Everything You Need to Know About Graduation

Graduation Requirements (Your graduation semester will be the end of the semester in which you finish all your course work and pass the CPE or apply for graduation, whichever is later. Graduation requirements are subject to change without notice any time at the discretion of the administration and the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York)
To be eligible for graduation from BMCC, you must:

1. Successfully complete all the required
   courses and credits in your program of
   study;
2. Earn at least a 2.0 GPA;
3. Complete at least 30 credits in residence,
   if you are an advanced standing or second
   degree student;
4. Submit an application for graduation to
   the Registrar’s Office (S-310) when you
   have registered for your last course;
5. Pass the CUNY Writing Assessment
   Test;
6. Pass the CUNY Proficiency Exam (CPE);
7. Effective Spring 2008, entering students
   will be required to pass a writing intensive
   course beyond ENG 201 in order to
   graduate.
   

What is a Graduation Evaluation?
Once a student applies for graduation, there are a series of administrative procedures that determine if a student has met their degree requirements. A letter will be mailed to the student’s address with the results of the evaluation. It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements will be met upon filing for graduation. If all requirements are not met by the end of the semester, the student must re-apply for graduation in order to be considered for a subsequent semester. Confirmation of the degree awarded will be posted on the student’s transcript before receiving the diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When do I have to apply for graduation?
You should apply for graduation after you have registered for your last course in your last semester of attendance. You will not graduate unless you formally apply with the Registrar’s Office.

Is there a deadline to apply?
There is a deadline to apply each semester. The exact date can be found on the academic calendar on the back of the Schedule of Classes or online at: Academic Calendar

I have 60 credits – Am I ready to graduate?
The majority of students are very close to graduation when they reach 60 credits. You can check your status on Panther, DegreeWorks or by seeing your Academic Advisor.

Can I get a letter verifying that I graduated?
After your degree is posted on your transcript, you will be able to obtain a letter from the Registrar’s Office confirming your degree.

When will I receive my diploma?
Students will receive a letter informing them to pick up their diploma approximately 6 months after their graduation date. If you live outside of the 5 boroughs you may request in writing to have your diploma mailed to you. The letter must contain your name, date of birth, social security or ID number, a copy of your photo ID, and the complete mailing address to where you would like your diploma mailed.

What if I need to change my name on my diploma?
Once you graduate, your records are officially sealed. You will have to officially change your name with the Registrar’s Office before the end of the semester.

How can I order a duplicate diploma?
Duplicate diplomas cost $15 each. You can either fill out a form in the Registrar’s Office or you can print out a Graduation Request on-line and write “Duplicate” on top and mail it to the Registrar’s Office. Keep in mind that it will take approximately 6 months to receive your diploma.

Can I still take a class after I graduate?
Yes, you can attend BMCC as a Second Degree student. You should contact the Admission’s Office (S-300) after your last semester.

When is Commencement held?
Commencement is the ceremony that is held at the end of each spring semester. Graduating classes from the previous summer, fall, winter, and spring are invited to attend. As we get closer to the date, Student Activities will post information on-line along with a mailing to all graduates. You can also contact them regarding yearbook and cap and gown. More info

Can I have my transcript held until the degree is posted?
If you want your transcript request to be held until the degree is posted, be sure to specify that when making your request. All obligations, whether academic and/or financial, must be cleared before your records will be released.

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