Graduation

Degree Completion and Graduation

For general graduation questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Graduation Dates

Unlike traditional colleges, COSC graduates students 6 times a year. This allows students to graduate year-round within 60 days of completion of all degree requirements. While there are six graduation dates – January 31st , March 31st , May 31st , July 31st , September 30th , and November 30th , – there is one ceremony. It is held in early June each year. The next graduation ceremony will be held on June 3, 2007.

Deadlines for Submission

Deadlines for submission of the graduation application, graduation fee and final transcripts are found on the Graduation Application. Be sure to check the deadlines so that you can submit any outstanding transcripts in a timely fashion. The deadlines are firm!

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 along with your updated Status Report. You should complete and return these forms three months before the date you expect to graduate.

Here are the steps involved in finalizing your records for graduation:

• You must complete and mail all three of the following graduation forms. 
  
  55 Paul J. Manafort Dr
  New Britain CT 06053-2150
  Attn: Gale Terrill
  
  Or FAX to Gale at 860.832.3999 (BUT DON'T FORGET TO MAIL THE CHECK!)
  
  
  1. Graduation Application
     
     
  2. Graduation Fee Sheet (to pay the graduation fee)
     
     
  3. If you are seeking a Bachelor's degree and matriculated after July 1, 2004, you must also submit an Academic Autobiography.
     
     
  • Graduate Survey (choose ONE)
    • Bridgepoint Education Students Survey
      
    • Charter Oak State College Students Survey
      
      
• 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.

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 unless the following criteria have been met:

• Your academic autobiography or your concentration and essay have 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.
• Your academic autobiography or your concentration and essay have both been approved.

When you have met the above criteria, requests should be made in writing to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Shirley Adams, 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.

Annual Commencement Ceremony Is Scheduled for Sunday, June 3, 2007

The 2007 Charter Oak graduating class includes those students who graduated between July 2006 and May 2007. The next commencement ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 3, 2007 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 is aLso broadcast on the Internet! Viewing instructions will be available at www.charteroak.edu the week prior to the ceremony.

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