Graduation

Associate Degree and Certificate Completers

Students qualified to receive associate degrees from DACC are required to file an Application to Graduate with the Records Office. The Intent can be filed once the student has successfully earned 45 semester hours towards their degree completion. Associate degrees are conferred during the Commencement ceremony which is held upon the conclusion of the spring term. Students who have completed a program of study which results in a certificate are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Students qualified to receive certificates from DACC are also required to file an Application to Graduate with the Records Office at the beginning of the term in which all requirements will be met.

Graduation Honors Recognition

Only associate degree completers will be eligible for honors recognition during the Commencement ceremony. The student's cumulative grade point average at the completion of fall term prior to the May Commencement ceremony is used to determine honors recognition. Certificate completers are not eligible for honors recognition at the Commencement ceremony.

Degrees with Distinction

Students' ability to be recognized at the Commencement ceremony is based on the cumulative grade-point average calculated at the end of the fall semester prior to the spring ceremony. Transcript notations of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude are based on the total grade-point average, including the final semester prior to graduation. Due to the "highest distinction," summa cum laude candidates' cumulative grade point averages are calculated using the grades earned at Danville Area Community College as well as any grades transferred in from another college that are used for degree completion. Graduation dress for students graduating with honor is as follows: cum laude candidates wear a gold tassel; magna cum laude candidates wear a gold tassel and a gold cord; summa cum laude candidates wear a gold tassel, a gold cord, and a medallion. In addition to being honored during the Commencement ceremony, summa cum laude candidates perform assigned duties. The candidates will be assembled approximately one month before graduation to determine their assigned roles. See chart below for each honor status and equivalent GPA.

Requirements for Completing a Double Major

Several divisions of the College offer majors leading to an AAS Degree which have many of the same required courses. The difference between one major and another is often only a matter of a few courses. A second major can be obtained by completing those different courses as prescribed by the curriculum guides with the approval of the ap- propriate division chairperson. Double majors may be worked on simultaneously, or the second major may be granted after earning the degree. The course work for the second major must be completed within two (2) years of the issuance of the degree. Evidence of successful completion of said courses will be recorded on the student’s transcript as a second major. There will be NO additional diploma issued upon completion of a second major. Both majors will be noted on one.