www.southwest.tn.edu/admissions/grad-pro.htm
(901) 333-5924
A student planning to graduate should follow these steps:
| For the degree to be posted at the end of | Apply by |
|---|---|
| Summer | June 15 |
| Fall | October 15 |
| Spring | February 15 |
A student may earn one Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree and any number of Associate of Applied Science degrees and Certificates while enrolled at the College. Students seeking more than one Associate of Applied Science degree must meet all requirements for the second and each subsequent major. A minimum of 16 additional credits beyond the requirements of the first major must be completed for each new major.
Students seeking more than one concentration in a major must meet all requirements for the second and each subsequent concentration. A minimum of 12 additional credits beyond the requirements of the first concentration must be completed. Students who receive a second concentration within a single major will not be issued an additional diploma; however, the concentration area will be posted on the academic transcript.
Students may graduate under any catalog in effect during their enrollment at the College as long as it is not more than five (5) years old. Variations in catalog program requirements result from program upgrades and enhancements as well as accreditation standards. In most cases, for employment and continuing education purposes, it is to the student's benefit to graduate according to the latest program requirements.
In order to graduate, both degree and certificate seeking students must:
The actual degree or certificate earned will be posted to the student's transcript following the term in which the student completes all procedures and requirements for graduation as stated above. Diplomas will be sent by registered mail to students within six to eight weeks of the semester of degree completion. The diplomas of honor students will be mailed later if the academic honor status is changed (example: student moves from magna cum laude to summa cum laude status or vice versa). Students have one year from the date of commencement exercises to notify the Admissions and Records Office of any error on the diploma or of non-receipt of the diploma. After the one-year period, the diploma will not be reordered free of charge.
For graduation, students' financial and academic records must be cleared of all encumbrances. This includes payment of outstanding debts to the College, earning the appropriate number of credit hours, completing specific courses required for the degree/certificate and maintaining at least a 2.0 college level GPA. If for any justifiable reason, students who have filed Applications for Graduation are found to be missing any of these requirements, the degree or certificate will be withheld. This means that the diploma will not be issued and the degree will not be posted to the students' transcript.
The College holds one commencement exercise each academic year after the spring semester.
Graduation with academic honors is reserved for students who have completed associate degree requirements. Students who have attained a 3.25 GPA wear gold tassels during the graduation ceremony. Students who have been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa honor society wear gold tassels and may choose to wear special gold stoles engraved with the society's Greek symbols.
To be eligible for participation in the graduation ceremony, each student must meet the following requirements:
Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee the awarding of the degree or diploma. If the student should fail one of the last courses needed to meet the requirements, the degree will not be posted nor will a diploma be issued. Students enrolled in certain Allied Health and Nursing programs who fail a final course must have the permission of the department chair to participate in the ceremony. The written authorization to allow participation must be filed in the Admissions and Records Office prior to commencement.
(901) 333-4504
The connection to the College does not end at graduation or when your classes end. By becoming a member of the Southwest Alumni Association, students can be a driving force in ensuring that their alma mater continues to help shape lives.
Southwest Alumni Association reaches, connects, and celebrates alumni of the College, builds lifelong relationships, and supports Southwest's mission. Composed of fellow graduates and students, the Association provides its members with a valuable career network. It also offers fun social events where alumni can meet others who enjoy the same things they do. Finally, the Association provides a direct and positive way to give back to their alma mater through student recruitment and fund-raising for scholarships.
All graduates and former or current students are eligible for membership in the Southwest Alumni Association and will receive the Southwest Alumni News, a bi-annual print and electronic newsletter that keeps them current on what is happening at the College and with fellow students, as well as invitations to Association-only events. Join today and continue to support Southwest.
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