Embrace the Graduation Experience

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Embark on an unforgettable journey toward a brighter future as you graduate from Wharton County Junior College. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide the support and resources you need to succeed. Prepare to celebrate your achievements with this major milestone in your educational career!

WCJC Graduation Information

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Pioneer! To determine if you are on track to graduate, review your “Degree Evaluation” through Online Services or with an Academic Advisor. If you are eligible to graduate, submit a “Graduation Application” following the directions below.
You may review your degree evaluation by logging into your Online Services account or visiting a WCJC Academic Advisor. Generating a degree evaluation in Online Services will provide a summary of your completed WCJC courses, transfer courses, and in-progress courses that contribute to your degree requirements.

If you find any inaccuracies or require an official evaluation for admission to a professional program, submit a Degree Evaluation Request Form. Please allow a minimum of one week to process a Degree Evaluation request.
If you're confident that you've met all graduation requirements, submit a Graduation Application to qualify for degree conferral. The graduation application can be accessed by logging into your Online Services account.

As part of the application process, you must confirm your degree/pathway, name, mailing address, and whether you will attend Commencement. Applications must be received prior to the deadline for that semester; otherwise, they will be processed for the following term. For assistance, refer to our
How to Apply for Graduation guide.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from Wharton County Junior College, you must complete all program requirements, including completion of all coursework, minimum GPA requirements, and Texas Success Initiative (TSI) completion. Need help? Our staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

 

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees are designed for you to transfer your credits to a four-year university. You may only complete one A.A. or A.S. degree at WCJC.

Applicants for the A.A. or A.S. degree must:

  1. Satisfy all conditions for admission.
  2. Successfully complete at least 60 credit hours of college-level courses.
  3. Successfully complete 42 credit hours of core curriculum requirements included as part of the total 60 credit hours. Only courses marked as “Type: ACAD” in College Catalog may be used to satisfy this requirement.
  4. Meet TSI requirements.
  5. Complete at least 25% of your semester credit hours at WCJC.
  6. Meet all financial obligations to the college.

 

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed for you to immediately enter the workforce after graduation. However, you can still use your A.A.S. degree to transfer to a four-year university. 


Applicants for the A.A.S. degree must:

  1. Satisfy all conditions for admission.
  2. Meet TSI requirements.
  3. Successfully complete all coursework according to the degree program’s deadlines.
  4. Earn a cumulative institutional GPA of at least 2.0.
  5. Complete at least 25% of your semester credit hours at WCJC.
  6. Meet all financial obligations to the college.

 

WCJC certification programs are designed to prepare you with the occupational skills required to enter the workforce in a short period of time. Some certificate programs provide a direct pathway to an A.A.S. degree.

A Level One certificate must consist of at least 15 credit hours and no more than 42 credit hours. 

A Level Two certificate may consist of between 30 credit hours and 51 credit hours. 

The minimum acceptable standard of satisfactory progress is an institutional average of at least a 2.0 GPA on attempted hours. Certificates will not be awarded unless the minimum 2.0 GPA is achieved in all coursework required to complete the certificate. Courses required in a certificate program may be transferred from another accredited institution for up to 25% of the total program hours, with the approval of the Department Head.

Commencement Ceremony Details

The commencement ceremony is a momentous occasion that celebrates your academic triumphs and recognizes your dedication and hard work. We encourage you to uphold the longstanding tradition of excellence by treating the ceremony with the utmost respect and decorum.

Ceremony Time & Place

Commencement for Academic Year 2024 will be held on May 11, 2024 in the Gene Bahnsen Gymnasium on the Wharton Campus

WCJC hosts two ceremonies:

  • Associate of Arts & Associate of Science Graduates - 10am
  • Associate of Applied Science Graduates - 2pm

Doors will open at 8:30am for the 10am ceremony and at 12:30pm for the 2pm ceremony. Reserved seating is prohibited. Please urge your family and friends to arrive early.

Commencement will be live-streamed to the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Wharton Campus to provide overflow seating, as needed.

Commencement Regalia & Etiquette

Commencement is a time for celebration and recognition of your academic success, and the faculty and staff of Wharton County Junior College congratulate you! Please follow these guidelines regarding commencement etiquette and dress to highlight the importance of this milestone. 

  • Order your customized graduation announcements, cap, gown, and tassel through the WCJC Bookstore, either online or on the Wharton or Richmond campus.
  • Under your gown, please dress tastefully. We request that men wear white or light-colored shirts, dark pants, and solid-colored dark shoes. Women should wear light-weight dresses or shirts with dark pants and low-heeled shoes.
  • Do not wear flowers or any kind of conspicuous costume jewelry. 
  • Keep in mind, you may be standing for an hour or longer; please wear comfortable shoes

Graduation FAQs

 

Apply for graduation during the semester in which you will be completing your degree or certificate requirements. Please review your degree evaluation by logging into Online Services or you may speak with an academic advisor if you have any questions. Submit your Graduation Application through Online Services by selecting “Student” > “Student Records” > “Apply to Graduate”.

 

The Office of the Registrar reviews graduation applications throughout the semester. You should expect a minimum processing time of five business days before you receive an email with your graduation status.

 

You will receive your diploma 2-3 weeks following the end of the semester in which you graduate. Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your application for graduation.

 

You can request to replace your diploma in the event that yours is lost or damaged. If you have an "Accounts Receivable" hold on your student account, you will not be eligible to receive a reprint until your outstanding debt has been paid in full.

 

WCJC holds one commencement in the Spring of a given academic year. All graduates from the preceding Fall, current Spring, and upcoming Summer terms will be recognized during this event. If you are graduating in the summer, you must be registered and have payment in place for your final courses in order to participate in the ceremony. 


There are two ceremonies held during commencement: a ceremony that begins at 10am for all Associate of Arts and Associate of Science graduates and a ceremony that begins at 2pm for all Associate of Applied Science graduates.

 

Students completing the required courses in the Summer may attend the May graduation ceremony directly preceding the completion of their degree. In order to participate, you must be registered for your Summer courses and have submitted payment. Be sure to submit your graduation application by the spring deadline.

 

Yes! The graduation application is used to indicate that you are completing your degree or certificate and want it to be conferred. Attending the ceremony is not required to graduate from WCJC.

 

We do not issue tickets or reserve seats. You may invite as many guests as you would like. However, seating is limited so please ensure that your guests arrive early to secure a spot.

 

If you or your guest need assistance with seating requirements, please indicate the request on your application for graduation. You may also contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6303.

Woman getting her degree

Questions? Please contact the WCJC Graduation Team.