Requirements of Graduation

The Office of the University Registrar will review the entire record of all students before graduation. Students will not graduate without approval.  

In reviewing records, the following requirements are carefully checked to ensure that all candidates for the DVM degree meet the standard of the University:

  • Are in good financial standing, discharged of all indebtedness to the University
  • Have met the requirements of all didactic and practical instruction in all departments, satisfactorily completed all professional coursework and examinations as defined by the SVM curriculum, and achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
  • Have satisfied the academic and nonacademic standards of the University
  • Have pursued the study of veterinary medicine for at least two years at SGU SVM
  • Have maintained acceptable academic ethics, professional behavior, and good moral conduct

In order to complete the DVM degree, SVM students must complete one of the two following requirements during Terms 7-9. 

1. Receive a passing score on the NAVLE in the first testing window available to them. For students starting Term 7 in January/February of each calendar year, this would equate to the Spring NAVLE® testing window and for students starting Term 7 in May/June, this would be the Fall NAVLE® testing window.

2. For students who do not take the NAVLE® in the first testing window or who receive a non-passing score on their first NAVLE® attempt, completion of the SVM Boards Success Seminar is required. This seminar series consists of online assignments and modules as well as individual and group sessions designed to enhance success on all licensing board exams. Completion of all required components of this seminar is required for graduation from the DVM program.

*Please note that students who do not plan to take the NAVLE® for licensure purposes will still be required to meet the above requirements to graduate.