Simply completing all required coursework isn’t enough: in addition to passing all their classes, students must also submit their application for graduation in order to receive their degree or certificate.
What does it take to earn an associate degree?
In addition to completing the required coursework and credit hours, there are a few other steps all students must take to complete their degree and walk at commencement.
Simply completing all required coursework isn’t enough: in addition to passing all their classes, students must also inform Schoolcraft College of their intent to graduate by submitting their application for graduation.
Students can access Ocelot Access and fill out the application online with all the appropriate information. Once that application is submitted, that triggers an audit from the Records department on campus, which makes sure the student has completed all the necessary requirements. Without submitting the graduation application, students cannot graduate and receive their degree or certificate.
All of these are important enough reasons for students to take the extra step and make sure they apply for graduation, said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer.
“Degree completion is an incredibly important achievement. It shows future employers that students finish what they start,” she said. “College graduates with a credential are shown to earn more and have more employment opportunities available to them.”
Students wrapping up their classes can apply for graduation at any time once they determine they have enough credits for a credential. To make sure students have all their requirements fulfilled, they should meet with an academic advisor. Advisors are available by appointment throughout the week, with drop-in advising available on Wednesdays. Get more information on advising by visiting schoolcraft.edu/advising.
Earning an academic credential can also lead to better-quality employment opportunities, as well as better salary opportunities. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows those with an associate degree on average earn 18% more than someone with just a high school diploma.
It also aids the state of Michigan’s goal to help a more educated workforce: under the state’s 60 by 30 program, the state aims to have 60% of the workforce have a degree or certificate by 2030. This aims to achieve several goals, including closing the skills gap, increase opportunity and make the state more competitive for economic growth.
After applying to graduate, students should prepare to attend Commencement, which takes place at 1 p.m. May 3 in the TrinityElite Sports Center at the Livonia campus. Students can purchase their caps and gowns during the Schoolcraft College Bookstore’s Grad Fair, which takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23, 2025 and noon to 6 p.m. April 24, 2025.
Students who apply for graduation before April 16 will also have their name included in the commencement booklet.
“Seeing our students walk across the stage and receive recognition for all of their hard work is the hallmark of the work we do at Schoolcraft College,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “We’re excited at the opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements later this spring!”
Steps to graduation
- Meet with an academic advisor to complete a degree audit
- Log onto Ocelot Access and complete the application for graduation
- The College’ Records department runs a final audit to ensure program completion
- Attend the Grad Fair at the Bookstore and prepare to attend Commencement