Graduation Information

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Commencement Ceremony Dates

The Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 11, 2026, at 10 AM in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium.

The Spring 2027 Commencement on Friday, May 7, 2027, in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium. Ceremonies will be held at 10 AM and 2 PM.

The Summer 2027 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, July 30, 2027, at 10 AM in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium.

Guest Information

· Guests should review the campus map for parking lot locations, gymnasium location, etc.

· The L Quentin Lane Gymnasium is listed as Building 12 on the campus map.

· Gymnasium Doors will open one hour prior to the ceremony.

· All Guests should report directly to the Gym prior to the ceremony start time. Due to the processional, any late arrivals will be asked to wait before entering the gym.

· No tickets are required for guests. They may enter the gym and find a seat anywhere available. There is handicapped seating available on a first-come first-served basis.

· Any special accommodations for American Sign Language interpreter services must be made one month prior to ceremony. Please see the contact information for Juliann Mathis below.

· Please do not bring anything that creates noise as this makes it difficult to hear other names being read.

· Please do not bring balloons into the gym as it can block the view of those around you. If you do bring a poster, please make sure that you do not block those around you when you hold it up for your graduate.

· Fall and Summer Commencement Ceremonies average between 60-90 minutes. While Spring Commencement Ceremonies average closer to two hours.

· Programs can be ordered free of charge under the Quick Links section at the top of the page or by scanning the QR code on the Program Card received at the ceremony. Graduates will receive a copy of the program with their diploma.

Checklist for Prospective Graduates

Prospective graduates must complete the following BEFORE being awarded a degree/certificate. These are in addition to the curriculum for each program.

· Complete an Intent to Graduate located on CougarNet. This form is found at My Account / Registration Tools & Forms / Graduation.

· Intents to Graduate must be completed prior to the last day of the semester all academic requirements will be met.

· Deadline dates for Commencement Ceremony Inclusion are usually 2-3 months prior to the ceremony.

· Have a minimum Overall GPA of 2.0.

· Pay all financial obligations to the college including parking tickets and overdue fees.

· Ensure there are no holds on your account.

· AAS degrees may have a corresponding Program Exam that will need to be taken.

· Please see the Graduation Exams section of this site for more information.

· Once grades are posted at the end of every term the Records Office staff will verify graduation requirements for each applicant and individually award degrees/certificates. Graduates will be notified via email once their credential is awarded. The email will include instructions on how to request an official transcript and details regarding diplomas. If you need verification of graduation for an employer or transfer institution once grades are posted at the end of the graduating term and prior to receiving the email notification, contact the Records Office at records@clevelandstatecc.edu.

Graduation Exams

Exit Exam

As of Summer 2025, the Exit Exam has been removed as a requirement for graduation by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The requirement for the Exit Exam will be waived in your Degree Audit when your Intent to Graduate is processed.

Program Test

The following AAS majors require a Program Test:

· Accounting

· Agribusiness

· Business

· Business Office

· Cloud Computing

· Computers and Information Systems

· Cyber Defense

· Early Childhood Education

· Electrical Engineering Technology

· Electromechanical Technology

· Engineering Systems Technology

· Entrepreneurship

· Health Care Management

· Legal Office

· Logistics and Supply Chain Management

· Management

· Mechatronics Technology

· Medical Office

If you have already completed the Program Test previously, you do not have to complete it again. Please contact the appropriate departmental secretary with any questions about your Program Test.

Fall Ceremony Information

Commencement Ceremony

The college will host its Fall Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 11, 2026, in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium at 10 am.

Graduate Arrival and Check-In

Graduates should report directly to the south entrance of the Mary T. Barker Humanities Building (the entrance closest to the Student Center) between 8:45 and 9:30 am wearing their regalia (Cap, Gown, and any applicable Honor Cords) for check-in.
Mr. Clayton Strain, who reads names during the ceremony will be available at check-in should your name need special instructions on pronunciation.
All mortarboards (caps) will be inspected at check-in. If deemed inappropriate the graduate will be required to purchase another one in order to participate in the ceremony.
Do not bring any personal belongings (coats, purses, bags, hats, hangars, etc) with you! We will not lock the building doors!
Please note that graduates will not be permitted to have small children or family/friends with them in the lineup area or during the ceremony and therefore they should remain in the care of family/friends. Guests should report directly to the gymnasium.
No guests or faculty will be permitted in the graduate line up areas.
No food or drinks will be allowed in the lineup area or in the ceremony
Please note that participation in the Commencement Ceremony does not guarantee that you will receive a diploma.

Graduate Ceremony Information

Diploma Cover:

The only way to receive a Cleveland State Diploma Cover is to participate in the ceremony.

Commencement Program:

Graduates will be mailed one complimentary program with their diploma. Guests who wish to receive a Commencement Program will need to order one by the Sunday following the Commencement Ceremony by using the Order Graduation Program link in the Quick Links section at the top of the page.

Attire:

Only Cleveland State regalia will be allowed. This includes mortarboard, gown, PTK stoles/tassels, academic honor cords, and military recognition cords. All other stoles, cords, pins, etc will be asked to be removed. Your tassel will be on the left side of your cap at the beginning of the ceremony.
- Please review the Regalia section of this site for more information.
No stilettos or thin heels. When considering footwear, please err on the side of safety as you will be walking on a metal grate ramp.
Under your regalia, please dress professionally, but be aware it may get hot wearing multiple layers.

Marshals:

Staff Marshals have been assigned to be with you during the entire ceremony.
Please be attentive to them as they direct you during the entirety of the ceremony.
They will help ensure every graduate has a seat in each row.
They will assist with processing in and recessing out, as well as assisting with the line-up to receive your diploma cover and walk across the stage.
Additionally, once graduates have processed into the ceremony, they should remain in their seats during the ENTIRE SERVICE.

Walking Across the Stage:

When it is your row’s time to walk across the stage, you will be directed to line up at the stage.
Hand your Name Card to the person at the microphone who will be reading the names.
Walk to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, where you will receive your Diploma Cover and shake hands.
Walk to the College President, where you will shake hands again.
Professional pictures will be taken along the way, and you will be directed during the ceremony by the GradImages photographer as to where and when to pose for your picture.

Commencement Photographer:

GradImages will be taking two professional photographs of each graduate during the ceremony.
Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within a week after graduation.
Pictures can be ordered online, by phone, or by mail.
Graduates must contact GradImages directly with any questions or issues pertaining to commencement photos. GradImages can be contacted at 800-261-2576 or via their website at www.gradimages.com.
Registering with GradImages provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. You may also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment

Special Accommodations

Any special accommodations for American Sign Language interpreter services must be made one month prior to ceremony. Please contact Juliann Mathis Juliann.mathis@cscctn.edu or (423) 473-2427 for more information.

Parking

Any questions or concerns about special parking accommodations should contact
Campus Police at 423-478-6236 or 423-618-1720.

Spring Ceremony Information

Commencement Ceremony

The college will host its Spring Commencement on Friday, May 8, 2026, with ceremonies at 10 AM and 2 PM in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium. You will be assigned a ceremony based on Major and Career Community.

Graduate Arrival and Check-In

· Graduates should report directly to the south entrance of the Mary T. Barker Humanities Building (the entrance closest to the Student Center) wearing their regalia (Cap, Gown, and any applicable Honor Cords) for check-in.
- · 10 AM check-in is between 8:45 AM and 9:30 PM
- · 2 PM check-in is between 12:45 PM and 1:30 PM
· Mr. Clayton Strain, who reads names during the ceremony, will be available at check-in should your name need special instructions on pronunciation.
· All mortarboards (caps) will be inspected at check-in. If deemed inappropriate the graduate will be required to purchase another one to participate in the ceremony.
· Do not bring any personal belongings (coats, purses, bags, hats, hangars, etc) with you! We will not lock the building doors!
· Please note that graduates will not be permitted to have small children or family/friends with them in the lineup area or during the ceremony and therefore they should remain in the care of family/friends. Guests should report directly to the gymnasium.
· No guests or faculty will be permitted in the graduate line up areas.
· No food or drinks will be allowed in the lineup area or in the ceremony
· Please note that participation in the Commencement Ceremony does not guarantee that you will receive a diploma.

Graduate Ceremony Information

Diploma Cover:

The only way to receive a Cleveland State Diploma Cover is to participate in the ceremony.

Commencement Program:

Attire:

· Only Cleveland State regalia will be allowed. This includes mortarboard, gown, PTK stoles/tassels, academic honor cords, and military recognition cords. All other stoles, cords, pins, etc will be asked to be removed. Your tassel will be on the right side of your cap at the beginning of the ceremony.
- · Please review the Regalia section of this site for more information.
· No stilettos or thin heels. When considering footwear, please err on the side of safety as you will be walking on a metal grate ramp.
· Under your regalia, please dress professionally, but be aware it may get hot wearing multiple layers.

Marshals:

· Staff Marshals have been assigned to be with you during the entire ceremony.
· Please be attentive to them as they direct you during the entirety of the ceremony.
· They will help ensure every graduate has a seat in each row.
· They will assist with processing in and recessing out, as well as assisting with the line-up to receive your diploma cover and walk across the stage.
· Additionally, once graduates have processed into the ceremony, they should remain in their seats during the ENTIRE SERVICE.

Walking Across the Stage:

· When it is your row’s time to walk across the stage, you will be directed to line up at the stage.
· Hand your Name Card to the person at the microphone who will be reading the names.
· Walk to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, where you will receive your Diploma Cover and shake hands.
· Walk to the College President, where you will shake hands again.
· Professional pictures will be taken along the way, and you will be directed during the ceremony by the GradImages photographer as to where and when to pose for your picture.

Commencement Photographer:

· GradImages will be taking two professional photographs of each graduate during the ceremony.
· Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within a week after graduation.
· Pictures can be ordered online, by phone, or by mail.
· Graduates must contact GradImages directly with any questions or issues pertaining to commencement photos. GradImages can be contacted at 800-261-2576 or via their website at www.gradimages.com.
· Registering with GradImages provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. You may also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment

Special Accommodations

Any special accommodations for American Sign Language interpreter services must be made one month prior to ceremony. Please contact Juliann Mathis at juliann.mathis@cscctn.edu or (423) 473-2427 for more information.

Parking

Any questions or concerns about special parking accommodations should contact: Campus Police 423-478-6236 or 423-618-172

Summer Ceremony Information

Ceremony Information

The college will host its Summer Commencement on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10 AM in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium.

Graduate Arrival and Check-In

· Graduates should report directly to the south entrance of the Mary T. Barker Humanities Building (the entrance closest to the Student Center) between 8:45 AM and 9:30 AM wearing their regalia (Cap, Gown, and any applicable Honor Cords) for check-in.
· Mr. Clayton Strain, who reads names during the ceremony, will be available at check-in should your name need special instructions on pronunciation.
· All mortarboards (caps) will be inspected at check-in. If deemed inappropriate the graduate will be required to purchase another one to participate in the ceremony.
· Do not bring any personal belongings (coats, purses, bags, hats, hangars, etc) with you! We will not lock the building doors!
· Please note that graduates will not be permitted to have small children or family/friends with them in the lineup area or during the ceremony and therefore they should remain in the care of family/friends. Guests should report directly to the gymnasium.
· No guests or faculty will be permitted in the graduate line up areas.
· No food or drinks will be allowed in the lineup area or in the ceremony
· Please note that participation in the Commencement Ceremony does not guarantee that you will receive a diploma.

Graduate Ceremony Information

Diploma Cover:

The only way to receive a Cleveland State Diploma Cover is to participate in the ceremony.

Commencement Program:

Attire:

· Only Cleveland State regalia will be allowed. This includes mortarboard, gown, PTK stoles/tassels, academic honor cords, and military recognition cords. All other stoles, cords, pins, etc will be asked to be removed. Your tassel will be on the right side of your cap at the beginning of the ceremony.
- · Please review the Regalia section of this site for more information.
· No stilettos or thin heels. When considering footwear, please err on the side of safety as you will be walking on a metal grate ramp.
· Under your regalia, please dress professionally, but be aware it may get hot wearing multiple layers.

Marshals:

· Staff Marshals have been assigned to be with you during the entire ceremony.
· Please be attentive to them as they direct you during the entirety of the ceremony.
· They will help ensure every graduate has a seat in each row.
· They will assist with processing in and recessing out, as well as assisting with the line-up to receive your diploma cover and walk across the stage.
· Additionally, once graduates have processed into the ceremony, they should remain in their seats during the ENTIRE SERVICE.

Walking Across the Stage:

· When it is your row’s time to walk across the stage, you will be directed to line up at the stage.
· Hand your Name Card to the person at the microphone who will be reading the names.
· Walk to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, where you will receive your Diploma Cover and shake hands.
· Walk to the College President, where you will shake hands again.
· Professional pictures will be taken along the way, and you will be directed during the ceremony by the GradImages photographer as to where and when to pose for your picture.

Commencement Photographer:

· GradImages will be taking two professional photographs of each graduate during the ceremony.
· Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within a week after graduation.
· Pictures can be ordered online, by phone, or by mail.
· Graduates must contact GradImages directly with any questions or issues pertaining to commencement photos. GradImages can be contacted at 800-261-2576 or via their website at www.gradimages.com.
· Registering with GradImages provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. You may also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment.

Special Accommodations

Parking

Any questions or concerns about special parking accommodations should contact: Campus Police 423-478-6236 or 423-618-1720

Regalia

Regalia for Commencement will be available in the Enrollment Services Center once all regalia has been received.

Graduates will be notified when regalia has arrived and is available. Graduates are allowed one free set of regalia. Graduates must show a photo ID in order to pick up their honor cord.

Mortarboards

The College welcomes the opportunity for students to celebrate this milestone in their lives by decorating their mortarboard.

Mortarboard Guidelines

No profanities, political messages, advertisements, alcohol or drug references, or other inappropriate decorations or phrases.
Items should not hang off the sides of the mortarboard
To allow everyone around you to be able to see, 3-D objects should not be attached. Items on top cannot be more than ¼ inch tall
No lights will be allowed

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and any adornment or message deemed inappropriate or determined to pose a safety risk or distraction will not be permitted. The graduate will be asked to purchase a new undecorated mortarboard if these guidelines are not followed.

Honor Cords

Graduates are eligible for an honor cord if they are earning an AA, AS, or AAS degree. Certificate students are not eligible for an honor cord. Honor cords will be available when picking up your cap and gown.

3.80 – 4.00 Highest Honors: White & Gold
3.60 – 3.79 High Honors: Light Blue & Gold
3.30 – 3.59 Honors: Navy & Gold

Honor Cords are given to students whose overall GPA is at a 3.30 or higher for the semester prior to the graduation. The Honors notation will be accurate for any final transcript purposes as well as for the diploma.

Spring honor cords will be based off Fall GPA.
Summer honor cords will be based off Spring GPA.
Fall honor cords will be based off Summer GPA.

Other Approved Regalia

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society – Gold stole and tassel
NJCAA Athletic Honor Society – Gold stole
Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society– Apricot cord
Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries – Green cord
Tennessee Valley Early College (TVEC) – Medalion

Anything not previously approved will be asked to be removed.

Military Recognition

Graduates who are currently serving, or who have served honorably, in the Armed Forces are eligible for this recognition. Please contact Veterans Services at
veteranservices@clevelandstatecc.edu to ensure your eligibility has been recorded. Cleveland State prides itself on being a veteran friendly campus.

Military Recognition Cord: Red, White & Blue

Diploma Information

Diploma Pick Up

Pick up will be from 9 am – 4 pm at each location. Graduates should select their preferred method of diploma delivery on the Commencement Ceremony RSVP. Please note, anyone picking up a diploma will have to show a valid photo ID for the Diploma to be released. Also, if you wish for someone else to pick it up on your behalf, you must let us know via an email notification from the graduate’s CougarNet email that you give us permission to release your diploma. Without the student’s permission, we cannot release a diploma!

Graduates will have two options to pick up their Diploma prior to them being mailed.

Summer Diploma Pick-up Dates
- Monday, September 14 in Cleveland at the main campus in the Enrollment Services Center
- Tuesday, September 15 in Athens at the McMinn Higher Education Center
Fall Diploma Pick-up Dates
- Monday, January 11 in Cleveland at the main campus in the Enrollment Services Center.
- Tuesday, January 12 in Athens at the McMinn Higher Education Center.

Diploma Mailing

Diplomas not picked up will be mailing each term approximately 4-6 after final grades are posted. They are sent to the mailing address on file with the following schedule:

Spring Graduates: June
Summer Graduates: October
Fall Graduates: February

Degree Verification

Once your degree has been awarded, your academic transcript will show that you have graduated. You can print an unofficial transcript or request an official copy through your CougarNet account. See Transcripts on how to request your official transcript. Degrees will be posted to students’ transcripts (excluding any issues) by:

Summer Graduates – Friday, August 7
Fall Graduates – Friday, December 18

Degree Completion

Please note that participation in the Commencement Ceremony does not guarantee that you will receive a credential and diploma. You will not receive your diploma until all degree requirements and obligations are met. Please check your CougarNet account to verify that you do not have any holds.

Grade Point Averages

The grade points received for all college level credits earned at Cleveland State are averaged to determine eligibility for graduation and for honors status. Transfer courses do not count toward the GPA. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 is required to qualify for graduation.

Holds

Any holds on your account will prevent you from receiving your diploma/certificate and transcript. It is recommended that you check your CougarNet account for any possible holds as soon as possible.

Diploma Covers

Diploma covers are ONLY available to those who participate in the Commencement Ceremony and are not available for purchase.

Personal Information Updates

The information we have in our system is the information we will use for all graduation printing. Please note the Intent to Graduate will show you your name and address as we have it in the system for verification purposes.

If your diploma is printed with the wrong name or is mailed to the wrong address, you may be subject to a $10 replacement diploma fee.

If your legal name or address has changed, you will need to complete the Update Personal Information form on CougarNet at My Account / Registration Tools & Forms / Records Forms.

Name Change Deadline

Summer Graduates: July 3, 2026
Fall Graduates: November 13, 2026

Address Change Deadline

Summer Graduates: August 21, 2026
Fall Graduates: January 8, 2027

Transcripts

Degrees will be posted to students’ transcripts (excluding any issues) by:

Summer Graduates – Friday, August 7, 2026

Fall Graduates – Friday, December 18, 2026

Once your degree has been awarded/posted, your transcript will be updated to reflect this.

Unofficial transcripts can be printed through your CougarNet account. (My Account / Registration Tools & Forms / Transcript Information / Unofficial Transcript.)
Transcript requests are made through the main Cleveland State Website: mycs.cc/transcript / Transcript Information / Request Printed Official Transcript. This will link you to the National Student Clearinghouse where the request can be submitted. Once the request is submitted, you can view the status by clicking the “Track Existing Transcript Order” link.
Transcripts are provided electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse. Please note you must indicate on your request that you would like your transcript after your degree is posted using the “After Grades Are Posted” option. Otherwise, it will be sent before the degree is posted to your transcript and a new request will be required.

TN Reverse Transfer

The Tennessee Reverse Transfer Program is a process that allows transfer students who are currently attending a four-year school to combine four-year college credits with community college credits to receive an associate degree. For more information visit https://www.tn.gov/tnreversetransfer.html