Applying for Graduation

Students ready for graduation will automatically have graduation noted for them in the Office of Registration and Records. Students will then be notified via OCC student email that a grad app has been created and they are pending graduation. If you have not received an email and believe you are ready to graduate, please reach out to your advisor or contact the Office of Registration and Records.

Spring 2023 Commencement

Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 11:00am, SRC Arena

If you received an email indicating you're a candidate for graduation, RSVP to our in-person Commencement Ceremony by May 1, 2023.

Commencement RSVP

Can't make it to the ceremony in person? We will have a livestream available via Facebook & YouTube.

Confirmed Guidelines

There is no limit to guests.
Face masks will be optional while inside the SRC Arena.
Security protocols have become an unfortunate necessity in our daily lives, especially during large public events. We want all graduates and attendees to feel comfortable and safe at our event. In that regard, all persons, bags, backpacks and purses are subject to inspection. Refusal of inspection will result in declined admission.
No balloons, air horns or large signs allowed.

Day of Commencement Information

Parking will be available for attendees in Parking Lot 13.
Doors open at 9:30am.
Graduates, please enter the side doors to Allyn Hall (between Allyn Hall and Gordon Student Center) and proceed to Allyn Hall in regalia and respective academic dress to check in. You will be lining up by School.
Guests, please enter the main SRC Arena doors to be seated in the bleachers prior to 11:00am when the ceremony starts. Security measures will be in place and all bags, etc .will be inspected for entry.
Tickets are not being distributed/collected for the event.

Regalia (Cap & Gown) & Academic Dress (Honor Cords, Pins, etc.)

Graduation regalia (cap and gown) is available in the OCC Barnes and Noble Bookstore (Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00a – 5:00p, Friday 9:00a – 1:00p, Saturday & Sunday – Closed)

Academic dress (honor cords, PTK stoles, pins, etc.) will be available to pick up beginning on May 8, 2023 at OCC Barnes and Noble Bookstore. The day of Commencement these items will be available to pick up in the Allyn Hall Gym.

Graduation FAQs

What does the term “matriculate” mean?

A matriculated student is one who meets all admission requirements, has been formally accepted into a degree or certificate program, and is enrolled at the college. A student must be matriculated in his or her program in order to apply for graduation.

How many credits do I need to graduate?

Please refer to the College catalog to review your program’s overall credits and degree requirements. All A.A.S., A.A. and A.S. degrees include at least 60 academic credits. Certificate programs include at least 30 academic credits.

How do I have transfer credits evaluated?

The application of transfer credits is subject to department guidelines. Approval from the Office of Registration and Records must be obtained in order to transfer in credits for the degree. Therefore, official transcripts from other institutions from which you wish to earn transfer credit must be mailed to the Office of Registration and Records in the Gordon Student Center. Students are encouraged to have transfer credits evaluated upon acceptance to Onondaga, so credits are in place prior to applying for graduation. Please note that at least 24 credits must be completed at Onondaga.

Can I earn more than one degree from Onondaga?

You may earn more than one degree at Onondaga. A concurrent degree is one in which the student pursues courses of study in two disciplines leading to degrees in both at the same time. A dual degree is one in which the student graduates in a program, and then pursues another degree.

For multiple degrees, a minimum of twenty of the academic credits for any associate degree and ten academic credits for any certificate must be credits which have not been applied to a previously or concurrently awarded degree. If you are interested in pursuing more than one degree you should meet with your advisor.

What is a minor? How do I declare a minor?

Minors are specialized areas of study consisting of twelve credits of approved coursework. If you have interest in one of these areas, consult your advisor on how to set up your class schedule to complete the required coursework. Minors in any of these areas are not open to students who are majoring in that same area. Please fill out our online form.

How do I apply for graduation?

There is no need to apply for graduation. The Office of Registration and Records will automatically create a grad app for you once your degree evaluation is pending completion. You will receive an email notifying that a grad app was created for you. You may check your degree audit progress in Student Planning.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed to the current address on file 8 -10 weeks after the end of the term. If you have recently had or anticipate having an address change after graduation, please contact the Office of Registration and Records at gradcentral@sunyocc.edu to notify them of the change. Students with outstanding balances on their accounts will receive a notification via email that their diplomas are being held. Per SUNY policy, we retain these for one year. Onondaga Community College must retain any unclaimed diplomas for a minimum of one year, per the SUNY Retention and Disposition policy. After that time, graduates will be required to reorder their diploma.

How do I replace my diploma?

To order a replacement diploma, fill out the Diploma Replacement Form and return it to Student Central. Payment in the form of check or money order must accompany the form for a diploma to be ordered.

How are honors determined for graduation?

Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude will be recognized at the commencement ceremony based on the cumulative GPA recorded prior to commencement. For May graduates, the cumulative GPA at the end of the fall term will need to be used as final grades from the spring term are still in progress. However, honors will be designated on your official diploma based on the student’s final cumulative program GPA.

Cum Laude 3.4 - 3.59
Magna Cum Laude 3.6 - 3.79
Summa Cum Laude 3.8 - 4.0

We look forward to celebrating with you and your guests on this special day!

Questions?

gradcentral@sunyocc.edu | (315) 498-2350

Past Graduations

Grad Central