Graduation

Students enrolled in their final required courses will receive an email from Clark State Records and Registration confirming they are on track to graduate. The email verifies that the required courses are in place and that, pending successful completion, the student can expect to receive their diploma or certificate at the end of the term.

After final grades are posted and all requirements are confirmed, the student is officially graduated. Diplomas and certificates are mailed approximately eight weeks after the term ends.

To ensure a smooth graduation process:

• Meet with your faculty advisor to confirm that all degree or certificate requirements will be met by the end of the term.
• Confirm that any required course substitutions have been submitted and processed.
• Check your Clark State student email regularly for updates from Records and Registration.
• Verify that your mailing address is correct with Records and Registration.

To qualify for a degree or certificate, you must:

• Successfully complete all required courses for your major.
• Ensure your declared major is correct and on file.
• Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
• Students in the following programs must earn a C or higher in all required major courses:
  • Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Medical Assisting
  • Practical Nursing Certificate
  • Registered Nursing
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Social Services
• Refer to your specific academic program for detailed grade requirements.
• Students transferring credits to Clark State must complete:
  • At least 15 credit hours at Clark State for an associate degree
  • At least 12 credit hours at Clark State for a certificate
  • Transfer credits may not exceed one-half of the required technical courses for the program unless recommended by faculty and approved by the divisional administrator.

Clark State hosts one Commencement ceremony each year at the end of spring term. Students earning a degree or one-year certificate — including those graduating in fall, spring or summer — are invited to participate in the May Commencement ceremony. Information about the ceremony — including rehearsal, regalia, tickets and event details — will be sent approximately 30 days prior to the event.

Commencement is a meaningful tradition that symbolizes the official transition from student to graduate. The academic regalia worn during the ceremony dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries at Europe’s earliest universities.

• The mortarboard cap became popular in the 15th century and is traditionally worn with one corner facing forward.
• The tassel is typically worn on the right side before degrees are conferred.
• The graduation tam (Tudor bonnet) is reserved for master’s and doctoral degree recipients, as well as faculty and academic officials.
• The hood length and colors signify advanced academic achievement.

These traditions connect today’s graduates with centuries of scholarship and academic excellence.

Planning to start at Clark State and finish your bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university? You’re in the right place!

Clark State’s transfer pathways and articulation agreements are designed to make transferring your credits smooth and straightforward.

Learn About Opportunities to Transfer From Clark State