Graduation Requirements

Ready to Graduate?

Read below for details and steps to petition for a degree or certificate.

• How to Petition for a Degree or Certificate

  To apply for an AA/AS degree or a certificate, you can fill out a petition online or visit the Admissions and Records office. Be sure to submit your petition by the deadline during the semester you plan to complete your requirements. Degrees and certificates are awarded each semester.

  If you’ve applied for a degree but are missing no more than two courses, you can still petition to participate in the graduation ceremony. Petition forms are available online and at the Counseling Office. However, your name will not appear in the graduation program, and you’ll need to submit another petition for your degree once you’ve completed the missing courses in the following semester.

• Important Payment Information

  Students must pay registration fees and any other outstanding financial obligations at the time of registration. If you have unpaid fees or debts, you will not be allowed to register for classes or receive your diploma until all debts are cleared.

• Submitting Coursework from Other Schools

  If you're using coursework from other schools or colleges, make sure your official transcripts are on file or submit them along with your degree or certificate petition. If you're currently enrolled in courses elsewhere during your final term, attach a schedule printout from that school to your petition.

• General Education Requirements

  To earn an AA/AS degree at DVC, you must complete one of the following General Education (GE) options:

  • Option 1: DVC General Education Pattern
  • Option 2: IGETC Transfer Curriculum
  • Option 3: CSUGE Transfer Pattern

  For a complete list of requirements, please refer to the catalog.
   

• Degree Petition Process

  Degree petitions are evaluated throughout the semester in the order they are received. After final grades are submitted by instructors, petitions are reviewed and finalized. Transcripts will be updated with your degree information, and diplomas will be mailed about 10 weeks after the semester ends.

• Counseling Recommendation

  It's highly recommended that you meet with a counselor before submitting your degree petition. This ensures that all your requirements are either completed or in progress.

• Continuous Enrollment and Catalog Rights

  To keep your catalog rights, you must maintain continuous enrollment. This means enrolling in at least one course within the district each academic year (fall-spring-summer) and receiving a grade or notation of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “F,” “P,” “NP,” “I,” or “W” on your transcript. This policy applies to all students—new, returning, or continuing. If you break continuous enrollment, your catalog rights will be based on the catalog in effect when you re-enroll or apply for a degree or certificate.
   

• Course Substitution

  Students pursuing an associate degree or certificate may sometimes need to substitute a different course for a required one. This typically happens when:

  • A similar course was completed at another school.
  • A required course is not reasonably available.

  To request a substitution, submit a Course Substitution Form to the Admissions and Records Office. If using coursework from another school, ensure official transcripts and course descriptions are submitted if not already on file.

  Admissions and Records will forward your documents to the relevant department for a decision. Once a decision is made, the form will be stored in your records, and a copy will be mailed to you. Completed substitution forms must be submitted to Admissions and Records by the last day of classes in the semester you are applying for graduation.

  Note: Requirements cannot be waived. While substitutions are allowed, no degree or certificate requirements may be waived.

  Course Substitutions for Students with Disabilities

  Students with disabilities who are unable to complete a required course may apply for a course substitution. The full course substitution policy is available in the DSS Office.

• Duplicate Diplomas

  DVC issues one diploma per degree. If your diploma is lost or destroyed, you can request a replacement. There is a $20 fee for a duplicate diploma. The request form is available in the Admissions and Records Office.