Graduation Information

The Difference Between Graduation & the Ceremony

Graduation refers to actually receiving a credential (degree, diploma, certificate) once you have been certified by the College as having met all requirements defined below.

The Graduation Ceremony is the commencement event. It is an opportunity for students, families, friends and Tri-County Community College to celebrate their academic accomplishments. Participation in the ceremony does not mean that you have graduated and you will not receive your degree/diploma/certificate until all requirements have been completed. TCCC holds one ceremony each year.

Graduation Applications are required regardless of intent to participate in May’s commencement.

Steps to Graduation

1.  COMPLETE ALL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Program Requirements: - Because the college’s goal is to prepare students for a changing workplace, program requirements may change. The semester in which a student declares his or her major determines the program requirements for graduation. If there is an interruption in attendance greater than three consecutive semesters, one calendar year, the student must return under the most current catalog requirements set for their program.
  • Credit Hours: Semester credit hour requirements for graduation will vary with each program of study.
  • Current Majors: Primary/Secondary Major - To graduate from a program you must have that program declared as your major or secondary major. (i.e. To graduate from a degree, diploma, or certificate program, you must have that program declared as one of your majors. To receive a certificate, your major must be the certificate level of the program.) Students attempting two consecutive courses of study may declare a secondary major. All admissions requirements must be met for both majors and approved by the Director of Admissions and Student Services.
  • 25% of applicable coursework must be completed at TCCC
  • GPA: Grade Point Average - Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and must receive a passing grade in all required courses to be eligible for graduation.
  • Complete Student File:  Student Services must have an official copy of high school transcripts or GED for degree graduating students.
  • Good Financial Standing - Students must be in good financial standing at TCCC. There must be no account holds or debt owed to any TCCC department.

2.  MEET WITH YOUR ADVISOR

You should meet with your faculty advisor to complete a Graduation Application. Graduation Applications are required regardless of intent to participate in May’s commencement ceremonies.

Applications for graduation must be completed and submitted to the Registrar prior to registering for the completing semester. Students completing two or more programs must complete an application for each program. Applications for graduation may be picked up at Student Services or click here to print the Application for Graduation.

3.  SUBMIT A GRADUATION APPLICATION

You should submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office prior to the established deadlines below.

  • Fall Graduates - July
  • Spring Graduates - November
  • Summer Graduates - January

*Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates are awarded at the end of the completing semester. Commencement ceremonies for all graduates are held immediately following of the spring semester (May).

4.  PAY GRADUATION FEES

  • Graduation expenses include the “black” cap and gown for the ceremony.
  • Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates are complimentary.
  • All other purchases are at the discretion of the graduate.

5.  CONGRATULATIONS!

  • After successful completion of all required coursework, the Registrar will certify all graduating students as having satisfactorily completed all graduation requirements.
  • A notation of your credential along with the date of graduation/completion will be made on your TCCC transcript.
  • Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates are awarded at the end of the completing semester.
  • Commencement ceremonies for all graduates are held immediately following the spring semester (May).
  • Although participation in the graduation ceremony is not mandatory, all students are encouraged to attend
  • ALL requirements must be completed before participating in Commencement/Graduation Ceremonies. Students completing their course work during Fall or Summer Terms are invited to participate in the following May's ceremonies.

TCCC holds one commencement ceremony each year in May. Graduates from the previous summer and fall terms, as well as current spring graduates, are invited to participate. Students participating in commencement ceremonies must be scheduled to complete all requirements by the end of spring semester.

© 2021 Tri-County Community College. All Rights Reserved.