Applying for Graduation

To officially receive your degree and/or certificate and to have it reflected on a transcript, you will need to apply for graduation.

When to Apply

Submit an application one semester prior to completing your degree requirements. There are four graduation dates per year: December, March (practical nursing only), May and August. Application deadlines can found on the current academic calendar or listed on the application for graduation.

A student who wishes to participate in the May commencement ceremony must file an application for graduation by Feb. 1.

Commencement Ceremony | Diploma | Grades

1. Complete the Application for Graduation

To be awarded a degree/certificate you must:

• Meet all requirements of the degree/certificate program of the catalog in effect when the you first enrolled or any subsequent catalog as long as the you are enrolled in at least one fall or spring term each academic year (August-May).
• Have earned at least 15 credit hours actually at SCC.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (2.5 for the AAT)
• Resolve all financial obligations to the college and return all library and college materials.

Earning More Than One Degree

A separate application must be completed for each degree or certificate; the graduation fee for each additional application is $10. When two degrees are being earned, choose the degree with the highest number of total semester hours and add at least 15 additional hours. Example: if one degree requires 64 credits and the other requires 66, you must complete 81 total semester hours (66 + 15).

2. Submit the Completed Application for Graduation

Take your completed application for graduation along with the graduation fee ($30) to the Cashier's Office (ADM 1117) for processing. The graduation fee covers your diploma, diploma cover and cap and gown. This fee is non-refundable. Late application fees ($50 or $100) may apply depending on the date of your application.

If you decide to postpone your graduation: The fee is transferable with the application. Notify Enrollment Services at least three weeks before your original anticipated date of graduation.

In about 5-7working days after submitting your application, you will receive a degree completion evaluation. The evaluation indicates which courses and/or requirements are necessary to complete for your degree.

Keep a copy of your application for graduation for your records.

3. Attend Commencement in May

A commencement ceremony is held annually in May for students having completed requirements for a degree or certificate.

In February, commencement information will be sent to students who graduated the previous December and to students who applied for March, May and August (application submitted by February 1) graduations.

• Students are not required to participate in the ceremony.
• Family, friends and guests are welcome to attend. Due to a limited seating capacity, each guest will need a ticket to sit in the College Center. Each student will be sent graduation/ticket instructions in February.  Line tickets and alternate seating will be available in the Fine Arts Building.
• Academic honors are based on the cumulative college-level GPA through the FALL semester. After the calculation of spring and/or summer grades, all adjustments will be reflected on the final transcript and diploma.
• Caps and gowns can be picked up in the Cafe/Bookstore in April.
• Following the ceremony, a reception will be available.
• Your picture will be taken after you walk off the stage by our official photographer.
• Participation in the commencement ceremony does not necessarily mean you have graduated. Final grades and final evaluations need to be completed prior to the granting of the degree/certificate.

Receiving Your Diploma

Diplomas earned for December, March and May graduates will be issued at least three weeks after the May commencement. August diplomas will be mailed at the end of August. December graduation dates will be posted on the student's transcripts at the time all degree requirements are met.

Getting Your Grades

Final grades (and midterms) are available on SCC Connection. Grades will be available for viewing approximately 3-5 days after the last day of classes for the term.

• An SCC Connection account allows you view and print an unofficial transcript of your grades.
• For technical support, you may contact the SCC Help Desk.
• Report cards are not mailed to your home.