Graduation Requirements
Students are responsible for fulfilling all graduation requirements and meeting all conditions listed below:
- Fulfill all of the course and credit hour curricula requirements with a minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours earned in coursework taken at ESCC;
- Earn GPAs of at least 2.0 in all studies completed that are applicable toward graduation in the curricula;
- Submit Applications for Graduation by the college’s published deadline. Applications are available online at https://es.vccs.edu/
- Complete exit tests required by ESCC to measure general education achievement and/or achievement in selected programs;
- Resolve all financial obligations to the college and return all learning resources and other college materials;
- Be certified by the Registrar for graduation.
Student Outcomes Assessment Requirement
As a part of the college’s efforts to improve institutional effectiveness, students may be required to take tests or complete surveys designed to measure student learning in general education or selected majors prior to graduation. Work products submitted by students to fulfill course requirements may also be collected and evaluated. These assessment activities evaluate the college’s academic programs and student learning. Test results are confidential and aggregated across curricula. No minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation.
Catalog Determination and Degree Designation
The catalog year used to determine graduation requirements is the one in effect at the time students are admitted to the curricula from which they plan to graduate, provided the catalog is not more than six years old (including the year in which students plan to graduate). Students may choose to graduate under the requirements listed in any subsequent catalog as long as it is not more than six years old (including the year in which they plan to graduate).
Degree titles and specializations, if any, appear on the students’ diplomas and transcripts. Multiple specializations within a degree appear on transcripts, provided students meet the additional requirements and apply to receive multiple specializations.
In awarding students’ additional degrees, certificates or career studies certificates, the college may grant credit for all completed, applicable courses which are requirements of the additional degrees, certificates, or career studies certificates. However, the awards must differ from one another by at least 25% of the credits.
Repeating a Course
Credit courses that are designated as repeatable for credit in the Master Course File or are identified as General Usage courses in the Master Course File may be repeated for credit. (General Usage courses: 90-190-290; 93-193-293; 95-195-295; 96-196-296; 97-197-297; 98-198-298; 99-199-299.) Other than the general usage courses, only those courses designed to develop and maintain proficiency in the visual and performing arts, or to meet requirements for certification or re-certification in allied health or applied technology fields, may be designated as repeatable for credit. Students should be limited to 10 credits earned through multiple enrollments in the same course.
A student should normally be limited to two (2) enrollments in a credit course that is not designated as repeatable for credit or is not a General Usage course. Students may request an exception to this policy on a student-by-student basis by documenting the need and receiving the approval of the chief academic officer.
When students repeat a course, only the highest grade earned is counted in the computation of the cumulative GPA and for satisfying curricular requirements unless the course is designated repeatable for credit in the Master Course File or is a General Usage course. In instances of courses designated as repeatable for credit or General Usage courses, all grades/credits are counted in the computation of the cumulative grade point average. Grades of “S,” “P,” “U,” “W,” “X,” and “I” shall not count as first or subsequent attempts when calculating cumulative GPA. Courses that do not generate grade points are not included in credits attempted.
This policy is effective for Fall 2021. For any course completed prior to Fall 2021, even if the second attempt occurred after Fall 2021, the most recent grade, not the highest grade, will be applied to the cumulative GPA and for satisfying curricular requirements. Students may appeal this aspect of the policy to the chief academic officer.
Commencement Recognition for Multiple Awards
Students who complete the requirements for multiple degrees, certificates or career studies certificates will receive recognition at commencement for only one. Multiple awards will appear on students’ official transcripts.
Honors
Graduation Honors
Students who have fulfilled the requirements for associate degrees and one-year certificate programs are eligible for graduation honors, based on the minimum cumulative grade point averages listed below. Honors are not awarded for career studies certificates.
3.2 Cum laude (with honor)
3.5 Magna cum laude (with high honor)
3.8 Summa cum laude (with highest honor)
Students who do not wish to be publicly recognized for honors must contact the Chief Student Affairs Officer by the last day of classes each semester.
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