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2011 Charter Oak State College

Commencement Ceremony

Graduation Information

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 June 3, 2012 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 2012 Charter Oak graduating class includes those students who graduated between July 2011 and May 2012.

Cap and Gown Order Form (Online & Pay by Credit Card)

Cap and Gown Order Form (Print, Mail, & Pay by Check) (DOC)

Graduation Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Graduation Requirements

Once you have earned 50 credits toward the associate degree or 110 credits toward the baccalaureate degree, you will be e-mailed a letter with links to the graduation application/survey, the graduation fee, and the financial aid exit interview directions. You should complete the appropriate forms at least three months before the date you expect to graduate.

Graduation Steps

  1. If you are seeking a Bachelor's degree and matriculated after July 1, 2004 and before July 1, 2009, you must also submit an Academic Autobiography.
  2. If you are seeking a Bachelor's degree and matriculated BEFORE July 1, 2009 AND completed a concentration that included a CAPSTONE course (i.e. Bus Administration, Health Care Administration, Public Safety Administration, etc.) you do NOT need to complete the academic autobiography. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact your advisor.
  3. At least three months before you expect to graduate, submit the online graduation application/survey and the fee.
  4. Your latest transcripts must be reviewed and entered on your record in the Registrar's Office.
  5. The Faculty Degree Audit Committee must review your entire record in order to recommend your graduation to the Board for State Academic Awards
  6. The Board must formally confirm the Degree Audit Committee's recommendation and confer the degree.

Deadlines for Submissions

Graduation Date Graduation Application & Survey Due Graduation Fee & Transcript Deadline
Jan 31 Sep 30 Dec 31
Mar 31 Nov 30 Feb 28
May 31 Jan 31 Apr 30
Jul 31 Mar 31 Jun 30
Sep 30 May 31 Aug 31
Nov 30 Jul 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 expected date of their graduation. We are more than happy to honor this request. However, you should not make the request untilthe 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 Associate Registrar, Paul Morganti, 55 Paul J. Manafort Dr., New Britain, CT 06053-2150 or e-mailed to pmorganti@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.

Students will not receive their transcripts if they have any HOLD on their record.

Diplomas

Diplomas are issued three times a year. July graduates will receive their diplomas in mid-September. September and November graduates will receive their diplomas in mid-January. January, March and May graduates will receive their diplomas following the June commencement ceremony (if they do not attend). May diplomas will be mailed in mid-July.

Students will not receive their diplomas if they have any HOLD on their record.

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