Graduation
Graduation vs Commencement
Graduating and participating in commencement are distinct activities.
Graduation is defined as a student receiving a degree or certificate.
Commencement is the ceremony with caps and gowns held in the spring and fall of each academic year.
ALL students who wish to graduate and receive a degree or certificate from Paris Junior College MUST complete the graduation application following the steps below.
Students can indicate if they want to participate in commencement on the graduation application.
To see commencement information, click on the Commencement page on the left.
Graduation Application Dates
The graduation application is available during the following dates:
| Semester | Opens | Closes |
|
Fall |
6/1 |
11/1 |
|
Spring |
11/1 |
4/1 |
|
Summer |
4/1 |
8/15 |
Step to Apply for Graduation
Complete and submit the Online Request for Graduation form. Log in to MyPJC and go to the student tab. Select "Reports and Forms" link on the left side, then find the link to the graduation application under "Forms." Complete the entire application and click submit.
Your degree will not be conferred unless you've met all of the following requirements by the end of the semester.
- Meet the specific requirements for your degree(s) as described.
- Have a grade point average of "C" or 2.00 in all work completed, excluding developmental courses.
- Complete at least 15 hours, and/or 25 percent or your required coursework at Paris Junior College.
- Complete all financial obligations to Paris Junior College.
- Successfully complete all sections of the TSIA2 requirements, unless exempt from TSIA2.
- Ensured all relevant substitutions have been submitted by your academic advisor to the appropriate dean or vice president’s office.
- Ensured all updated official transcripts from previous or concurrently enrolled colleges have been received by PJC.
NOTE: Academic rules and requirements are subject to change at the end of any semester and/or summer session. Individual academic divisions may prescribe additional standards of performance.
Within five years of initial enrollment a student may graduate according to the catalog requirements in effect at the time of first enrollment, or any subsequent catalog provided the requisite courses are still being offered and mandates of regulating agencies are satisfied. If a student fails within five years to complete all requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment, then the student will be required to graduate under the current catalog.
Next Steps
Once you complete the Graduation application, your transcripts will be audited to see if you qualify to graduate. If you lack any items, you will receive an email in your student email address with further steps to complete.
Transcripts and Diplomas
During Commencement, participating graduates will receive a diploma cover. Diplomas will be mailed to those individuals who meet all graduation requirements following receipt of final grades and completion of a degree audit. Diplomas are generally mailed within four to six weeks after the last day of the semester.
Transcripts will be updated with the conferred degree within the same timeline. Please reach out to records@parisjc.edu if you have timing concerns.
FAQ
If you are unsure whether you are on target to graduate at the end of the semester in which you applied for graduation, visit with your academic advisor. Contact Advising
Students who plan to complete all graduation requirements during the summer term may be eligible to participate in the Spring commencement ceremony if they meet the following criteria:
- They submit a graduation application for the spring semester by the published deadline.
- They have 6 or fewer credit hours remaining to complete their credential, as verified through a graduation audit conducted by the Registrar’s Office.
- They are expected to enroll in the remaining summer coursework once registration opens.
- They understand that, once all program requirements are completed, degrees and certificates will not be conferred and diplomas will not be mailed until after the end of the summer semester.
Summer graduates who do not apply for graduation during the spring semester remain eligible to apply for the summer semester and participate in the fall commencement ceremony following the completion of their program.
Students are not required to participate in the commencement ceremony in order to graduate. We will mail you your Diploma.
However, we highly encourage you to do so as we, along with your family and friends, want to celebrate your academic accomplishments! Additionally, students who participate in commencement also received a commemorative cap and gown and a diploma cover at no additional cost!
To be considered for graduation with honors, a student must be seeking an associate degree and have completed at least 30 semester credit hours at Paris Junior College.
Honors distinctions are awarded as follows:
• Honors: Cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.99
• Highest Honors: Cumulative grade point average of 4.00
These honors will be listed on the student's Diploma and Transcripts based on their final GPA once all graduation requirements have been met.
During Commencement, honors graduates will be recognized by wearing gold honors cords. Graduates with highest honors will also be recognized by being awarded an honors medallion.
For Commencement, the GPA calculation will be made only on those courses that have been completed through the end of the semester prior to graduation. For spring graduation, GPA calculations will be as of the fall semester. For fall graduation, GPA calculations will be as of the summer semester.
All graduating students receive an official diploma at no additional cost. Students participating in the commencement ceremony also receive a keepsake cap and gown and a padded diploma cover.
There is a $10 replacement fee for students who require a replacement copy of their diploma or certificate. Click here to order a replacement diploma.
Records Office at records@parisjc.edu.