Graduation

Graduation Requirements

Students entering into a program of study leading to a diploma or degree must remain in continuous attendance during fall and spring semesters in order to graduate with the diploma or degree requirements in effect at the time they enter the college. If a program has required summer term courses, students must also remain in continuous attendance during summer terms to meet those requirements. Requirements must be completed within a five-year period from the date of entry.

If program requirements are not met within the five-year period, students must meet the requirements in effect at the conclusion of that five-year period within the next five years. (Some programs of study have more restrictive requirements than these, e.g. Associate Degree in Nursing. Refer to the particular degree requirements in this catalog.)

Students seeking a certificate must complete the requirements within two years of continuous attendance as defined above. If students discontinue working toward a degree or diploma, they will, upon reentry to the college, be required to complete degree requirements in effect at the time of reentry, whether to the same program in which they were previously enrolled or a new one.

Students who change programs must meet the requirements of the new program. If students decide to return to their former programs, they cannot return to the old program requirements. They must follow the requirements in effect at the time of the return. Students may choose to adopt new program requirements which went into effect after their entry. Once they make the choice, they may not return to the older requirements.

If students completed courses to be applied toward a certificate, diploma, or degree ten or more years ago, the college reserves the right to require the student to demonstrate current knowledge in the course area or reject the course for application toward a degree. (Some programs of study have more restrictive requirements on timeliness of coursework. Refer to a particular program in the college catalog for any specific information.)

How to Apply for Graduation

Please complete the following steps:

1. Make an appointment with your advisor to determine if you are eligible to graduate.
2. Register for your final semester classes required for your degree.
3. Complete the graduation application in Self-Service.
4. Complete the Graduation Survey

There is no fee to participate in graduation, with the exception of purchasing a cap & gown from the SCC Bookstore. If you do not plan to participate in the graduation ceremony, you should still complete the online graduation application in Self-Service.

Purchasing Cap and Gown

You can purchase your cap and gown from The Orcutt Bookstore for $65.00 plus tax.

If using financial aid, be sure to purchase by February 13, 2026. Financial aid will re-open later for students with multiple start dates. To ensure your cap and gown arrives on time, all pre-orders must be placed by March 27, 2026.