Graduation

Rowan-Cabarrus does not have an application for graduation. Graduation eligibility is determined by the Registrar’s office.

Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Requirements

Students who successfully complete the Arts and Sciences program will earn the Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Engineering, Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree or Associate in Science degree.  The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded to students who successfully complete a two-year Applied Science programs. Diplomas and certificates are available in many of the Associate in Applied Science programs.

For most programs, a student is eligible for graduation when they have satisfied the specific requirements of the college and the program for which they are enrolled, completed a minimum of 25% of required hours in the program at Rowan-Cabarrus, and have earned a program grade point average of at least 2.0. Students accepted into programs with competitive entrance requirements may have to meet other graduation criteria.

Students continuously enrolled may graduate using the catalog under which initially enrolled or the current catalog (please see an advisor if you wish to update your catalog year). As outlined in Maintaining an Active Record, a student’s record will be made inactive if they do not enroll for two consecutive terms (summer term excluded). If a student’s record is made inactive, the catalog year will be updated based on the semester the student returns.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have met all program and course requirements to earn their degree, diploma, and/or certificate.

Course Residency Requirement

A minimum of 25% of the total number of credit hours required for graduation in a specific program must be taken at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. No more than 75% of required credit hours can be accepted as transfer credit.

Graduation Honors

Students who earn a grade-point average of 3.5 through 3.99 in their degree or diploma will graduate “With Honors.” Those students who earn a 4.0 in their degree of diploma will graduate “With High Honors.” These designations are printed on degrees and diplomas. All courses required in the student program must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher to be eligible for honors.

Students who earn Honors or High Honors in their degree or diploma will be provided with a gold cord to wear at the Commencement Ceremony.  Certificate programs are not eligible for graduation honors or gold cords.

Commencement Ceremony

Commencement is held at the end of spring semester. To participate in the Commencement Ceremony, you are expected to successfully complete your program requirements:

• Fall semester prior to the ceremony; or
• Spring semester of the ceremony; or
• be enrolled in your final courses in the Summer semester following the ceremony.

Participation in the Commencement Ceremony is not an indication of meeting graduation requirements.

Graduation Events

Students planning to participate in the Commencement Ceremony must attend the Graduation Fair to pick up tickets, cap, gown and tassel. Commencement is held at the end of the Spring semester. The specific dates for graduation activities are listed in the academic calendar.