Graduation and Commencement Information

See the archived recording of the 2019-2020 Virtual Commencement.

Download the 2020 Commencement Program.

2019-2020 VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT

Congratulations, Class of 2020! We are proud of your accomplishments and resiliency to persevere through unprecedented times. Although COVID-19 rearranged our plans to celebrate with you in person, we were thrilled to applaud and recognize each graduate during an historic virtual commencement that took place June 13.  We hope you enjoyed the online ceremony which included the conferring of degrees and certificates, guest speakers, tassel turns and special messages and photos submitted by several graduates. We wish you all the best in all your future endeavors.

Click here to see the recorded ceremony.

Continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on College news and events.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the commencement, please contact Director of Advising and Academic Support, Dr. Nikita L. Ashford-Ashworth, at records@southwest.tn.edu.

Steps for Graduation: Step One

Applying for Graduation

A student planning to graduate should follow these steps:

• Meet with their academic advisor
• Check for 2.0 or higher GPA on all institutional college level courses
• Complete the online Intent to Graduate Application through the My.Southwest portal:
  Log in
  Click on the "Registration/Online Services" icon
  Click on the "Graduation Application" link
  Complete the application
• Schedule missing course requirements to be completed during the perceived final semester
• Schedule and complete any required graduate exit exam(s)

Application Deadline Dates

Submit the Intent to Graduate Application for each semester by the dates below:

• Summer Semester - July 1
• Fall Semester - November 1
• Spring Semester - April 1

Diplomas

After grades post and to prevent a delay in students receiving their degrees, diplomas will be mailed.  The mailing date will be communicated to graduates at a later date. Please check your mailing address in the mysouthwest portal for accuracy. If you have questions regarding the Application for Graduation, email the Records Office at records@southwest.tn.edu.

Step Two

Testing

For August 2020 graduates, all ETS Proficiency Profile exit exams will be waived. Major Field exams for Southwest A.A.S. programs remain accessible online through PAWS and are required for graduation. If you require Testing Services assistance, please contact testing@southwest.tn.edu, or 901-333-4170.