ensure they select the correct hood color.
When will my degree be officially awarded?
Degrees are formally conferred after the semester ends, once the Registrar’s Office verifies that all academic requirements have been completed.
How can I verify that my degree has been awarded?
The most reliable way to confirm your degree conferral is by requesting an official transcript through OneCampus.
Selecting the “Hold for Degree” option ensures the transcript is released once the degree has been posted.
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are typically mailed 6–8 weeks after the end of the semester in which degree requirements are completed.
Students will receive an email from the diploma service provider allowing them to verify their name and mailing address before the diploma is issued.
How can I provide proof of graduation to an employer?
Employers typically require official transcripts rather than a diploma.
Official transcripts showing your awarded degree can be requested through OneCampus and are usually available shortly after degree conferral.