Graduation FAQ’s
What is commencement?
Onondaga’s 50th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The ceremony will be held at the SRC Arena and Events Center at Onondaga Community College.
Please note:
Students must have submitted an application for graduation by May 1st in order for their name to appear in the May Commencement program. Students that apply after May 1st are eligible to participate in the ceremony, pending review of degree requirements.
What does the term “matriculate” mean?
A matriculated student is one who meets all admission requirements, has been formally accepted into a degree or certificate program, and is enrolled at the college. A student must be matriculated in his or her program in order to apply for graduation.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
Please refer to the College catalog to review your particular program’s overall credits and degree requirements. You may also visit the degree program pages and select your program, and then click on the ‘curriculum’ tab on the left. Your specific degree requirements will be listed.
All A.A.S., A.A. and A.S. degrees include at least 60 academic credits. Certificate programs include at least 30 academic credits.
How do I have transfer credits evaluated?
The application of transfer credits is subject to department guidelines. Approval from the Certification and Records office must be obtained in order to transfer in credits for the degree. Therefore, official transcripts from other institutions from which you wish to earn transfer credit must be mailed to Student Central in the Gordon Student Center. Students are encouraged to have transfer credits evaluated upon acceptance to Onondaga so credits are in place prior to applying for graduation. Please note that at least twenty four credits must be completed at Onondaga.
Can I earn more than one degree from Onondaga?
You may earn more than one degree at Onondaga. A concurrent degree is one in which the student pursues courses of study in two disciplines leading to degrees in both at the same time. A dual degree is one in which the student graduates in a program, and then pursues another degree.
For multiple degrees, a minimum of twenty of the academic credits for any associate’s degree and ten academic credits for any certificate must be credits which have not been applied to a previously or concurrently awarded degree. If you are interested in pursuing more than one degree, you should meet with your advisor.
What is a minor? How do I declare a minor?
Minors are specialized areas of study consisting of twelve credits of approved coursework. If you have interest in one of these areas, consult your advisor on how to set up your class schedule to complete the required coursework. Minors in any of these areas are not open to students who are majoring in that same area. When you are ready to apply for graduation you should identify your minor on the application form or contact Graduation Central via phone or mail if applying on the web.
How do I apply for graduation?
After meeting with your advisor, you should submit an application for graduation to Student Central. Another option is to meet with your advisor and then visit WebAccess. You will choose the application for graduation link found under the academic planning category. Please note that you only need to apply once. If you have applied on the web, you do not need to submit a form and vice versa.
When will I receive my diploma?
All graduates will receive a postcard notifying them of when diplomas are available at Student Central to be picked up. Typically, diplomas are ready within 7-8 weeks after the term ends.
How do I replace my diploma?
To order a replacement diploma, fill out the Dilpoma Replacement Form and return it to Student Central. Payment in the form of check or money order must accompany to form in order for a diploma to ordered.
How are honors determined for graduation?
Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude will be recognized at the commencement ceremony based on the cumulative GPA recorded prior to commencement. For May graduates, the cumulative GPA at the end of the Fall term will need to be used as final grades from the spring term are still in process. However, honors will be designated on your official diploma based on the student’s final cumulative program GPA.
- Cum Laude 3.4 - 3.59
- Magna Cum Laude 3.6 - 3.79
- Summa Cum Laude 3.8 - 4.0