University of Virginia Library

DEGREES.

Three honorary distinctions are conferred in this Institution; a Certificate
of Proficiency—that of Graduate in any School—and that of Master
of Arts of the University of Virginia.

The first, the Faculty may confer on any student who shall, on examination,
give satisfactory evidence of a competent acquaintance with any
of those particular branches which, according to the regulations, may
be separately attended in a school. The second, they are authorised
to confer on any student who shall, on examination, give satisfactory
evidence of his proficiency in the general studies of any of the schools.
And the third, is obtained by graduation, in the schools of Antient
Languages, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Natural Philosophy,
Chemistry, and Moral Philosophy. But in all cases, to obtain a diploma,
or certificate of proficiency, the candidate must give the Faculty
satisfactory proof of his ability to write the English language correctly.

No particular period of study is prescribed for the acquisition of
these honors. The student obtains them whenever he can undergo
the rigid examinations to which the candidates for them are subjected.

The title of Doctor of Medicine is conferred on the graduate in the
Medical Department.

On the last day of the session, the Visitors, Faculty, Officers and
Students, assemble in the Rotunda, and the public are invited to attend.
On this occasion, the certificates and diplomas are awarded to the successful
candidates, the results of the examinations are announced, and
orations are delivered, and essays read by Students appointed for that
purpose.