Graduation/Commencement

Are You Ready to Graduate?

Garden City Community College will hold two commencement ceremonies inside the Dennis Perryman Athletic Complex on Friday, May 7, 2027.

Holding two ceremonies accommodates the audience size and allows the 107th graduating class to invite all of their supporters. Each commencement ceremony will include a student speaker, president’s message, outstanding student recognition, and the conferring of degrees and certificates.

For students graduating with a Program Certificate, an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), or an Associate in Science (AS) in:

• Agriculture
• Animal Science
• Computer Information Systems / Cybersecurity
• Crop Production Technology
• Nursing (ADN)
• Police Science / Criminal Justice

• Robotics & Mechatronics Technology

For students graduating with an:

• Associate in Arts (AA)
• Associate in Science (AS)
• Associate in General Studies (AGS)

Graduation Checklist

1. Review degree/certificate audit with your academic advisor.
2. Complete an Application for Graduation (one for each credential applying for) and necessary forms (i.e., Graduation Substitution, Legal Name, etc.).
3. Check for possible institutional HOLDS and resolve if necessary.
4. Request an official transcript and select ‘Await Degree’ via www.getmytranscript.com.
5. Update home/permanent address, phone, and email as needed.

Download Graduation Checklist PDF

Graduation Application Deadlines

 

Completion Term	Priority Deadline	Final Deadline
Fall	September 1	December 1
Spring	December 1	February 1
Summer	February 1	March 1

Although faculty and staff advisors, along with the Registrar’s Office, assist in checking degree/certificate requirements, students are ultimately responsible for meeting graduation requirements.

Application for Graduation

Commencement Ceremony Information

• Commencement is a formal ceremony which celebrates our candidates for graduation.
• The ceremony is held once a year in May. Graduates from the prior Fall, current Spring, and upcoming Summer semesters are invited to participate in commencement exercises.
• Caps and gowns are ordered based upon the information provided on the graduation application.
• The ceremony generally lasts for one hour and is held in the Conestoga Arena of the Dennis Perryman Athletic Complex.
• A letter concerning details of the commencement ceremony for graduates will be emailed (to the graduate’s BusterMail account) from the Registrar’s Office several weeks prior to the ceremony.
• Stoles and honor cords may only be worn by the following:
  • Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) graduates
  • High Honors graduates (cumulative GPA 3.60 and higher)

Diplomas for Degrees and Certificates

Diplomas are generally mailed within 8-10 weeks after degree/certificate verifications are completed, to the graduate’s diploma address as indicated on the Application for Graduation.