What Is Commencement
At the culmination of each academic year, Gila Community College holds a commencement ceremony to honor students who have completed a degree or certificate of proficiency. Commencement Ceremonies are held on each campus during the month of May. Commencement Ceremony dates and times can be found on the Academic Calendar.
Who Can Participate in Commencement
Students who successfully complete requirements for associate degrees and certificates of proficiency may participate in commencement exercises. Students within seven credits of a degree and students who have completed or are completing the certificate requirements in May can participate.
How to Apply for Commencement
- Contact an Academic Advisor
All students pursuing a degree or certificate of proficiency are encouraged to speak with an Academic Advisor to confirm that all courses required for graduation have been met or will be completed by the end of the semester they are intending to graduate. - Submit a Graduation Petition
Students must submit a graduation petition for each degree or certificate of proficiency they are requesting to receive. Graduation petitions can be submitted through the online student portal. - Ensure All Debts Have Been Paid to the College
Students will not be issued their degrees or certificates of proficiency if there is an unpaid balance on their student account. Students can confirm that all balances have been paid through their online student portal or by contacting the Business Operations Office.
Degree Conferment
All graduation petitions are reviewed by Gila Community College to ensure all requirements have been met. If all requirements are met, students will see the degree or certificate of proficiency appear in their student portal as a degree conferred approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the semester. Diplomas are sent in the mail at time of conferment to the address indicated on the graduation petition.
Graduating with Honors
Associate degree graduate candidate students may be eligible for honors recognition. Students must meet the following criteria at the conclusion of their last completed semester to be recognized as honors.
- Highest Honors: at least 30 credits with Gila Community College, and a 4.000 cumulative grade point average.
- High Honors: at least 30 credits with Gila Community College, and a minimum 3.750 cumulative grade point average.
- Honors: at least 30 credits with Gila Community College, and a minimum 3.500 cumulative grade point average.
Multiple Degrees
Once you have received one associate degree, one or more additional degrees can also be received by completing the additional degree requirements with a minimum of 16 additional curriculum credits beyond the first degree. Degrees may be earned concurrently except in the following instances:
- A General Studies, AGS degree will not be awarded in conjunction with any other transfer degree.
A General Technical Studies, AAS degree will not be awarded in conjunction with any other AAS degree.