Graduation and Commencement

Photo of two students smiling wearing gowns at 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 Affairs.

Program Completion

Students should fill out the Program Completion Information Form in the final semester of meeting requirements for a certificate, diploma or degree. Students may fill out the form online. Questions regarding the form may be addressed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Program Completion Information 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.

Important Dates for 2026

  • Monday, March 2, 2026 - Information on ordering Cap & Gowns goes out to all graduates
  • Sunday, March 15, 2026 - Deadline to nominate a student Speaker
  • TBD - Deadline to order cap and gown
  • TBD - Deadline to apply for graduation and be included in the Spring 2026 Commencement Program
  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - North Mankato Reception for Fall 2025, Spring & Summer 2026 Graduates
  • Thursday, May 7, 2026 - Faribault Reception for Fall 2025, Spring & Summer 2026 Graduates
  • Thursday, May 14, 2026 - SCC Commencement Ceremony

Student Speaker Nomination for Commencement 2026

To nominate a student (or self-nominate) who is graduating Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 AND attending the May 2026 Commencement, please complete the form below before March 15, 2026. Nominations will be reviewed in late March and a student speaker selected in April 2026. 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. Please note that if the student is self-nominated or nominated by a student, they must also have a faculty or staff reference.

Students, faculty, and staff can nominate a student using the Student Speaker Nomination Form

Participation in Commencement

Students who have completed the Program Completion Information Form will receive information concerning the Commencement event as well as information on ordering 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..

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..