Graduation Information

Graduation Requirements: 

Note the following general information about graduation requirements from Seward County Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree, an Associate of Science Degree, an Associate of General Studies, or an Associate of Applied Science Degree or an Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies.

  • a minimum of 60 credit hours completed for an AA, AS and AGS (developmental courses will not count toward fulfilling degree requirements)
  • a minimum of 60 credit hours for an Associate of Applied Science, depending on major
  • a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0
  • a minimum of 15 residential credit hours
  • completion of graduate assessments

Certificate programs have various requirements including, specific courses, credit hour totals, and clock hour totals. A student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.0.

All Associate degree and Certificate of Completion graduates are required to participate in graduate assessments held annually each spring.

Diplomas and transcripts will not be released until required assessments are completed.

Specific degree and certificate requirements are listed in the college catalog, Available on the college website, and can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, the Admissions Office, or an advisor.

Graduation with Honors:

“Graduation with Honors” shall be determined by the following grade points as accumulated on a student’s cumulative earned Grade Point Average (GPA) through the semester prior to graduation:

  • Summa Cum Laude   3.85 - 4.00
  • Magna Cum Laude    3.65 - 3.84
  • Cum Laude                  3.50 - 3.64

The final semester grades are calculated in the final GPA for the purpose of graduation with honors which will then be recorded on the student’s official transcript.

Students who are designated as Honor Graduates (at least a 3.5 GPA) may wear Honor Cords at the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Ceremonies:

Students meeting the requirements for graduation are expected to participate in Commencement ceremonies; numerous graduation activities are held annually in May and include a public reception honoring the graduates.

In order to participate in graduation exercises, the following is required of students:

  • An Application for Graduation form should be filed in the Registrar’s Office by the published deadlines on the academic calendar each year. All applications must be signed by the advisor and student with the graduation semester, degree, and core emphasis designated. Diploma fee of $15.00 is required when the application is submitted.
  • A degree check will be completed by the student and the advisor and submitted to the Registrar by published dates. The Registrar will verify to the advisor any deficiencies: the advisor will notify the student of any deficiencies by the enrollment period in January.
  • A student must be within nine (9) credit hours of completing graduation requirements in order to participate in the commencement activities. Exceptions are made for some certificate programs. A student who withdraws from a course or courses included in the “within nine” credit hour requirement will be ineligible to participate in commencement activities. If all requirements are not met in the semester applied for, the student must reapply for graduation and pay for a diploma. The date on the diploma will be the semester and year that all requirements are met.
  • Cap/gown/tassel must be ordered and purchased from the SCCC Bookstore.
  • Students unable to participate in the Commencement ceremony must submit a request in writing to the VP of Student Services explaining circumstances prohibiting attendance.