Graduation and Commencement

Graduation is the official confirmation of the completion of all degree, certificate, or diploma requirements, as maintained on your degree audit report, and is recorded on your official transcript, both of which are administered by the Registrar’s Office.

Commencement is a formal event, held annually in May, to celebrate and recognize the milestone of completing (or anticipated completion of) a program or degree for a respective group of students. Participation in commencement is encouraged but not required and does not confirm completion of degree requirements. Commencement activities are facilitated by the Commencement team. Led by the offices of the President and the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

Photo of two students smiling wearing gowns at commencement.

Applying for Graduation 

South Central College students should apply for graduation in the final semester of meeting the requirements for a certificate, diploma or degree. Students may apply online. Questions regarding the graduation application may be addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Graduation Application Form

Honors Eligibility

The honors designations and respective cumulative GPA required for each are as follows:

  • Honors: 3.3-3.49
  • High Honors: 3.5-3.79
  • Highest Honors: 3.8-4.0

Your Diploma

Upon completion of all college requirements, diplomas/degrees are mailed to graduation application addresses in approximately 10-12 weeks.

Commencement 2024

Commencement 2024 will be held at the Bresnan Arena in the Taylor Center on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. The date of the ceremony is Thursday, May 9, 2024 when we will recognize Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 graduates. The ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. – doors open at 3:00 p.m. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Important Dates

  • Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - North Mankato Reception for Fall 2023 Graduates with President
  • Thursday, December 7, 2023 - Faribault Reception for Fall 2023 Graduates with the President
  • Wednesday, March 1, 2024 - Information on ordering Cap & Gowns goes out to all graduates
  • Wednesday, March 15, 2024 - Deadline to nominate a student Speaker
  • TBD - Deadline to order cap & gown
  • TBD - Deadline to apply for graduation and be included in the Spring 2024 Commencement Program
  • Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - North Mankato Reception for Spring & Summer 2023 Graduates with President
  • Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Faribault Reception for Spring & Summer 2023 Graduates with the President
  • Thursday, May 9, 2024 - SCC Commencement Ceremony

Participation in Commencement

Students who have completed the Graduation Form (link 2) and are eligible for graduation will receive information concerning the Commencement event as well as receiving their FREE cap and gown via their South Central College email address. Questions may be addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Student Speaker Nomination for Commencement 2024

To nominate a student (or self-nominate) who is graduating Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 AND attending the May 2024 Commencement, please complete the form below between November 1, 2023 and March 15, 2024. Nominations will be reviewed in late March and a student speaker selected in April 2024. Criteria includes academic achievement, community involvement, and obstacles overcome. SCC does not select the student speaker based solely on grades but is instead looking for a student who is a good speaker with a compelling story and who represents our diverse student body.

Student Speaker Nomination Form

Accessibility at Commencement

The live commencement event will include ASL interpreting and the virtual commencement will include captioning. For accessibility-related accommodations, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at Disability Services.

Receptions with the President

More information to come.

Past Commencement Information

Commencement 2023

Watch the 2023 Commencement Ceremony

View and Download the 2023 Commencement Ceremony Photos

pdfView the 2023 Commencement Ceremony Program

Commencement 2022

Commencement 2021

Commencement 2020