I think I am ready to graduate. What now?

As the student, it is your responsibility to know when you are ready to graduate. To verify this, we suggest you request an update before applying for graduation. We also suggest you request a Preliminary Graduation Review when you are 9-12 hours from graduation or when you register for what you think to be your final classes.

I have verified I am ready to graduate. How do I apply?

Degrees and certificates are conferred three times each year - in December, May and August. It is your responsibility to submit the graduation application by the published deadline to be considered a candidate for a particular graduation. Postmarks are accepted as meeting the deadline dates if you opt to mail in a hard copy application.

I am enrolled in my last class. Can I apply?

Yes, you can apply. Once enrolled in your last class/last semester, we recommend submitting a Graduation Application for Degree/Certificate through Etrieve at the beginning of the semester. Applications are reviewed in the order received.

All course requirements must be completed by the end of the graduation month (e.g., May, August, or December 31). If you are completing coursework at a different institution and require courses be transferred, make sure the official transcript is sent directly to CTC, attention Graduation Department, at the completion of the course. This document can arrive at any time after the graduation date. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete graduation requirements by the deadline, you will be required to resubmit your application for a subsequent graduation.

I have submitted my application. When will I receive a response?

CTC conducts graduation reviews on or after the respective application submission deadlines. For example, we will not review candidate applications for December graduation before October 1. If you submit your application early, do not expect a response until after the respective final submission deadline for applications. Applications are reviewed in the order received, so it is advisable to apply as soon as you are eligible.
 

What will I receive after I apply?

You will initially receive two forms via email. One is the Prospective Graduate Checklist. This is a required form and must be returned. Read each statement carefully and initial in the space provided when you have a clear understanding of what the statement means. If you have questions, please contact the Graduation office directly, either by phone or in writing. The second form is a Marching Request form. This form is required only if you intend to participate in one of the Central Campus commencement ceremonies in May, August or December. .

Once your official review has been completed and it is determined all degree requirements have been met, your diploma will be mailed to you via our third-party vendor, Parchment.  If it is determined you have not met all graduation requirements, a letter will be mailed listing all missing documentation and/or coursework needed. You are responsible for timely submission of missing requirements.
 

I do not want to participate in a ceremony. Can I just get my diploma?

You do not have to take part in the ceremony as the ceremony does not confer graduation. It is public recognition of your achievement, so participation is voluntary. Once all requirements have been completed and your transcript has been updated. You will receive confirmation from the Graduation office. Parchment will send an email and text notification with instructions for electronically claiming your award (s).
 

I want to march in a ceremony. What can I do?

After you apply for graduation, a Marching Request Form will be emailed to you. If you are interested in participating in one of the annual Texas ceremonies, be sure to return the form marking the appropriate response. You are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony for the graduation you applied for.

Additional information for the ceremony, rehearsal, caps and gowns, etc. will be sent closer to the date of the ceremony. This information is sent to those students who have returned the marching request form. If you wish to participate in a ceremony at a CTC site near you, please contact that site directly as they will handle everything related to their ceremony. Be sure to submit the graduation application through Etrieve to the Graduation office on main campus.