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Applying For Graduation

Steps to Apply For Graduation

  1. Log in to your student application dashboard.
  2. Select “Self-Service/MyCleveland” under “All Apps.”
  3. Select Graduation Overview.
  4. Select Program of Study and Click Apply.
  5. Click Submit.

Please make sure all the information is filled out correctly, including your name, address, and whether or not you will be attending the graduation ceremony.

There is no graduation fee.

You will receive a confirmation email once the application has been submitted.

REMINDER! Any information concerning graduation, including commencement information, will be sent to your student email. Check your email frequently for any deadlines, updates, and concerns regarding your application.

Why Am I Unable To Submit My Graduation Application?

If you’re having trouble submitting your graduation application, please try the following steps.

If your program of study is not correct in our records, your program will not display. If you need to change your program of study or catalog year, complete a Program of Study Change Form and return it to Student Affairs. Please contact your Academic Advisor for more assistance.

If your Application Status states “Your program is not complete,” you will not be able to submit your graduation application. Please contact your Academic Advisor for assistance.

Please refer to our Student Handbook regarding graduation requirements and guidelines.

Graduation Application Deadlines

Fall: November 1
Spring and Summer: March 1*
Summer: July 1**

*Summer graduates wishing to attend the commencement ceremony must apply for graduation by March 1.

**Summer graduates NOT wishing to attend the commencement ceremony must apply for graduation by July 1.

Graduation Requirements

The following are established as minimum requirements for graduation from curriculum programs; however, some departments may have additional requirements. For more information on the College’s Graduation Policy, please see Policy 5.2.9.

  • Complete the course requirements outlined by the active program of study listed in the student’s academic record and earn at least a 2.0 GPA in courses presented for graduation.
  • Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Fine Arts candidates must make a “C” or higher in every course.
  • Complete 60-61 credit hours for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in General Education degree; 64-76 credit hours for the Associate in Applied Science degree; 36-48 credit hours for a diploma; and 12-18 credit hours for a certificate.
  • At least 25% of the hours presented for graduation from an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program must have been earned at Cleveland Community College.
  • Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned academic advisor to discuss graduation requirements. Applications should be submitted through the student’s Apps Dashboard in Self-Service before the deadline to ensure timely processing.
  • Degrees, diplomas, and certificates will be mailed to the address provided on the graduation application within 6–8 weeks after the last day of the semester. In order to receive your credential, all financial obligations must be fulfilled to the College.

Graduation Honors

  • Summa Cum Laude – A student with a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.8 or greater with no grade below a “C” in courses presented for graduation.
  • Cum Laude – A student with a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.50 to 3.79 with no grade below a “C” in courses presented for graduation.

Graduation Ceremony Information

Commencement, or Graduation, is a time that Fall, Spring, and potential Summer graduates are recognized. We currently have one commencement ceremony, held in May. Participation in commencement does not indicate you have actually earned a degree, diploma, or certificate. Only an official transcript serves as documentation that a degree, diploma, or certificate has been awarded.

Graduates and potential graduates who submit graduation applications by the deadline will be notified in mid-April with specific instructions for the ceremony. Please read all graduation information carefully.

Graduation is typically held in the James B. Petty Amphitheater on the campus of CCC. Cap, gown and tassel packages can be purchased from the CCC Spirit Shop. If you already have a black cap and gown from a previous ceremony, you may purchase a tassel only. The CCC Spirit Shop also has souvenir tassels available for purchase.

Notes to remember for graduation night

  1. Remember, graduation is a time when your family is proud of your accomplishments. March in slowly so they can see you.
  2. Graduate attire should be dressy/casual. No tennis shoes, flip flops, or hats will be allowed. 
  3. No cell phones will be permitted.
  4. If you are receiving more than one credential, only the highest credential will be announced at the ceremony.
  5. Your tassel should be worn on the right side of your cap at all times. Use a straight pin to hold your tassel in place.
  6. Students must notify Student Affairs if they and/or guests need special assistance during the graduation ceremony.
  7. Please leave all personal items with family members/guests before entering the SAC. Any items left unattended in the SAC will be discarded.
  8. Students are allowed to decorate their graduation caps. Caps containing disrespectful and/or discriminatory messages and/or language will not be tolerated.

Ceremony Honors and Awards

Americana Cord –  graduates who are currently serving or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces

Black and Gold Cord – Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society

Gold Stole – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Black and Silver Cord or Silver Stole – Sigma Alpha Pi

Blue and White Cord & Medallion – Cleveland Early College High School

Red, Black, and White Cord – TRIO-Student Support Services

Blue Cord – Career and College Promise

Outstanding Graduate Award – These awards are presented to graduating students who have distinguished themselves by being most outstanding in terms of scholastic achievement, performance and maturity of purpose during the program of instruction at the College. The program faculty may select one student to be recognized for each degree, diploma, or certificate program each year.

Contact Information

Student Affairs, Jack Hunt Campus Center, Student Enrollment Center

Office Hours

Normal Hours (while classes are in session):
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Summer Office Hours
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fridays – CLOSED

Contact Us

Phone: (704) 669-4081
Fax: (704) 669-4204
Email Address: transcripts@clevelandcc.edu

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137 S. Post Rd. Shelby, NC 28152 704-669-6000
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