Graduation Processing

  Steps to Complete Graduation Requirements

Meet with your Advisor

Students nearing graduation should plan to meet with their advisor two quarters before they plan to graduate, in order to ensure you are on track to complete all requirements for the degree or certificate you are earning.

In order for your degree to be awarded and to be eligible to participate in the annual Commencement Ceremony, you must apply for graduation. The graduation application deadline is 45 days prior to the end of the quarter you plan to graduate, but it is recommended that you apply 1-2 quarters in advance. There is no fee to apply for graduation or participate in Commencement.

Summer Completion Option

The Summer Completion Option allows associate degree and Medical Assisting graduates to participate in the current year’s commencement ceremony while completing their final requirements in the summer.  To be eligible, students must apply for graduation by the published deadline and indicate they want the Summer Completion option on their application.  Additionally, Summer Completion students must register for their final summer courses as soon as summer registration becomes available to maintain their commencement eligibility. 

While Summer Completion students participate in the June commencement ceremony, their degrees are not posted until after summer grades are posted at the end of summer term.  If you are a summer graduate who does not want to participate in commencement, you may opt out of the Summer Completion Option and will be eligible for the following year’s commencement instead.

Participate in Commencement (optional)

Students are encouraged to participate in the annual Commencement Ceremony!

Get your Diploma

Diplomas are typically available 4 weeks after degrees are awarded, but check your graduation application review email for the exact date your diploma will be ready.  When you apply for graduation, you will be given the option of having your diploma mailed or held for pick up. If you choose to have your diploma held for pickup, you will be able to pick it up at the One Stop Center.  If your address changes or you’d like to change whether your diploma is mailed, please contact Tanya Pisarchuk in Registration at tpisarchuk@lowercolumbia.edu.

Get a replacement diploma for only $7.50/diploma; $15 with cover.

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Steps to Consider After Graduation

Consider Summer Courses

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university are encouraged to consider getting ahead (and saving money) by taking summer classes at Lower Columbia College.

Join the Alumni Association

Graduates are encouraged to connect with the Lower Columbia College Foundation Alumni Association. As an alumni you can get alumni news, participate in community events, and even help support the Foundation as it works to help students such as yourself.

Visit the Career Center

Get help searching for jobs, preparing your resume, and practicing your interview skills. You can research the job market and become more familiar with state and local employment providers.