By Angela Buggs
As the semester is ending many students are wrapping up their final papers and tests in the hopes of graduating. While students are preparing to share one of the most important milestones with their families, some need to be made aware of exactly how it works.
I am currently a student employee in our Student Records Department and have been asked a substantial amount of questions regarding graduation and commencement. I’ve noticed that students are not aware of the difference between the two. It is easy to think that since you have finished your courses, your degree will be automatically sent to you. However, some steps need to be taken before this happens.
Graduation is simply completing all degree requirements as recorded on your official transcript. Commencement is a way of celebrating your achievement with your family and friends! You must know the difference.
To graduate you must first fill out a graduation application, and for GRCC students looking to find more information on how to access the application, you can go to Graduation Application Introduction. When this form is completed it is then submitted to the Student Records Department for evaluation. Evaluating those applications may take time if you are enrolled and taking classes. Therefore, you will not be awarded your degree until after the application has been evaluated.
Commencement is open to students who have finished their courses.
Graduation is required whether or not you attend the commencement ceremony or not and participating in the commencement ceremony doesn’t mean that you have officially graduated.
It is important to speak with your academic adviser to ensure that you have met all qualifications to graduate. I wish all graduates success in utilizing this information so that it could make your process easier.
The GRCC 2024 Commencement will be held on Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Van Andel Arena in Downton Grand Rapids.
