Graduation
All students that meet graduation requirements for a degree, diploma or certificate must submit a completed Graduation Application for an active program of study listed on the student’s academic record. The application deadline is listed in the College Calendar. Graduation Applications received after the deadline will be processed for the following term.
Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned faculty advisor no later than the third (3rd) week of the term in which graduation applications are due. Graduation Applications and Program Degree Audit Evaluation must be submitted to Student Services before the deadline to ensure timely processing.
Graduation Requirements and Guidelines
Graduation requirements for degree, diploma, or certificates may vary by program subject to State Board of Community College guidelines. The following are established as minimum requirements for graduation from curriculum programs; however, some departments may have additional requirements applicable only to that department:
- Complete course requirements outlined by the active program of study listed in the student academic record and earn at least a 2.0 GPA in courses presented for graduation.
- Students may graduate under the program requirements as listed in the Academic Bulletin & Student Handbook or Program Degree Audit Evaluation in which they entered or any subsequent years while the student remained in continuous enrollment. If a student changes their program of study, the program requirements listed for the current year will be used to determine graduation eligibility. Exceptions to program requirements and associated year will be made as needed. Sometimes such exceptions must be made because courses in an earlier program of study may no longer be available.
- Make a "C" or higher on the following courses presented for graduation in a degree program: ENG 111; ENG 112; COM 231; CIS 110 or another approved course; and MAT 143 or another approved math course. Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Fine Arts, must make a "C" or higher in every course.
- At least 25% of the hours presented for graduation from Associate degree, diploma, or certificate programs must have been earned at Cleveland Community College.
- Student Services must have an official high school record of transcript before processing the application for graduation with the exception of programs which do not require students to be a high school graduate. Please reference the Admissions section of the Academic Bulletin & Student Handbook for a list of these programs. Additionally, all financial obligations to the College must be satisfied before any degree, diploma, or certificate is awarded.
- There is no graduation fee. Graduating students may order the cap and gown by visiting the College Store.
- Students will be recognized during the commencement ceremony for the highest credential earned.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.
Student Services will notify the faculty advisor if the Graduation Application is incomplete. The faculty advisor will coordinate with the student concerning outstanding requirements. Once the Graduation Application has been received, processed, and verified by Student Services, students will be notified of the graduation ceremony, including information regarding cap and gown, completing a graduation survey, and attending the ceremony. Students must notify Student Services if they need special assistance during the graduation ceremony.
Students applying for Summer Graduation are allowed to participate in the May graduation ceremony each year if the number of credit hours needed for Summer graduation requirements is 12 credit hours or less. Any exceptions to the above procedure must be approved by the Vice President of Academic Programs.
Graduation Honors
To graduate summa cum laude, a student must earn a GPA of 3.8 – 4.0 in courses presented for graduation. To graduate with cum laude, a student must earn a GPA of 3.5 – 3.79 in all courses presented for graduation. To qualify for honors, a student must not have ever received a grade lower than a C in the program being completed.