Graduation Requirements: To receive an associate degree or certificate, students must successfully complete all course requirements in the program with a grade point average of 2.0 or better in courses utilized for graduation, complete the appropriate assessment/exit test, ensure all financial obligations to the college are met, and ensure that a copy of the high school transcript (or equivalency) is on file with the Records Office, if required.

Academic Standing: Students should be confident of their standing regarding graduation when submitting a Degree Candidacy Declaration. This is not a degree audit.

How do I apply for graduation? Candidates who anticipate graduation must apply for each degree and/or certificate they will be receiving one quarter before the stated completion of the program. Applications for graduation ( Degree Candidacy Declaration , form #73 ) are available at this link, from the Records Office, Program Chairs, student kiosk, reception area, or North Center office. Completed forms must be submitted to the Business Office along with all applicable fees.

Graduation Fees: A graduation fee of $30 for the first degree, certificate, or diploma awarded in a quarter, and $10 for each additional degree, certificate, or diploma awarded in the same quarter, is payable at the time the graduation application is submitted to the Business Office. Degrees and certificates are awarded at the end of the quarter in which the student successfully completes all graduation requirements. If degree/certificate requirements are not met by the date stated on Degree Candidacy Declaration, re-application and re-payment of fees is necessary. Candidates are urged to attend the graduation ceremony in June.

Caps and Gowns: Candidates attending the graduation ceremony will need to order a cap and gown from the Records Office. Currently there is no charge for the cap, gown, and tassel. Additional tassels may be purchased from the Bookstore. Candidates are advised to unpack and iron the gown to remove wrinkles prior to the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Procedures: Candidates participating in a group photograph should plan to arrive by 6:15 p.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Faculty marshals will lead the processional of candidates to the assigned seating area.

Special Needs: If a member of your guest party requires special seating arrangements, you will need to contact the Records Office. Reasonable accommodations will be made. General audience seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Candidates in need of special seating arrangements should notify the Records Office.

Diploma/Certificate Distribution: You will receive a diploma letter at the graduation ceremony. Your actual diploma/certificate will arrive at the Records Office a few weeks later. You will receive a letter of notification to pick up your diploma/certificate once it arrives.

Pronunciation: If your name is subject to mispronunciation, please notify the Records Office at the time you pick up your cap and gown.

Graduation with Honors: Names of candidates graduating with honors will be designated in the Commencement program.

 Reception: Following the ceremony a reception for graduates and their guests will be held in Student Street. Light refreshments will be served. Trustees, faculty, and staff are invited to attend, so please join us to celebrate this special occasion.

CHECKLIST :

1.  If confident of academic standing, initiate a Degree Candidacy Declaration (form #73) for each degree/certificate/diploma one quarter before anticipated date of graduation.
2. Submit completed form(s) to Business Office with applicable fees one quarter before anticipated date of graduation. After an audit is conducted by the Program Chair, the Records Office will notify you of any program deficiencies that need to be completed.
3. Complete all deficiencies in program requirements before graduation.
4. Schedule and complete an exit test in the Student Success Center before receiving your degree.
5. Order cap, gown, and tassel from Records Office. (See items #6 and #7.)
6. Order graduation invitations through the Bookstore.
7. Arrange for special seating requirements.
8. Attend graduation rehearsal .
9. Attend graduation ceremony .
10. Attend reception .
11. After notification is received, pick up diploma/certificate .