Commencement and Graduation Ceremonies

Graduates! Did you know applying for graduation and participating in the commencement ceremony are two separate processes?

Graduation - Successful completion of your diploma, certificate or degree requirements. Receiving your diploma (diplomas are mailed regardless if you participate in the Commencement ceremony). Please scroll down to apply to receive your diploma.

Commencement - Commencement is the event in which you are recognized for your achievement, this is a celebratory occasion and not required. While we encourage participation it is not required and you will still receive your diploma via mail if you choose not to participate. If you do wish to participate in the Commencement ceremony it is required to sign-up to participate. The deadline to sign-up to participate in the Commencement ceremony was April 14, 2023.  Late sign-ups will be acceppted through June 2, however please note your name will not be printed in the program due to printing deadlines and cap and gowns will be distributed based on availability.

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To Participate in the Commencement ceremony:

  1. Submit a ceremony sign-up form the deadline was April 14 but late sign-ups will be accepted through June 2, please not if you are signing up after April 14 your name will not be printed in the program and your cap and gown will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. (Even if you already have a cap and gown please submit a form to confirm your participation so your name will be announced at the ceremony and your name will be listed in the program).
  2. Go to Clark College Bookstore website to pay for your cap and gown, $30 plus tax (Honors regalia will be based on GPA  at the end of Winter term and will be supplied in your cap and gown packet if you are eligible for honors, for more information see the link for Honors Regalia).  

Below are the steps to apply for your degree and receive your diploma: 

  1. Apply to graduate* 

    *Transitional Study, GED and HS+ graduates (Running Start graduates need to submit a graduation application):
    Please note you do not need to submit a graduation application, if your are a HS+ graduate please meet with your Pathway Advisor during the term in which you plan to complete your credits before submitting your participation sign-up form, once they confirm your completion you may order your cap and gown If you are a GED graduate please see the "Participate in the Ceremony" section and complete your sign up form, GED and HS+ graduates do not need to submit payment to the Bookstore. 

    Apply for graduation online at MyClark@Clark under the Academic Progress Tile on the Student Homepage:  https://gateway.ctclink.us/

    Visit ctcLink Account Tutorials and scroll down to Apply for Graduation for step-by-step instructions.

    If you are having difficulties with the online graduation application process, please apply for Graduation by submitting your graduation application form to credeval@clark.edu

    Dates of note based on term of completion: 

    Spring 2023 Term Application Submission Window (09/19/2022 - 06/09/2023)

    Summer 2023 Term Application Submission Window (09/19/2022 - 09/01/2023) 

  2. Settle all financial obligations.

  3. Degrees are posted to your Clark transcript at the end of term completed and your requirements are fulfilled.

  4. Whether you participate in the Commencement ceremony or not your diploma will be mailed 8 weeks after the term in which you complete your program (ex: if you complete in Spring your diploma will arrive in the mail mid-August).