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 would be conferred following the conclusion of the semester in which the degree or certificate is being awarded. 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. Graduation applications for a desired semester must be completed before the next semester begins.
- 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
Degree programs have a minimum of 60 semester hours. However, 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 filed a properly and completely executed Application for Graduation.
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 |