Graduation

1400.570 GRADUATION PROCEDURE

A. DEGREES

1. WVC offers the following associate degrees:
   1. Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA)
   2. Associate in Business – Direct Transfer Agreement (AB-DTA)
   3. Associate in Nursing – Direct Transfer Agreement (AN-DTA/MRP)
   4. Associate in Science – Transfer (AS-T)
   5. Associate in Applied Science – Transfer (AAS-T)
   6. Associate of Technical Science (ATS)
2. WVC offers the following Applied bachelor's degrees:
   1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)
   2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
   3. Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health (BAS-BH)

Students can also earn approved certificates in technical and academic programs. Detailed information on each credential, including course requirements and transfer options, is available in the WVC catalog. Areas of Study | Wenatchee Valley College

B. CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Degree Requirements

To be eligible for a degree from WVC, students must satisfy the following requirements:

1. 1. Complete the minimum number of credits as specified for the program in the current catalog.
   2. Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 or higher for all degrees and certificates.
   3. Satisfy program-specific and college-wide curricular requirements (including general education, major, electives, diversity/inclusion or other required components).
   4. Students must earn a minimum of 30 credits of their degree at WVC, excluding credit for prior learning for residency requirements.
   5. Meet other criteria such as a limit on pass/fail credits or other restrictions as defined by the program (e.g., a maximum number of “Pass” credits counted toward degree).
2. Certificate Requirements

To be eligible for a certificate from WVC, students will meet requirements specified in the certificate program, including minimum credits, required courses, GPA, residency or college-specific criteria.

C. APPLICATION AND AWARDING OF CREDENTIALS

1. Students intending to graduate must complete a degree and/or certificate application by the published deadline (e.g., two terms/quarters/semesters before completion).
2. Upon verification of all requirements, WVC will confer the credential and update the students’ transcript accordingly. Diplomas/certificates will be issued within a reasonable timeframe after grading and verification (e.g., 6 to 10 weeks).
3. Participation in a commencement ceremony does not guarantee that the credential has been awarded. Final conferral is contingent upon successful completion of all requirements.

D. HIGH SCHOOL+ DIPLOMA PROGRAM (ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM)

1. High school requirements are set by the State of Washington Board of Education. The HS+ is a competency based high school diploma for adult learners 18 and older who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent. To receive a diploma, students must meet credit and subject area requirements based on the year the student entered or should have entered the ninth grade.

E. HONORS

1. Students graduating with a degree may be eligible for honors classifications based on the following criteria:
   1. Earn at least 12 credits in courses numbered 100 or above. (“I,” “P,” “NP” and “Y” designations do not count toward the 12-credit minimum.)
   2. Earn a 4.0 GPA for the president’s list.
   3. Earn a 3.5 - 3.99 GPA for the dean’s list.

Honors are listed at graduation for students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

F. SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CREDENTIALS

1. If a student seeks to earn a second degree of the same level (e.g., a second associate degree), they must complete a minimum additional number of credits beyond the first degree. WVC shall specify the minimum additional credit and applicable requirements.

G. WAIVER OR SUBSTITUTION OF REQUIREMENTS

1. Any petition to waive degree or certificate requirements must be submitted in writing to the Academic Regulations Committee. Any substitution of credits must be submitted by the program director of the academic program to the enrollment services office.

H. DEADLINES AND COMMENCEMENT PARTICIPATION

1. Students must submit an application for graduation to the admission/registration office. It is recommended that students submit their applications for graduation two quarters prior to completion. Applications for fall quarter graduation are due by December 1; for winter quarter by March 1, for spring quarter by May 1; and for summer quarter by Aug. 1. Forms are available in the admission/registration office and online at wvc.edu/graduation.
2. Students who complete requirements during the summer term may, at WVC’s discretion, participate in the previous spring commencement if the college offers that option.
3. Participation in commencement is optional, and students must meet application deadlines and eligibility criteria to be included in program listings.

I. RESIDENCY, PASS/FAIL, AND OTHER CREDIT LIMITATIONS

1. A specified minimum number of the total applicable credits must be earned through WVC (resident credit).
2. A limit shall be placed on how many pass/fail credits may count toward degree requirements (except in cases required by program or for nontraditional credits), consistent with state accreditation policies.

J. REVIEW AND APPROVAL

1. This policy shall be reviewed on a regular cycle (e.g., every 3 years) by the vice president of instruction (or designee) and approved by the president’s cabinet (or equivalent governance body). Any substantive revisions must be forwarded to the board of trustees (if required) for adoption.

K. RESPONSIBLE OFFICE

1. The evaluation office (in enrollment services) is responsible for the administration of this policy: processing applications, verifying eligibility, awarding credentials, and maintaining records.

L. EXCEPTIONS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

1. If degree requirements change, students have three years from the time of the change to complete the previous requirements unless state interagency agreements mandate a change be made before three years.
2. The student may be required to apply under the catalog in effect at the time of reenrollment or consult with their academic advisor for eligibility.

M. COMMUNICATION

1. All students shall be informed of this policy via the college catalog, website, and relevant student communications (email, advising sessions, registration materials). Deadlines, application forms, and steps to graduation shall be clearly published.

Approved by the president’s cabinet: 11/4/25
Last reviewed: 11/4/25
Policy contact: Student Services

Related policies and procedures

400.570 Graduation Policy