Graduation Information

Important Resources

Graduation Overview

Unlike traditional colleges, Charter Oak confers degrees six times a year – January 31st, March 31st, May 31st, July 31st, September 30th, and November 30th. While students are able to graduate year-round (within 60 days of completion of all degree requirements) there is only one commencement ceremony held for all graduates.

The next graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2008 in Welte Auditorium at Central Connecticut State University, adjacent to Charter Oak State College. If you are unable to attend or have family members who are unable to attend, the ceremony will be available via web cast. For viewing instructions go to www.charteroak.edu the week prior to the ceremony. The 2008 Charter Oak graduating class includes those students who graduated between July 2007 and May 2008

Graduation Requirements

Once you have earned 50 credits toward the associate degree or 110 credits toward the baccalaureate degree, you will be mailed the application for graduation, the graduation survey and the graduation fee sheet. You should complete and return these forms four months before the date you expect to graduate.

Graduation Steps

You must complete and mail all three of the following graduation forms to:

Attn: Gale Terrill
55 Paul J. Manafort Dr
New Britain CT 06053-2150

Graduation Application
Graduation Fee Sheet (to pay the graduation fee)
Graduation Survey
If you are seeking a Bachelor's degree and matriculated after July 1, 2004, you must also submit an Academic Autobiography.

Your latest transcripts must be reviewed and entered on your record in the Registrar's Office.
The Faculty Degree Audit Committee must review your entire record in order to recommend your graduation to the Board for State Academic Awards
The Board must formally confirm the Degree Audit Committee's recommendation and confer the degree.

Deadlines for Submissions

Graduation Date	Graduation Application, Graduation Survey and Graduation Fee due by:	Transcript Deadline
Jan. 31	Sept. 30	Dec. 31
March 31	Nov. 30	Feb. 28
May 31	Jan. 31	April 30
July 31	Mar. 31	June 30
Sept. 30	May 31	Aug. 31
Nov. 30	July 31	Oct. 31

Graduation Verification

We receive a number of requests from students asking that a letter be sent to a college or to an employer verifying the date of their graduation. We are more than happy to honor this request. However, you should not make the request until the following criteria have been met:

Your academic autobiography or your concentration and essay have both been approved.
You have submitted your graduation application and survey (see Deadlines for Submission, above).
You have completed all academic requirements (contact your academic counselor).
All of your transcripts have been received by Charter Oak.
All fees have been paid (including the graduation fee).
All financial aid requirements have been completed (including the exit interview).

When you have met the above criteria, requests should be made in writing to the Assistant to Vice President of Academic Affairs, 55 Paul J. Manafort Dr., New Britain, CT 06053-2150 or to sadams@charteroak.edu. The request should include the name, title and address of the recipient.

Complimentary Transcript

Immediately following each graduation date you can expect to receive a complimentary transcript indicating your graduation date, and a letter attesting to the fact that you have graduated. This letter or the complimentary transcript is the proof that most employers are seeking. Graduate schools will require an official transcript, which you can request by completing a Transcript Order Form.

Diplomas

Diplomas, which are rarely required as proof of graduation, are awarded only one time a year at the annual ceremony in June. While the diploma itself is for many the eagerly awaited symbol of completion, it is the transcript or letter attesting to graduation that other interested parties usually require. Should you decide not to attend this celebration, the diploma will be mailed to you immediately following the ceremony.

Please view the Graduation Frequently Asked Questions for further information about the annual commencement ceremony.

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