ANU Graduation Hub

Graduation regalia and academic honors reflect your accomplishments and dedication throughout your program. American National University recognizes academic achievement, military service, and program excellence through several forms of regalia and recognition.

Graduation Regalia

Caps and gowns are provided as part of ANU’s all-inclusive tuition and may be ordered once all academic requirements have been completed and your status has been updated to graduate. Orders are coordinated through Career Services and may take up to five weeks to process.

If your mailing address has changed, please notify Career Services when placing your order to avoid delivery delays.

Academic Honors

Undergraduate students who meet GPA requirements are recognized with academic honors at graduation. Honors are based on the institutional GPA earned throughout enrollment at American National University.

Academic honors include:

• Honors: GPA of 3.50–3.74 (one gold cord)
• High Honors: GPA of 3.75 or higher (two gold cords)

Honor cords are included with regalia for eligible students and are verified by the Office of Student Services.

Military Recognition

Red, white, and blue military cords are awarded to graduates who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. These cords honor military service and may be worn during the commencement ceremony.

American National University honors graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and service. Award nominations are accepted throughout the academic year and must be submitted at least 45 days prior to graduation.

Achievement Award

The National Achievement Award recognizes a graduate who has overcome significant obstacles through determination and perseverance to successfully complete their academic program. This award honors a diploma or degree graduate whose commitment and effort exemplify academic resilience and achievement.

Leadership Award

The Leadership Award is presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational ability, and motivation throughout their academic journey. This award may also be presented to a graduate who maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and exemplifies leadership among their peers.

1. M. Coulter Award

Named in honor of E. M. Coulter, who served as President of National College from 1901 to 1946 and later as President Emeritus, this award recognizes high academic achievement. It is presented to graduates from select healthcare programs, including Nursing, Health Information Management, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy programs, depending on campus location.

Joseph E. Hurn Award

Presented in honor of Joseph E. Hurn, President of National College from 1962 to 1984, this award recognizes high academic achievement among graduates of undergraduate Business programs at American National University of Virginia.

1. A. Smythe Award

This award honors M. A. Smythe, who served as Vice President and later President of National College. It is presented to graduates who demonstrate high academic achievement in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Network Administration, and Network Support programs, based on campus location.

Dorothy Coulter Hancock Award

Named in honor of Dorothy Coulter Hancock, who served National College in numerous leadership roles for more than 20 years, this award recognizes high academic achievement in bachelor’s-level programs such as Accounting, Management, Medical and Health Services Management, and the Master of Business Administration, depending on campus location.

Mary P. McGurn Award

The Mary P. McGurn Award honors graduates of Paralegal, Paralegal Studies, and Medical Office Professional programs who demonstrate high academic achievement. The award recognizes Mary P. McGurn’s long-standing contributions as an instructor and department chairperson at National College.

Alumni Hall of Achievement Award

Established in 1987, the Alumni Hall of Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni. It recognizes graduates who have excelled professionally and made meaningful contributions to their communities since graduation.

Graduation is a major life milestone, and celebrating your achievement—whether virtually or in person—helps mark the moment and share it with those who supported you along the way.

Host a Virtual Celebration

Consider hosting a virtual gathering with friends and family using Zoom, FaceTime, or another video platform. Whether it’s a casual toast or a themed celebration, virtual events allow loved ones to join from anywhere.

Plan a Drive-By Celebration

For a screen-free option, organize a drive-by celebration. Friends and family can decorate their vehicles, stop by to cheer, and celebrate safely while you enjoy the moment from home.

Capture the Moment

Photos are a meaningful way to commemorate graduation day. Dress in your cap and gown, decorate your space, or take photos outside your home to create lasting memories of this achievement.

Celebrating graduation doesn’t have to look the same for everyone—what matters most is recognizing the hard work and dedication that brought you to this milestone.

After all academic requirements have been completed and grades have been posted, the University begins the final steps of degree conferral and diploma processing.

Diploma Processing and Delivery

Degrees are posted by Student Services after all coursework is completed and any required transcripts from other institutions have been received. Diplomas are typically ordered at the end of the term break and mailed to the address on file.

Please allow approximately 45 days for processing and delivery of paper diplomas. Diploma reprints cannot be requested until the initial diploma has been issued.

Requesting a Transcript

American National University has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide enrollment and degree verifications. Graduates may also request official transcripts through the University’s transcript request page.

Name Changes on Diplomas

If you need to request a name change on your diploma, please contact Student Services by email at studentservices@an.edu. Requests must include documentation verifying a legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-issued documents, passport, or government-issued identification.

Diploma Reorders

Graduates who need an additional copy of their diploma may submit a diploma reorder request after the original diploma has been issued.

Earning a degree is a significant achievement, and many graduates choose to commemorate this milestone with custom diploma frames or graduation announcements.

American National University has partnered with Jostens to offer graduates access to a variety of customized diploma frames and announcement options. Payment plans and pay-in-full options are available through Jostens.

Diploma Frames

Graduates may select from a range of custom frame styles to display their diploma. When ordering, please note the diploma size:

• ANU diploma: 8.5 × 11
• University of Fairfax diploma: 11 × 14

To access the Jostens ordering site, click the link below:

• ANU Graduates

Graduation Announcements

Custom graduation announcements allow you to share your accomplishment with friends, family, and colleagues. Announcements may be personalized with photos and text and feature official school colors and branding.

Where can I find the link to the Global Virtual Commencement ceremony?
The ceremony link will be posted on the Graduation page and shared through the University’s official Facebook and YouTube platforms.

If I do not attend the virtual ceremony, will I still receive my diploma?
Yes. Participation in the ceremony is optional. Diplomas are mailed to all eligible graduates once degree requirements are completed and processed.

When should I expect to receive my diploma?
Diplomas are typically mailed within four to five weeks after final grades are posted and graduation status is confirmed.

How do I order graduation regalia?
Graduation regalia may be ordered through Career Services after you have completed all academic requirements and your status has been updated to graduate.

Where can I watch the ceremony after it ends?
A recording of the ceremony will be available approximately 24 hours after the event on the University’s website and social media platforms.

How do I request an official transcript?
Official transcripts may be requested through the University’s authorized transcript service.

Please contact your DSO/International Student Advisor if you have any questions or need further assistance.