Catalog Changes and Time Limit for Completing Degree
There is no time limit for a student to complete a degree. However, a student has only eight years to complete their degree program under the requirements outlined in the catalog under which they began with Columbia College. After eight years they must move to the degree requirements of a newer catalog. Students have the option of changing to the degree program requirements of any newer catalog, regardless of the number of years they have attended Columbia College.
Students eligible for a Student Agreement, previously known as Service Member Opportunity Colleges (SOC), are exempt from the eight-year limitation.
The responsibility for understanding and meeting graduation requirements rests entirely with the student. Students must also understand that some departmental changes to specific requirements, prerequisites, etc. may affect their degree program.
Graduation Application
In order to graduate, a student must submit a Graduation Application, which can be found on myPortal under “Student Forms.” The Graduation Application must be submitted no later than one semester or session prior to anticipated completion, but the student is advised to submit the application a year before the student plans to graduate.
Submit the application by the early spring if you anticipate an October or December degree completion date; or by early fall if you anticipate a March, May or July degree completion date. Students may not apply for graduation earlier than one year prior to their anticipated degree completion term.
Submission of the Graduation Application indicates the request for approval to graduate; submission alone does not guarantee approval. The student’s advisor will notify the student of the results of the request approximately four weeks from the day the student submits the Graduation Application.
Main Campus Commencement Ceremony Participation
In order to participate in a commencement ceremony, a student must be approved to graduate (see above), and submit a Commencement Ceremony Application prior to the application deadline for the chosen ceremony. The form is located on myPortal under “Student Forms”. The Commencement Ceremony Application is also available after completing the Graduation Application. There are no fees associated with Commencement Ceremony Application; however, graduates will be responsible for purchasing their cap and gown.
Students must be approved to graduate in order to participate in a commencement ceremony. Candidates may participate in commencement prior to their anticipated graduation dates if they are within one semester of degree completion. These candidates will not be eligible for the President’s Award as it is based on a final cumulative GPA of 4.0, which cannot be determined prior to degree completion.
In order to participate in a commencement ceremony after its application deadline has passed or if eligibility requirements are not met, submit a letter of appeal to the Office of the Registrar. The appeal will be coordinated with the Provost and the Office of the Registrar will notify you of the results.
Columbia College Global Commencement Ceremonies
Columbia College holds multiple commencement ceremonies annually throughout our nationwide locations. Graduating students have the option of attending the commencement ceremony for their specific location or any of the other ceremonies held throughout the year. Click here to access commencement information for Columbia College Global locations.
In order to participate in a commencement ceremony, a student must be approved to graduate (see Graduation Application above), and submit a Commencement Ceremony Application prior to the application deadline for the chosen ceremony. The form is located on myPortal under “Student Forms”. The Commencement Ceremony Application is also available after completing the Graduation Application. There are no fees associated with Commencement Ceremony Application; however, graduates will be responsible for purchasing their cap and gown.
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