Graduation Policies
Each student is responsible for fulfilling all graduation requirements in their curriculum. These requirements are found on the individual plans of study and in the student’s My Progress. Students must apply to be graduated two terms prior to the term in which they intend to complete their program course requirements. Graduation applications can be found under the Graduation Overview link in the Student Planning portal. If you are a current College Credit Plus (CCP) student, please contact your CCP Enrollment Navigator for an application.
For full details on requirements to be graduated, review the Academic and Enrollment Policies and Procedures under “Graduation.”
Graduation Application
All students must submit a graduation application along with a program evaluation before graduation.
Commencement Ceremony
Autumn 2026 Commencement
The commencement ceremony for students who earned degrees and/or certificates during summer semester 2026 and/or autumn semester 2026 will be held Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Adena Hall gymnasium on the Newark campus. (Directions to Adena Hall.)
Academic Regalia
Traditional academic regalia must be worn by all graduating students participating in a commencement ceremony. The regalia of associate degree and certificate candidates is a traditional black gown, mortar board with a black tassel, and approved regalia accessories. Regalia can be ordered online prior to the ceremony and is also available in the COTC bookstore on the Newark campus.
Graduating Veterans and Military Personnel
COTC would like to honor you during the commencement ceremony.
- If you are veteran or military-connect student and you would like to have your serviced noted in the commencement ceremony program and verbally acknowledged as you walk across the stage, please contact Gina Bertiaux at bertiaux.2@mail.cotc.edu.
- COTC is honored to provide you with a red, white, and blue cord to wear as part of your graduation regalia. Cords can be picked up at commencement check-in. If you have any questions, contact the student records office at cotcrecords@mail.cotc.edu.
Diploma and Certificate Distribution
After the end of your last semester, digital diplomas and certificates will be available via text and/or your COTC student email, and printed diplomas and certificates will be mailed. All financial obligations to the college must be satisfied and student loan exit counseling must be completed prior to receiving diplomas or certificates.