You made it. Let's celebrate.
Everything you need between your final term and your diploma — eligibility, regalia, the Global Virtual Commencement, and life after graduation.
Graduation checklist
Five required steps between your final term and your diploma. Work through them in order.
Review your degree plan in the student portal to confirm remaining credits and your anticipated graduation date. All academic requirements must be complete before the ceremony. Eligibility is based on program completion, earned credits, and institutional GPA, which vary by program.
Open the student portalOnce you are deemed eligible you will be directed to complete Career Services and Financial Graduate Exit activities, plus the Graduate Exit Survey — your feedback shapes programs for future students.
Graduate Exit SurveyAs a graduating student and alumnus you keep access to the American National University job posting portal — search openings, connect with employers, and continue developing your career. Sign in with your student email through Single Sign-On.
Open the job portalCap, gown, and applicable cords are included in your tuition. Order once all requirements are met and your status is updated to graduate. Have your final institutional GPA, honors eligibility, and military service status ready. Allow up to five weeks.
Contact Career ServicesTaking part in the Global Virtual Commencement is optional but strongly encouraged — your degree is awarded either way. Diplomas are ordered at the end of the term break and mailed to the address on file; allow about 45 days.
RSVP for commencementGlobal Virtual Commencement
A live online ceremony with formal remarks, student recognition, and digital slides honoring each graduate — so family and friends can join from anywhere with internet access.
A live online ceremony with formal remarks, student recognition, and digital slides honoring each graduate.
Streamed live on the university's official platforms. Graduates receive access details in advance of the date.
You share the link with family and friends — there is no limit on how many guests may attend virtually.
Available roughly 24 hours after the event on the university website and social media.
Regalia, honors & recognition
Caps and gowns are part of American National University's all-inclusive tuition. Order through Career Services once your status updates to graduate — allow up to five weeks, and tell them if your mailing address has changed.
Provided as part of American National University's all-inclusive tuition. Ordered through Career Services once your status updates to graduate; allow up to five weeks for processing.
Awarded on institutional GPA earned across your enrollment at American National University. Cords are included with regalia and verified by the Office of Student Services.
The highest undergraduate academic distinction at graduation, based on institutional GPA.
Red, white, and blue cords awarded to graduates who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, worn during commencement.
Awards & special recognition
American National University honors graduates for exceptional achievement, leadership, perseverance, and service. Nominations are accepted year-round and must be submitted at least 45 days before graduation.
Diplomas, transcripts & records
What happens after your final grades are posted.
Degrees are posted by Student Services after all coursework is complete and any outside transcripts received. Diplomas are ordered at the end of the term break and mailed to the address on file.
American National University has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse for enrollment and degree verifications. Official transcripts can also be requested through the university transcript request page.
Email studentservices@an.edu with documentation of a legal name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, court documents, passport, or government-issued ID.
Additional copies can be requested after the original diploma has been issued.
Diploma frames & announcements
American National University has partnered with Jostens for custom diploma frames and personalized announcements, with payment plans or pay-in-full options.
Celebrate your graduation
Gather friends and family over Zoom, FaceTime, or any video platform — a casual toast or a full themed party.
A screen-free option: friends decorate their cars, stop by to cheer, and celebrate from the street.
Dress in your cap and gown, decorate your space, or shoot outside — photos make the day last.
Frequently asked questions
Graduation contacts
Questions about requirements, regalia, transcripts, or career resources — these teams can help.
Life after graduation
You stay part of the American National University community — career services never expire. Share your success story and we may feature you on the university website and social channels.