We know you are excited and ready to graduate, however, there are a couple of things you need to do NOW, so that you can smile and walk across the stage at Commencement.
Students who anticipate completing the requirements for one or more programs should follow these steps prior to the Commencement Ceremony:
1. Apply
Contact your advisor to confirm program completion and complete an Application for Commencement. You can request your advisor submit a graduation application on your behalf OR you can complete a graduation application through Self-Service. See instructions for completing a student grad app here. If your advisor is submitting an application for you, be sure to tell them exactly how you would like your name to appear on your diploma and the address to which you would like it mailed.
Applications will not be accepted after the deadline, so make sure to get them submitted ahead of time.
Once an application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email to your SCC email address. Be sure to check the application information in the email. Updates to completed applications can only be made by contacting the Registrar's Office via email at registrar@
2. Clear Debts
Check with the Business Office and/or Financial Aid Office if you have an outstanding account balance or you received a student loan while attending SCC.
- Students must pay all debts owed to the College at the Business Office, Library or to whomever necessary to clear any student record holds.
- Complete Financial Aid Exit Counseling if you received student loans at www.studentloans.gov. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
3. Get your Graduation Kit
- Get your graduation kit (cap, gown & tassel) from the SCC Bookstore. This is the only fee associated with graduation (approximately $40). Be sure to purchase early to ensure that kits are available. The bookstore can be reached by calling 828.339.4222.
- You may also order announcements and class rings at an additional cost through Herff Jones if desired.
4. Send Your Pictures
We want to make sure you feel like the super star you are at the commencement ceremony and we also want to make the occasion special for you and your family and friends. So, send us up to five of your favorite pictures so that we can use them in a presentation during the commencement ceremony.
Please make sure:
- You are in the picture
- You include your name and program of study in the email
- The picture is appropriate for presentation during the ceremony
- The picture is in the preferred format:
- landscape (horizontal) is preferred over portrait (vertical)
- at least 1 MB in file size or 1,000 pixels wide (smaller photo means blurrier image on the big screen)
Pictures should be emailed to Sarah Spann, SCC's Public Relations Assistant, at s_jolly@southwesterncc.edu. If you have questions regarding the presentation or your photo, please contact Sarah.
You can also contact Sarah if you would like your picture taken somewhere on campus for use in the ceremony.
The deadline to submit photos is three days before the commencement ceremony.
SEND YOUR PICTURES TODAY SO THAT YOU WILL BE REPRESENTED IN THE PRESENTATION!
5. Attend Rehearsal
Information about the date and time of rehearsal can be found here. It will also be on the College Calendar. Rehearsal is held in the Norman K. Myers Auditorium of the Balsam Center. This building is located on the Jackson Campus in Sylva.
6. Celebrate
The ceremony is held in the Balsam Center's Norman K. Myers Auditorium. Check our Commencement FAQ and Instruction pages for details as they are announced.
**Graduates should meet in the Enrollment Center located in the Balsam Center no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony begins to check in.
Need Special Assistance?
If you or a guest need assistance to get into the auditorium, navigate the stairs to the stage, move across the stage, hear or see the ceremony, or any other activity related to graduation, please contact the Office of Learner Accessibility & Equity at 828.339.4398 or accessibility@
7. Check your mail
Diplomas will be mailed to the address you provided on your graduation application approximately 6 to 8 weeks following graduation.
Also keep an eye on your SCC student email because you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your official e-diploma 2-4 weeks following graduation.
Registrar's File Downloads
