Graduation Policies + Procedures

Select the Graduation tile located in your InSite student account and follow the steps to Apply for Graduation.  You can review your progress and obtain your graduation status through your InSite portal.

When to Apply

You should apply for graduation only if you plan to complete requirements for an Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree, Associate in Science for Transfer Degree, Associate in Arts Degree, an Associate in Science Degree, or a Certificate of Achievement by the end of the term in which you apply. We strongly recommend that you review your academic record with a counselor prior to applying. To apply for graduation you need to apply online via the InSite Portal. All students will receive notification of the result of the evaluation based on the dates listed below. Notification will be sent to your InSite email address. Correspondence will NOT be sent by mail. If you miss the deadline to apply you can always apply for the next term and your degree or certificate will be reviewed during the next term.

Applying for Graduation Spring 2024

If you missed the March 1 deadline

• Submit a Petition for Degree or Certificate form for Summer 2024 term
• Available in InSite April 1, 2024.
• Click on the Graduation tile.

If you will complete all requirements in spring, AND wish to participate in the spring commencement on May 17, 2024, but did not submit a Petition for Degree of Certificate by March 1, 2024:

• You must also submit the Application to Walk in Graduation Ceremony available in InSite April 1, 2024.
• Click on the CCC Student Forms tile.
• Both the Petition for Degree or Certificate and Application to Walk in Graduation Ceremony are due April 10, 2024.

If you will not complete all requirements in spring 2024, but have 2 or fewer requirements left to complete the degree or certificate AND you wish to participate in commencement on May 17, 2024:

• You must also submit the Application to Walk in Graduation Ceremony available in InSite April 1, 2024.
• Click on CCC Student Forms.
• Both the Petition for Degree or Certificate and Application to Walk in Graduation Ceremony are due April 10, 2024.
• Additionally, you must also be registered in summer semester for the 2 remaining courses at CCC or present proof of registration at an outside institution before the Application to Walk can be approved.
• Proof of registration at an outside institution must be received by Admissions and Records by April 19.

Note: If you have any questions regarding these steps, or have any issues with registering for Summer 2024 courses at CCC, please email admissions@contracosta.edu.

Application Deadlines

Admissions & Records will accept applications for graduation once you have registered for your classes. You need to apply for graduation during the term your requirements will be completed, not before. The following dates indicate the deadline to apply in each term. If you miss the deadline, you may apply for the following semester’s graduation.

Summer and Fall 2023 Graduates

Summer and Fall 2023 degrees have already been posted and you will receive further information about participating in Commencement via email.

Early Graduation for Priority Registration

In order to give students who are close to graduation an advantage in registering for the remaining classes needed in their last semester, students may apply for an early registration appointment by submitting an early application to graduate in the semester before their planned graduation date.

Criteria to qualify for the early registration option:

• Must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 units in the district for an AAT/AST/AA/AS or 3 units for a Certificate of Achievement
• Have completed 30 units in the district or at a regionally accredited institution for an AAT/AST/AA/AS or 9 units for a certificate of achievement prior to the date of application
• Must currently have a 2.0 GPA
• Have official transcripts on file if attended other institutions
• No late applications will be accepted
• The early registration appointment can only be utilized one time per student

Early Graduation Application

Transcripts from Other Institutions

Official copies of transcripts from other institutions must be received in the Admissions & Records Office prior to the graduation application deadline. Your application for graduation will not be accepted if your transcripts are not on file. If your last units will be taken at another college, please note this on your Application for Graduation in the comments section. You will need to request an official transcript after the semester grades are posted from your transfer institution. All units recorded on transcripts from other colleges are factored in with Contra Costa College units to obtain an overall GPA at graduation.

Catalog Rights

Students have the right to graduate under the terms of any of the catalogs that are published while in continuous enrollment prior to eligibility for graduation. Continuous enrollment is defined as the period of time in which a student’s record reflects completion of at least one course, for one semester or term during a given catalog (academic) year, from the time of original enrollment. A student who has a break in attendance must use the catalog that is in effect at the time of readmission. Nursing students must follow the nursing handbook of the year they were accepted into the program.

AA/AS Degree Requirements

Students must complete the AA/AS degree requirements, along with the requirements in a defined major for a minimum total of 60 units (all the units must be degree applicable). Of the total units completed, 12 units must be at CCC, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. All units recorded on transcripts from other colleges are factored in with Contra Costa College units for a total GPA at graduation.

NOTE: Students with a GPA below 2.0 may not apply for graduation.

AAT/AST Degree Requirements

Students must complete either the CSU GE (California State University General Education Breadth Requirements) or IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum Requirements for students transferring to CSU or UC), along with the requirements in a defined major for a minimum of 60 units (all units must be transferable units). Of the total units completed, 12 units must be at CCC, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. All units recorded on transcripts from other colleges are factored in with Contra Costa College units to obtain an overall GPA at graduation.

NOTE: Students with a GPA below 2.0 may not apply for graduation.

Certificate of Achievement/Accomplishment Requirements

Students must complete the requirements listed for the Certificate of Achievement,  and have no lower than a “C” grade in the required courses.  To qualify for a Certificate of Achievement a student shall complete at least 25% of the required units at Contra Costa College. CI4004

You will receive a letter via InSite email from the Admissions & Records Office with your status. You will either be listed as 1) approved, 2) pending or 3) denied. If the letter states that you must provide more information, please make sure you do that at your earliest convenience as you will not receive any further correspondence. If you have questions once you receive your letter, please see a counselor.

Graduation Status Definitions

APPROVED

You will receive the “approved” status if you have completed all of your requirements.

PENDING

You will receive the “approved pending” status if you are enrolled in your final classes the semester for which you have applied.

DENIED

You will receive the “denied” status if you are not enrolled in your final classes during the semester for which you have applied. If you are denied, you will need re-apply for graduation in the term you intend to complete your requirements.

Some Reasons for Denial

You did not:

• Complete a minimum of 60 units for an Associate Degree
• Make up an Incomplete Grade from a past semester
• Have 2.0 cumulative grade point average (degree applicable units only)
• Submit official copy of transcripts from other institution(s)
• Complete required courses for major with ‘C’ grade or better
• Complete 12 units at CCC
• Missing 25% of units completed in major requirements at CCC for Certificate of Achievement/Accomplishment
• Submit proof of current semester enrollment from other institution

When to Expect Your Diploma

Your degree should be posted by the dates listed above.  Once your degree is posted, you can order an official transcript. Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your Application for Graduation. Past and current debts/holds will prevent the mailing of your awards. See chart above for mailing date. If your address changes, please update your address in InSite and notify the office at Admissions@contracosta.edu

Requesting Transcripts

If you wish to order transcripts, make sure your degree has posted by reviewing your Unofficial Transcript through InSite. Once your degree has posted, you may order your transcripts.