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Graduation Information

Requirements for Graduation

Requirements for graduation vary according to the curriculum. Students are responsible for fulfilling the requirements set forth in their curriculum. An associate degree, diploma, or certificate will be awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed the required programs of study for their chosen field and meet the following requirements:

  1. Admitted to the curriculum. Students graduate under the catalog year under which they were admitted if they do not have a break in enrollment of two consecutive terms. Please note: A minimum of one course required for graduation must be completed after the effective term of the program.

  2. Satisfactorily completed the required number of hours and courses specified in the curriculum in which they are enrolled. At least 25 percent of semester credit hours required for program completion must be earned through instruction from York Technical College.

  3. Achieved a minimum cumulative and program (major) GPA of 2.0 as defined by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education Policy Number 3-2-105. York Technical College calculates a Program GPA for each student, which includes grades for all courses identified in the program of study as well as any approved alternate courses.

  4. Paid all required fees and other financial obligations due to the College and completed the Loan Exit Counseling requirement (if applicable).

  5. Submitted an Application for Graduation through Self Service by the published deadline within the student’s graduation year (Spring/Summer: March 1; Fall: October 1) or submitted the late graduation application form, located in the Student Services Building, prior to the close of the current semester.

  6. Currently Enrolled Students - Students who change programs while continuously enrolled at the College and who are seeking an associate degree, diploma, or certificate must meet the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog which is in effect at the time of acceptance into a new program or re-acceptance into a previous program.

    • Multiple Majors - Students pursuing multiple majors must meet the graduation requirements in effect at the time they apply for graduation from the multiple major. Exceptions may be granted if recommended and approved by the Division Associate Vice President.

    • Former Students - Students who re-enroll in the College after an absence of two or more consecutive semesters or more and who are seeking an associate degree, diploma, or certificate must meet the graduation requirements as stated in the catalog which is in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

Honor Graduates

Honor graduate status is based on the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of the term in which he/she graduates. Honor designations are Cum Laude for students earning a 3.5-3.74 cumulative GPA, Magna Cum Laude for students earning a 3.75-3.99 cumulative GPA, and Summa Cum Laude for students earning a 4.0 cumulative GPA at the end of their graduation term. Diploma and degree students who earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher for all their coursework at the College through the fall semester of their graduation year and apply for graduation by the published deadline will be designated as candidates for honor graduate status on the graduation program.

President’s Award for Students

The President’s Award for Students is presented to graduating candidates who have been selected by the faculty in their division for their outstanding contribution to the College and community. Scholastic achievement, service to the College and community, perseverance, and attitude are among the criteria achieved by these students. The students chosen to receive this award are recognized at the graduation ceremony.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is a nationally recognized honor society for two-year college students. To be considered for full membership (membership by invitation only), a student must be enrolled in an associate degree program, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 with at least 12 hours in degree-level courses, be of good moral character, and possess recognized qualities of citizenship. To maintain membership once established, members must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Phi Theta Kappa graduates wear golden stoles at the graduation ceremony.

Student Marshals of the College

Students named as marshals of the College at graduation must have earned at least 24 hours in their program of study and have maintained a 4.0 grade point average in all their coursework at the College or be an actively participating member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Student Marshals act as hosts and hostesses of the College at the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Ceremony

The commencement ceremony is held after the end of the spring semester. Students who have completed their coursework for degrees and diplomas in the preceding fall semester as well as those anticipating completion in the spring or summer semester of that year are eligible to participate if they apply to graduate by the published deadline of their graduation year. However, no degree, diploma, or certificate will be awarded until all requirements are completed.