Graduation

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for selecting courses that meet program requirements and for earning the required minimum grades in those courses. Contact your advisor by mid-term of the term prior to the one in which graduation is anticipated to schedule an appointment to have your records checked. Students may review their graduation progress through the degree audit component of RaiderNet.

Effective Catalog Policy

A student must follow the requirements in effect at the time of initial enrollment in a program of study, and the student is expected to complete the program within five catalog years. A student who is not continuously enrolled and is required to be readmitted must complete requirements for graduation under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry. A student who does not complete the requirements within five catalog years will be evaluated for graduation using current catalog requirements.

Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in at least one course per major semester (Fall, Spring) during an academic year.

Additional Degrees

A student who earns a degree may be granted a second or additional degree under the following conditions:

• No more than one Associate in Arts degree may be granted.
• A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Associate in Science, Associate of Applied Science degree may not be earned in the same program.
• The written degree plan for an additional Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science degree shall specify the prerequisite and core courses for the additional degree. In meeting these requirements, the student may use courses completed for a previous degree. However, the student must complete at least 30 additional credits. The additional 30 credits may be core credits and/or general education credits but are usually technical courses that support the specific program of study. The degree plan including the additional courses must be approved in advance by the appropriate Department Chair, the college Registrar and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• The written degree plan for an additional Associate in Science degree shall specify the prerequisite and core courses for the additional degree. In meeting these requirements, the student may use courses completed for a previous degree. However, the student must complete at least 15 additional credits unless otherwise approved by an approved program of study. The additional 15 credits may be core credits and/or general education credits but are usually technical courses that support the specific program of study. The degree plan including the additional courses must be approved in advance by the appropriate Department Chair, the College Registrar and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• All other requirements for graduation remain in effect for students pursuing additional degrees.

Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC)

NWFSC, through the Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), extends to United States service members (and their dependents) stationed throughout the world an opportunity to contract with the college to earn degrees. Students who have earned a minimum of 25% of their credits towards their program at NWFSC are allowed ten years to complete program requirements. The remaining credits can be earned through successful completion of regular college courses at regionally accredited institutions. Interested personnel should consult with the college’s educational advisors at Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field for complete details regarding SOC.

The Graduation Process

Apply for Graduation: Each student must submit an Application for Graduation through RaiderNet by the published deadline. Applications received after the published deadline will be reviewed for graduation in the following semester. Students are encouraged to apply for graduation one term in advance of anticipated program completion.

Graduation Check: Upon receipt of the Application for Graduation, an Academic Advisor will review the student’s permanent record at the College and notify the applicant of their status by sending an email to the student’s NWFSC email account. All admissions conditions and financial obligations must be resolved prior to graduation.

Graduation Honors

For students enrolled in a degree program (Baccalaureate and Associate) at the time of graduation, a student’s total academic record is included in the calculation to determine recognition of outstanding academic achievement. If the student’s cumulative grade point average for all college and vocational courses completed at NWFSC and at other transfer institutions meets the standards, and if the student meets all other graduation requirements, he or she will be graduated with the appropriate level of honors. The honors will be posted on the diploma and the transcript. Honors for students enrolled degree programs include:

For students enrolled in a certificate or diploma program (Career and Technical, Vocational, College Credit or Applied Technology Diploma) at the time of graduation, all coursework pursued for the certificate or diploma will be included in the calculation to determine recognition of outstanding academic achievement. If the student’s grade point average for the certificate or diploma course meets the standards, and if the student meets all other graduation requirements, he or she will be graduated with the appropriate level of honors. The honors will be posted on the diploma and the transcript. The honors for the students enrolled in certificate or diploma programs include:

Graduation Ceremony (Commencement)

NWFSC’s commencement ceremonies are held at the end of Spring semester. Two ceremonies, both held on Saturday, honor graduates from the previous Summer and Fall semesters as well as potential Spring semester graduates. Graduates will be emailed information from Student Affairs about the graduation ceremonies approximately two months before the ceremonies.

Graduation Regalia

Graduation regalia (caps, gowns, tassels) are available at the Barnes and Noble College Stores located at Niceville and Fort Walton Beach campuses approximately four weeks prior to graduation. Information regarding graduation can be reviewed at www.nwfsc.edu/graduation. For additional information concerning graduation regalia, please call the Niceville Barnes and Noble College Store at (850) 729-5384.

Diplomas

Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after the close of each term to the address on the graduation application.