Commencement
CONGRATULATIONS!
You’ve worked hard to get to this point and we’re excited for your accomplishment. We look forward to seeing you walk across that stage, but even if you decide not to attend the ceremony, you’ll need to complete a graduation application to receive your degree or certificate by mail.
Are you receiving multiple degrees/certificates? Double congratulations! Be sure to complete a separate application for each degree or certificate.
If you previously applied for graduation and discovered that you did not fully complete your requirements, but will meet those requirements in another term, apply again by the deadline for the term you wish to graduate.
Apply for Graduation
After registering for your final semester, complete the online graduation application to notify the Office of Records & Registration of your upcoming completion and intent to receive a diploma. The ORR staff will review your degree audit and confirm you are on track as a potential graduate.
When to Apply
May Graduation
Apply by March 1
August Graduation
Apply by July 1
August applicants wishing to walk in the May ceremony must apply by March 1
December Graduation
Apply by November 1
Commencement Ceremony
While students can graduate three times a year—spring, summer and fall—Garrett holds only one commencement ceremony each Spring. Graduates who complete in December, along with August applicants, are invited to participate in the May Commencement ceremony.
Cap and Gown
The College provides caps and gowns to the graduates at no additional cost. Graduates will pick up caps and gowns from the Office of Academic Affairs (Room 643) during final exam week.
Guest Ticketing
The Commencement ceremony is open to the public; no tickets are required.
Parking
Parents and guests are encouraged to travel past the CARC Gymnasium and enter the Event parking lot located immediately after the gymnasium (between the gymnasium and the residential halls).
View the campus map here
Diplomas
Once all candidates’ requirements have been verified, degrees are noted on transcripts and diplomas are ordered. Successful graduates can expect to receive their diploma in the mail in approximately two months’ time. Should you need proof of graduation in the meantime, please feel free to request an Academic Transcript which can be used to provide confirmation of your degree.
Order Replacement Diploma
If a diploma has been lost or destroyed, alumni may request a replacement diploma for an additional fee. Contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 301-387-3054 for additional information.
Graduation Honors
Graduation honors will be awarded to associate degree recipients whose adjusted cumulative GPAs are as follows:
- 3.5 to 3.69 cum laude
- 3.7 to 3.84 magna cum laude
- 3.85 to 4.0 summa cum laude
