Graduation and Commencement
Graduation Dates!
- Highland Campus:
- May 8 at 7:00 PM
- Highland Community College Porter Family Stadium
- Technical Center (Atchison):
- May 7 at 7:00 PM
- Atchison High School
- Western Center (Baileyville):
- May 8 at 10:00 AM
- Western Center Community Room
Graduation Program
Download the current commencement program for details about our ceremony and graduates.
Download ProgramAre You Ready to Graduate?
Students planning to graduate from HCC are required to
- complete a Graduation Check prior to enrolling in their last semester of attendance to ensure all requirements will be met
- complete an Application for Degree by March 1 for spring/summer graduates and October 15 for fall graduates.
- If this deadline is missed, please contact the Registrar’s office.
- Students may also apply for the spring commencement if the student has 12 or fewer credit hours to be completed during the following summer term for a degree.
The Graduation Check form is for students who are preparing to graduate from HCC and to verify that they will meet the requirements for their degree/certificate.
- This form should be completed one semester before the semester in which the student intends to graduate (e.g., complete in the fall if graduating in spring).
- The student must have at least 40 credit hours (16 of those hours must be from Highland Community College) completed before they can submit a graduation check request.
- The student is responsible for sharing the results of this check with their advisors in order that their advisor may adequately help the student register for the necessary courses to complete their degree/certificate.
This form is to be completed by HCC students intending to graduate. It must be completed in order to participate in the commencement ceremony and receive your diploma.
- Technical Program Students: If you are enrolled in a technical program, you do not need to complete a Graduation Check before submitting this form. However, you are still responsible for working with your HCC advisor or instructor to ensure you have completed all degree/certificate requirements.
Participate in Commencement
Graduation is the completion of all degree or certificate requirements. Commencement is the ceremony that takes place in May to celebrate the completion of a degree or certificate. We encourage all graduates to participate and celebrate this accomplishment with their families, friends, and fellow graduates. HCC students who have not previously participated in commencement exercises should contact the Registrar's office to discuss their eligibility.