Registrar
| GRADUATION FAQ |
Q. What are the requirements for graduation?
A. All candidates for graduation must meet the following requirements:
• Successful completion of all courses within the program certification requirements with a minimum
cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• Successful completion of the required number of credits.
• Students graduating from National Park Community College must complete 18 semester hours in
residence at NPCC. Each additional associate degree will require another 18 semester hours with
the College and the satisfactory completion al all required courses.
• Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the College.
Q. How do I know if I’m eligible to graduate?
A. There are numerous resources available to help you determine whether you are on track to graduate. You are encouraged to meet with a counselor or advisor to discuss how well you are progressing towards the completion of your degree program.
Q. I have met the requirements for my degree plan. Will I automatically receive my degree?
A. No. Once you have determined that you are eligible to graduate, you need to submit an Application to Graduate. After the Application has been submitted and the degree audit has been completed, a counselor/advisor will call you. Please be sure to list on your Application all telephone numbers where you can be reached.
Q. How do I apply for graduation?
A. Submit an Application to Graduate for the term you anticipate completing all of your requirements. You must submit the Application to the Student Services Reception Desk on the second floor of the Campus Center. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are applying for the correct term in which you believe you will have met all of the graduation requirements.
Q. When do I submit the graduation application?
A. Applications are due according to the following schedule:
• October 11 for Fall graduation
• March 1 for Spring graduation
• July 1 for Summer graduation
Q. I applied for graduation once before. Do I need to apply again?
A. Graduation applications are kept on file for one year. If requirements are not met within that timeframe you will need to reapply for graduation when all requirements are met.
Q. I am eligible for more than one degree. Do I need to submit an application for each?
A. Yes. A separate Application to Graduate must be submitted for each degree or certificate you expect to receive.
Q. What is a degree audit?
A. A degree audit is the review of academic records of students who have applied to graduate to determine what degree requirements have and have not been satisfied by the applicant.
Q. What is the Graduation Survey? When must it be completed?
A. This survey provides information that helps the college improve programs and services to students. The demographic information is used to meet federal reporting guidelines. All responses are confidential and reported as group data. You can take the survey in Career Service, Campus Center Room 211. You must print the verification page and turn it in at the Campus Store in order to pick up your cap and gown.
Q. What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
A. Graduation is the completion of all graduation requirements and official posting of a student’s degree to his/her academic record. Commencement is the ceremony in which students who are eligible to graduate, participate. NPCC has one ceremony each year. It should be noted that participation in the commencement ceremony does not constitute official graduation from NPCC.
Q. When can I “walk” in the commencement ceremony?
A. Commencement ceremonies are held once a year at the end of the spring semester for students who graduated in December of the previous year, and candidates for May and August graduation.
Q. When will my name appear in the Commencement Program?
A. Your name will appear in the Commencement Program if you graduated in the fall prior to the ceremony or if you are eligible for spring or summer graduation. If you are a candidate for summer graduation you must submit your Application by the March 1 deadline for inclusion in the Commencement Program.
Q. When will I receive information about the graduation ceremony?
A. Commencement information is available in early spring. Commencement information will be sent via your student email, will be available on the NPCC website, and will be available in Student Services.
Q. What size gown do I need and when do I get measured for it?
A. You must go to the NPCC Campus Store to be measured for your cap and gown; last day for measurements will be Friday, March 16th. Campus Store hours are 8:00-4:30 Monday-Thursday and 8:00-4:00 Friday.
Q. When can I pick up my cap and gown?
A. Caps and gowns can be picked up in the Campus Store the week before Commencement. You must print the Graduation Survey page and turn it in at the Campus Store in order to pick up your cap and gown.
Q. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa; where do I get my honor tassel, stole, and/or cords?
A. Honor regalia is available through the organization. Please contact your organizational representative for specific details.
Q. Where and when is Commencement?
A. Commencement takes place at the Hot Springs Convention Center in the Summit Arena. Our next Commencement is scheduled for:
Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
Q. Is there a rehearsal before Commencement?
A. Everyone who is planning to walk in the commencement ceremony must participate in the mandatory Commencement Rehearsal in the NPCC Gymnasium. It is important to attend the rehearsal to ensure that you understand how the graduation line-up and commencement ceremony will be conducted.
Q. Will I receive my diploma at the commencement ceremony?
A. No. Diplomas will be mailed to the diploma mailing address you indicated on your graduation application.
Q. When will I receive my diploma?
A. Diplomas are mailed to students approximately four to six weeks after graduation.
Q. What if I haven’t received my diploma and need proof that I graduated?
A. Transcripts are the official document indicating the degree and one may be requested approximately three weeks after graduation.
Q. What happens if I apply for graduation and I do not pass all my classes?
A. Your graduation advisor will notify you about which requirements for graduation have not been met.
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(501) 760-4222 | Last updated on March 8, 2012 | webmaster@npcc.edu
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