students in procession

Commencement celebrates the accomplishments of students who have successfully completed all the requirements necessary for their degrees.

“Walking” is the term used to indicate student participation in commencement exercises. Walking in UVM’s Commencement exercises, however, does not necessarily indicate degree completion or a guarantee thereof. Only when all requirements are completed will a student’s degree be awarded.

Eligibility to Walk

Undergraduate students who have completed all degree requirements are eligible to walk in the UVM and college/school commencement ceremonies. In addition, undergraduate students who are within six credits of completing all degree requirements and have a plan to complete all remaining requirements may, with the approval of their dean’s office, walk in the UVM and college/school commencement ceremonies.

Medical students who have completed all degree requirements are eligible to walk in the UVM Larner College of Medicine ceremony. In addition, medical students who are within the equivalent of six credits of completing all degree requirements and have an approved plan to complete all remaining requirements may, with the approval of the dean, walk in the Larner College of Medicine ceremony.

Graduate students will not be permitted to participate in commencement ceremonies until they have completed all of their degree requirements. For thesis and dissertation students, degree requirements include the passing of a defense examination and the submission of a final copy of their thesis or dissertation approved by the Graduate College through ProQuest.

Permission to Walk

Undergraduate students who have completed all degree requirements automatically have permission to walk in the commencement ceremonies.

Undergraduate students who have not completed all of their degree requirements, but have met the eligibility criteria noted above, may receive permission to walk at commencement from the dean’s office of the school/college in which the student is enrolled. The student must present a viable, realistic plan for completing their remaining degree requirements with no more than six credits.