Graduation Requirements for Undergraduate Students

Honors at Graduation for Undergraduate Programs

The University recognizes outstanding academic achievement of degree recipients at graduation.  To be eligible for honors recognition at graduation, the student must have achieved a cumulative grade point average based on the 4-point scale as follows:

Commencement Exercises

West Coast University Commencement exercises are held once a year to honor academic successes and accomplishments as reflected in degree completion.   To be eligible for participation in WCU Commencement exercises, the graduate/student must have:

Completed all graduation requirements, 

 OR

Based on space availability, those students who are active in their final term of courses may elect to participate prior to completing all graduation requirements.

For students who are active in their final term and elect to participate in commencement prior to completing all of their degree requirements, the following applies:

• Honors recognition is only for those who have completed all degree requirements. Therefore, honors recognition will not be reflected during the commencement exercises. However, honors recognition will appear on final transcripts for those who qualify once the student has met all graduation requirements.
• Students must meet all requirements (including completing all graduation requirements) to be considered as a Valedictorian during commencement exercises. 

Participation in commencement does not constitute degree completion.

Valedictorian Criteria

The title of valedictorian has long been used to designate a graduating student who has achieved the highest academic achievement. For each commencement ceremony, the Academic Dean (in collaboration with Program Deans/Chair and Campus Directors) will determine who will be selected as valedictorian for each graduating class. One valedictorian per commencement per campus will be selected. One of the selected valedictorians will be invited to speak at Commencement Exercises.

The following criteria will be used, in descending order, to select campus valedictorians. The candidate must have:

1. Completed all graduation requirements.
2. Graduated with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75.
3. The highest cumulative grade point average earned at the campus for that particular class.
4. No non-passing grades in any courses during the program.
5. Remained in good standing for the duration of his/her West Coast University career, free from any formal student conduct actions.

If multiple candidates meet all of the criteria outlined above, the following additional criteria will be used to establish priority:

1. The candidate completing the greatest number of credits in residence at WCU.
2. The candidate with the highest grade point average on credits transferred into West Coast University.
3. The candidate with the highest scores on challenge examinations.
4. The candidate who represented the University throughout their course of study in an exemplary manner.  Examples include but are not limited to:
   1. Positions and participation in student leadership.
   2. Volunteer time over and above minimum University requirements.
   3. Special recognition while an active student.
   4. Other awards, honors or recognition given by external organizations while the candidate is a student.

The final selection will be made by a committee lead by the Academic Dean, with input of Program Deans/Chairs and the campus Executive Director.