Graduation and Commencement

Question 1: Are you officially admitted to an Associate Degree or Technical Diploma program?
You can view your active program(s), along with your program progress by logging into Self-Service. After logging into Self-Service click on Student Planning and then View Your Progress. Your active programs are listed. If the program from which you wish to graduate is listed, then you are officially admitted to the program and can answer "Yes" to Question 1.

If your answer to Question 1 is:
YES - Continue to Question 2
NO - You MUST first be officially admitted to a program BEFORE applying for graduation from it. The steps for applying to an Associate Degree or Technical Diploma program are available online by clicking ADMISSIONS or you may contact the Admissions Department at 414-297-6542.

Question 2: Do you anticipate completing your program this semester?
Access your program plan through Self-Service to view your program status. If you are registered for your final credits, you may apply for the fall or spring graduation. If you are within 12 credits and plan to complete your program in the summer, you should plan on participating in the spring commencement. Please speak with your advisor if you have questions about your program status.

IMPORTANT: Program Entry requirements that have not been met may be disregarded if you are already officially admitted into the program.

If your answer to Question 2 is:
YES - Continue to Question 3
NO - Recheck your program status once you are closer to completing your program requirements. If you have any questions regarding your program plan requirements, contact your program advisor. Program advisors are located in your Pathway Office.

Question 3: Is your cumulative GPA at least 2.000?
Access your Student Planning – My Progress document to view your current cumulative GPA. It is listed at the top of the My Progress page under At a Glance. If your cumulative GPA is 2.000 or higher then you can answer "Yes" to Question 3.

If your answer to Question 3 is:
YES - Congratulations! If you answered "Yes" to Questions 1, 2 and 3 then you are a potential graduate. Please review and complete the COMMENCEMENT APPLICATION PROCESS. Please also review the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INFORMATION sections.
NO - Please contact your advisor or a counselor for further guidance. If you believe that your cumulative GPA is incorrect, please contact the Graduation Department at graduation@matc.edu.

Graduation and Commencement Application Process

SUBMIT YOUR GRADUATION APPLICATION

Congratulations! If you answered "Yes" to QUESTIONS 1, 2 AND 3 then you are a potential graduate.

Your next step is to submit a graduation application.

Reminder: To graduate from a program, you must complete all program requirements and have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher.

Paper or emailed applications will no longer be accepted. You must apply through Self-Service.

Submitting a Graduation and Commencement Application

Click here to apply: https://colss-prod.ec.matc.edu/Student/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fstudent

You may apply for graduation through Self-Service. Log into Self-Service from the matc.edu website or click here to apply: Self-Service. Once in Self-Service, click on the Graduation Home tile. The apply button is located to the right of your program. Complete the application and click submit. You will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, we do not have your application. If you need assistance or have questions, please email graduation@matc.edu

Question: Do I have to submit a graduation application?
Answer: Yes, submitting a graduation application is REQUIRED if you wish to graduate from a program, regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the commencement ceremony.

Question: What is the difference between Commencement and Graduation?
Answer: Commencement is the ceremony and Graduation happens after all requirements are completed successfully.

Question: How and where do I submit a graduation application?
Answer: Self-Service. Log into Self-Service from the matc.edu website. Once in Self-Service, click on the Graduation Home tile. The apply button is located to the right of your program. Complete the application and click submit. You will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, we do not have your application. If you need assistance or have questions, please email graduation@matc.edu

Question: Is there a fee to apply for graduation?
Answer: Not at this time.

Question: If I'm not attending the commencement ceremony, do I still need to apply for graduation?
Answer: Yes, you need to submit a graduation application regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the commencement ceremony.

Question: If I plan to complete my program in the summer semester, should I participate in the spring or fall commencement ceremony?
Answer: If you plan to complete your program in the summer semester, you should apply for and participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony. You may participate in Spring Commencement if you have 12 or less credits to complete in the summer. If you have more than 12 credits to complete you should apply for the Fall Commencement. For other semesters, you would attend the specific commencement ceremony. (Spring completion = Spring Commencement, Fall completion = Fall Commencement.)

Question: Is there a deadline to submit a graduation application?
Answer: If you wish to participate in the commencement ceremony, the application deadline for the Spring and Summer semesters is March 31 and for the Fall semester is October 31. Please also note that if you do meet the deadline, you may not receive Academic Honor Recognition consideration and you may not be listed in the commencement ceremony book.

Question: What if I miss the deadline, can I participate in the next ceremony?
Answer: No, you would still be able to apply for graduation and be completed for the semester you finish your requirements but not able to attend the following ceremony.

Question: What should I expect after submitting a graduation application?
Answer: You will receive an automated response that your application has been received by the Graduation Department, staff will evaluate your program requirement progress to determine graduation eligibility. Graduation is processed after final grades are entered and all program requirements are met.

• If you complete your program requirements in the spring, you will receive your diploma in mid-July.
• If you complete your program requirements in the summer, you will receive your diploma in mid-September.
• If you complete you program requirements in the fall, you will receive your diploma in mid-February
   

Please be sure to keep your address current in Self-Service so that your diploma can reach you successfully.

Question: Will graduating from a program affect my financial aid?
Answer: Yes, once you have graduated from a program you will not be eligible for financial aid unless you are actively enrolled in another financial aid eligible program.

Question: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Answer: If you have additional questions regarding the graduation process or the commencement ceremony, contact the Graduation Department at 414-297-8108 or graduation@matc.edu. If you have questions regarding your program requirements, please contact your advisor.

Diplomas
Each student will receive a blank diploma cover for inclusion in the virtual ceremony. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee graduation from a program. Graduation from a program will be processed once all program requirements have been met after final grades have been received.

• If you complete your program requirements in the spring, you will receive your diploma in mid-July.
• If you complete your program requirements in the summer, you will receive your diploma in mid-September.
• If you complete you program requirements in the fall, you will receive your diploma in mid-February

Please be sure to keep your address current in Self-Service so that your diploma is mailed to the correct address.

*Reminder - If you are a Summer semester graduate, you must apply and participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony.