Steps to Apply for Graduation

Graduation is Not Automatic: You Must Apply

Reaching your final semester is a major milestone! To have your degree, diploma, or certificate officially awarded and posted to your transcript, you must proactively apply for graduation by the midterm deadline.

Step 1: Meet With Your Advisor

Have your advisor review your student record to determine if you are eligible to graduate this semester.

Step 2: Submit a Graduation Application

Log in to the CCCC Portal and click on the Success Hub. Locate the "Graduation Application" link.

You must submit a separate application for each credential you expect to earn (e.g., if you are earning an Associate degree and a stackable certificate, you must submit two applications).

Step 3: If you plan on participating in the Graduation Ceremony, order your cap, gown, and tassel

Order Herff Jones graduation regalia for the December ceremony. 

For those participating in the Spring 2026 Graduation Ceremony on May 14, please order your regalia (cap, tassel, and gown) from Herff Jones before April 7, 2026. Purchase at  collegegrad.herffjones.com.

Step 4: Attend ONE Graduation Practice

Practice will be held at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center & Conference Center at 1801 Nash St., Sanford, NC on:

  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. OR 5:30 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. OR 5:30 p.m. 
  • Please only attend ONE practice time.

Step 5: Graduation Day Details

Date: May 14, 2026
Time: TBD for multiple ceremonies
Location: Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, 1801 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330

Remember to arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony dressed in your cap and gown. Check-in with staff at the small auditorium. Graduation staging is in the small auditorium where we meet to line up for the ceremony.

Important Notice

Please keep in mind, that a program grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is required to award any curriculum credential.