Procedure for Graduation
The Oakland Community
College graduation ceremonies cap the educational experiences of its students. The graduation ceremonies are held annually. The conferring of associate
degrees and certificates highlight the ceremonies. Degrees and certificates are mailed only after the annual commencement ceremony. All candidates for
graduation are encouraged to attend commencement.
Procedure for Graduation / The college catalog goes into effect at the beginning of the fall semester. The student is
expected to follow a program outlined in the catalog in effect at the time of initial program declaration when being evaluated for a degree or certificate.
Program requirements issued in a later catalog which are determined not to be to the detriment of the student while providing the most current degree
credentials possible may be substituted for the initial effective catalog, but only one catalog can be used to provide the program requirements to be
considered for graduation eligibility.
After an enrollment break of three or more years, a new effective catalog is established at the time of re-enrollment if the student did not complete
all academic requirements before the break.
Graduation Requirements / The requirements for graduation may be completed during any semester, but the degree or certificate can be conferred only on a duly authorized award date, the day of the annual graduation ceremonies. Individual programs may hold additional award events. To be eligible for a diploma or certificate, the student must complete all of the following requirements:
- Complete all academic requirements of the degree or certificate program sought.
- File a properly and completely executed Application for Graduation. Students not completing academic program requirements within one semester of the semester given on the Application for Graduation must submit a new application and fee.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the college. Financial Aid recipients must clear the Office of Financial Aid’s special requirements for exiting students.
Multiple awards may be issued simultaneously; however, students must meet the eligibility and procedural standards for each award.
Course Substitution / In certain circumstances, students may substitute a comparable course for a required course provided that the minimum number of credit hours for the degree or certificate is met. Students should inquire about the substitution procedure at any campus counseling office.
Extended Degree Programs / Most degree programs have a minimum of 62 semester hours. Certain program requirements are so extensive that they can only be satisfied with a higher minimum. When a program requires a minimum of 73 or more credit hours, we designate the program as an “Extended Degree” program in recognition of the efforts of students in that program.
Graduation Ceremony / Before students are allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies, they must have an approved Application for Graduation on file in the Office of the Registrar.
Graduation with Honors / Students are eligible to graduate with honors according to the following grade point average requirements:
Summa Cum Laude 3.86 - 4.00 Magna Cum Laude 3.66 - 3.85 Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.65
