Do I just graduate automatically when I have finished my requirements or is there something I must do?
A student must petition to graduate to be awarded an associate degree or certificate of proficiency.

When should I petition to graduate?
You should petition to graduate when you are close to completing the requirements of your program of study (ie. Learning program, major).  Full-time students who have completed 75 percent of their degree program requirements (45 credits for most programs) should petition to graduate. Parttime students and certificate majors should consult with an advisor about the best time to petition.

When are the deadlines for petitioning to graduate?

October 15 for December
March 15 for May
April 15 for Summer I
May 15 for Summer II

How do I know if I am close to completing my requirements?
Meet with your advisor and ask. Your advisor will review your record with you and help you decide if you should petition.

Who is my advisor?
You may identify your advising assignment on HCC Express's "My Student Profile" feature. You may also check with the Office of Admissions and Advising.

How do I petition to graduate?
Fill out a Petition to Graduate form and meet with your academic advisor. Your advisor will provide the initial review of your record and assist you with the process.  If you have completed the requirements for more than one program (degree or certificate), fill out a Petition to Graduate form for each one.

How much does it cost?
A $25 fee is required for each petition that is submitted.

Where and how do I pay?
Take the completed Petition to Graduate form that has been signed by you and your advisor to the cashier for payment. You may pay the $25 fee with cash, check or credit card. The cashier will keep the white copy of the form to submit to the Office of Records and Registration; you will be given the yellow copy and a receipt of payment for your records.

What happens next?
Your name is entered into HCC's potential graduate file and your record is reviewed by the Office of Records and Registration. One of three outcomes is determined:

• Your requirements are completed — You will be notified that you are eligible for to graduate.
• You are still taking required classes — You will be notified that you are eligible to graduate pending successful completion of requirements.
• You are missing requirements — You will be notified which courses you need to complete your degree requirements.

Do I have to take all my credits at HCC?
You must take at least a minimum of 25 percent of a degree program (generally 15 credits) and 50 percent of a certificate program.

What happens if I do not successfully complete all the credits I need for my degree after I have already petitioned to graduate?
You will be notified that you did not satisfy the requirements and you may petition again as soon as you register for the remaining classes.

Will I be charged the $25 fee again?
Yes, each time you petition you will be charged the fee.

What should I do to be sure my diploma is printed correctly?
Carefully print your name exactly as you want it to appear on the diploma when you fill out the Petition to Graduate form.

May I attend the commencement ceremony?
Yes, all eligible candidates may attend the commencement exercises that take place once a year in May, usually at Merriweather Post Pavilion. This is a memorable event that we encourage all students to attend!

Commencement takes place in May, but I won't complete my requirements until the end of the Summer 1 term.  May I still attend the commencement ceremony?
Yes.

What if I complete my requirements in Summer 1 Extended, Summer 2, or Summer 3 semester?
If your requirements are competed later than the Summer 1 semester, you may participate in commencement the following year.

When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be available for pick-up within four weeks following the end of the semester.  Diplomas not picked up will be mailed to the address on the Petition to Graduate form.

For more information, call the Office of Records and Registration at (410) 772-4764 (TDD: 410-772-4023) or records-registration@howardcc.edu.